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Photograph of Governor Paterson and Representative Israel in Baghdad, Iraq from Rep. Israel's office
Governor David Paterson headed to Iraq for a surprise visit to deliver gifts and say thank you to the troops. The Daily News reports, "Paterson, joined by Reps. Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn,Queens) and Steve Israel (D-L.I.), arrived in Iraq with Yankees andMets baseball caps for the soldiers."
This was Paterson's first visit to Iraq. He said, "They treat the three of us as if we've done something extraordinary by coming over to visit them. The least we can do is come over and bring them some gifts and tell them how much the American people, in particular New Yorkers, arebehind them."
The NY Times reports that Paterson said he would support President-elect Obama's decisions on Iraq, "I trust that they are making the right decision...And I’m sure that part of the decision is that you would never want anyone that you may be in conflict with to know exactly when you’re leaving.” And Paterson also referred a decision he must make, "Five of six [soldiers] asked me who the new senator is.”
Speaking of, the Post suggests that this trip gives Rep. Israel some time to discuss his desire for the soon-to-be vacated Senate seat—and says Rep. Weiner may also talk to Paterson about the gig.
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Do the troops in iraq even care about Paterson?
Why does the governor of New York need to be on Iraq? How convenient of politicians to spend more money, when they "claim" they have no money.
I imagine, although the troops would like to be home, a visit from someone in their home state my be, comforting? Maybe...
who paid for this
not just comforting to them, but to me as well. don't we have national guard troops over there? so yes, I think these trips are appropriate.
of course... my first reaction that picture was "oh dear god, they let HIM fly the plane?" teehee
PAterson joined a Congressional delegation on the trip, so I'm guessing they took a federal government plane (possibly military?).
Probably looking for ways to tax the troops, Iraqis, the Arab World, Planet Earth.
haha ^
It's called Photo-Op for the holidays folks.
Actually, they just kept Paterson in a room for 12 hours, let him out, and told him he was in Iraq.
An expensive photo-op. Our state representatives could have expressed their/our wishes to the troops in a simpler, and less expensive, way.
But they don't think like that, do they?
Here's a title for ya:
"Blind Man Travels to Iraq to Have a Look at Things"