Wow it takes real guts for Wyden to do townhalls at these three universities. Wouldn't that be like Smith doing townhalls at the Pendleton Grange? I'm sure Wyden will hear all kinds of different opinions about Iraq. YAWN.

Did it ever occur to you that people might like to know the TIME that these meetings are going to take place? Or are we just supposed to camp out and wait?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Of course, the obvious question for these town hall meetings is WHAT TIME are these happening?

Gus Frederick Silverton, OR

Wyden is one guy who can't be accused of anti-Semitism, so it would be very interesting to have his view on AIPAC, ADL, and the apparent Neocon-Likud policy similarities. Question: Why is it that political Zionism, a subject that is openly discussed as a matter of policy in the European and Irsaeli press, can't even be mentioned in the U.S. media? Why is it that Congress was going to pass a resolution that Bush absolutely must get permission from Congress to attack Iran (as in obey the Constitution), but immediately abandoned the idea when AIPAC applied pressure to stop it? Should the U.S. keep spending money on foreign aid to Israel when it is spending billions in the occupation of Iraq, which is itself aid to Israel?

The Bush Administration treats the Likud Party agenda like it's the will of all Jewish people, and it is not, anymore than Bush is the voice of all Americans. Being anti-Likud-conservative-war-party is not the same as being anti-Semitic. Not liking the Bush Administration doesn't make me a self-hating American. Somebody really needs to bring this forward in the national debate and Wyden is one of the few people who could do it.

Wyden is one guy who can't be accused of anti-Semitism, ...

Not so. Anyone, including people of Jewish faith and heritage, who criticizes actions by the Israeli right wing is at risk of being accused of anti-Semitism or of being self-hating Jews by AIPAC, pro-Israel (read "Likud and Kadima") neocons and other generally grouped in the "Israeli lobby." Especially, if what they say is true.

Before the vote in October 2002 on authorization to use military force Wyden gave the impression he was leaning in favor of war on Iraq. He got an earful from constituents in Central Oregon opposed to this war. Presumably, he got the same response in other parts of Oregon. To his credit, Wyden listened to his constituents, which is more than can be said for Smith.

I just got back from attending the town hall a couple of hours ago, and to say the least it was interesting. As to be expected there was a unanimous crowd against the war and administration, though to varying degrees. The speakers included an Iraq veteran, a mother of a deployed soldier, and numerous Vietnam War veterans. It was nice to see a lot of concerned people in one place, however things started unraveling fairly shortly into the event. The obvious breaking point was the issue of impeachment, which many in the crowd supported.

Sen. Wyden explained his reasoning for not pushing impeachment, an obvious one being that being in the Senate he can't initiate anything. He also feels that the time needed to invest in such proceedings wasn't worth it. However, he never said he was against the idea, though many in the audience jumped to that conclusion. (Wyden also said he would allow Bush et al. due process, which drew boo's)

Unfortunately things started getting fairly nasty, which in my opinion was uncalled for. Sen. Wyden has been against the war from the start, and is doing pretty much everything right in trying to end it. Additionally, I didn't see the point to sink to lows that the liberal/progressive community usually condemns. Obviously people are angry, but using the Bill O'Rielly code of conduct is not conducive to progress. Thankfully Terry Kirsch from Veterans In Action made this point when he took his turn to speak and things quieted down after that.

Anyway, if people want to stop this war as soon as possible, I encourage you to move outside of liberal comfort zones and engage the community at large. Point your anger where it'll be effective, and help keep people like Gordon Smith's feet to the fire. And finally, discourse is great, but volume is no real substitute for substance.

<h2>I would like to thank Senator wyden for voting against this war, for voting against the FISA spying bill and for being a good representative of Oregonians. This occupation has to end. More dead and mutilated Americans and Iraqis. For what? Someone tell me why? Why are we prolonging this? As to Iran - why not Saudi Arabia as they were mostly to blame for 9-11. Why not Pakistan? for that matter as far as arms being suppled why not Russia and China and Saudi Arabia? This is getting stupider and sadder! Enough of this stupidity - end it now!</h2>