Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski joined the growing number of state and local leaders coming forward to publicly oppose the Iraq war in a meeting with the Oregonian newspaper editorial board. (Oregonian newspaper, October 7, 2006.) Kulongoski, who at one point supported President Bush’s decision to invade Iraq, now says the war is “just spinning out of control and the United States should set a strict time table for getting out.” Kulongoski said that, like a growing majority of the American public, he believes the continued presence of U.S. troops in Iraq “is making things worse” and added, “I don’t think this is good for America.”
As Commander In Chief of the Oregon National Guard, the Governor, a former Marine, has traveled to Iraq and has attended nearly every funeral of Oregon soldiers killed there.
The Governor’s statements reflect public opinion in a state that has lost more than 70 natives in the Iraq war, predominantly National Guard troops, and has spent almost three billion of its tax dollars on subsidizing the war, while suffering from rising cutbacks in federal funds for education, housing, and human services.
“We wholeheartedly agree with the Governor,” said Francie Royce of Oregonians Against the War, one many organizations supporting a rapid exit strategy. “It is our strong belief that no war can end without a plan and negotiations.”
“As family members of those who have served in Iraq, we support the Governor in his efforts to end this disaster of a war,” said Michael Taylor, father of a soldier who served in Iraq and member of Military Families Speak Out Oregon. “Bringing the troops home now is the best way to honor our fallen soldiers and all who have served, and we are pleased that the Governor is with us on this”.
Thousands of Oregonians have signed petitions, sent letters, and met with the Governor and his staff to urge him to take a strong public position against the war. On March 19, 2006, on the third anniversary of the Iraq war, Portland was the site of the largest rally and march against the war in the United States, drawing more than 10,000 people from around the state.
Several member of Oregon’s congressional delegation have taken strong positions against the war, as well. Congressman Earl Blumenauer, for example, has opposed the war on national television and is currently sponsoring public forums on the issue. “This too, is an example of the leadership Oregonians expect of their elected officials,” said Kelly Campbell, Portland Area Peace Director for the American Friends Service Committee. “We hope that more elected officials will follow their example and call for the troops to come home now.”