Two Weeks in America

After two weeks in the field training soldiers preparing them for their return to the Middle East, it is clear to me now more than ever why I'm running for the United States Senate.

What occurred to me when I was in the field was the sharp contrast in what we were doing, my band of infantry brothers, preparing for combat, and what John Cornyn was doing in Washington, DC at the same time.

My soldiers in conducting land navigation training this past week learned that if you are off course a couple of degrees for a short distance, it doesn't matter too much. But if you're off course for a good while then the divide from where you are, and where you should be is so great that it is nearly impossible to get back on the right course. Such is our circumstance as a state and nation today.

When I drove onto post on June 1st, gas was $3.78 a gallon. When I left training two weeks later it was $4.00 a gallon. In the meantime, Cornyn voted against tax incentives for renewable energy investment, leaving Texans high and dry at the pump and undermining efforts for America to achieve energy independence.

When I was in the Texas House I voted for incentives for Texans to become more energy efficient by driving cleaner cars.

Dealing with the issues of my soldiers is what I, as a commander, do day to day.

John Cornyn voted against the 21st Century GI Bill saying it would hurt retention. But when I conduct my retention interviews, my men tell me they are getting out because after two or three past deployments, they just can't do another one. When I was in the Texas House, I fought against tuition deregulation and skyrocketing tuition costs. College should be affordable for all, including and especially those who have served.

While I was on post, for three days closely monitoring a soldier suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, a result of what he saw overseas, I wondered why our incumbent senator remained silent when our Veteran's administration, right here in Texas, was deliberately misdiagnosing our soldiers for lack of funds to provide the right treatment. When I was in the Texas House I led efforts to make sure returning veterans got the benefits they deserved.

The Combat Lifesaver Course this week taught my men how to treat battlefield wounds. The training engrained in the soldiers that not everyone can be saved, but the most important thing they can do is to stop the bleeding. While my opponent supports "staying the course" on our failed foreign policy, the rest of us Texans have a duty to try to stop the bleeding.

What I know is that when I'm in uniform I have an oath to fulfill: to take care of my soldiers and families with every breath of my being. The same is true when I am in civilian clothes as a citizen soldier.

It is truly amazing the amount of responsibility our country gives to an eighteen year old private. I believe it is Texas' duty to hold John Cornyn at least as, if not more accountable, for his years of disservice as we would that private.

That's why I'm standing up to be Texas' next United States Senator --
for our fighting men and women, for their families and for all Texans.

www.ricknoriega.com

Comments

[lthuedk 1]

Rep. Noriega is exactly what the good people of Texas and our country need right now. It's time to give back to those who gave so much and begin the healing. Some only think of bottom lines while others are mindful of the flesh, blood, and mind of others. It's called compassion, and it is a big deal.

My state of California has lost 500 soldiers, many of whom wouldn't have died or returned home with horrible injuries had they not had to serve multiple tours in Iraq. Why are our nation's most precious neglected by shallow, cold ideologues?

http://www.light-to-dark.com/a_hero_at_walter_reed.html

Texans now have the opportunity to replace John Cornyn with someone actually having a conscience.

Noriega '08.

[BlueNTexas]

Rick,
What a great article. You have had my support from the beginning, but I have finally decided that I must contribute to make your run for Congress happen, so just sent you a contribution that I really could not afford. I am one of growing unemployed here in Texas. But that is how bad i need you in the the Senate. I have been without representation in the US Senate for way too long now. It is time to make a change and I truly believe you are the man for the job.

Thank you Rick for making the sacrifices you do everyday for this country. You make me proud to be a Texan. That has been hard to say this past decade.

[hopeless277]

Don't worry Rick, the Republicans and Democrats in Washington will have you seeing things their way in no time at all. You'll be supporting domestic spying just like Obama. You'll be giving away the rights of citizens so that your election will be smooth just like Pelosi and Reid. You'll be voting for more money to keep GWBs hostages in the Middle East and advocating drilling in ANWAR just so they don't call you names. Bank on it, Rick. You're no superman. Remember, if you have to sanction law-breaking to keep you free health care, the dead and maimed troops will excuse you. Because, you see, once you're in office, there is nothing on god's green earth that can remove you. Nothing.

[scooperss]

I've seen cornyn' s ad.

Here ya go

john cornyn is BAD.
Bad for Texas and bad for America.

[Oldtimer]

Because I live in California I cannot vote for you but I will contribute to your campaign and I urge
all Californians to contribute to your campaign. Why not? Wasn't it Texans who rigged our power supply? Here is chance for Californians to stick it back to Texas, the most radical state in the Union.
I mean 13 year old girls are married and pregnant. Presidents are told not to come for they'll get shot.
With Senators like Cronyn and Hutchison, with fascists like Bush and Rove, I wonder if we
can't get Texas to go back to being the lone star country. Make Houston your capitol.
Good luck .

[iburl]

Big John, My Ass.

What you do is literally MILLIONS of times more "badass" than wearing a lavender shirt and sitting on a showpony at the big rodeo.

[PatA]

sorry, I meant that Cornyn represents everything that is WRONG for America!

[PKSSK]

Please remain true to your values and the people you represent and you will be a very successful senator. I cannot vote for you because I am not a resident of Texas, but I have contributed to your campaign. Put Cronyn out to pasture and follow the likes of Kennedy, Leahy, Sanders, Dodd, Durbin, Feingold, Boxer and Obama and you will make us all proud!!! Senator Noriega in 2008!!!

[PatA]

I'm happy to report that I live in Texas and received my package of campaign materials from Rick Noriega a week ago. I've started handing out materials and am waiting on the yard signs to arrive.
We have to kick John Cornyn out. He represents everything that is right for our country.

[woodsywizz]

Watch for trouble. It's a violation of Federal law for a member of the Armed Forces to campaign using their military status as a campaign point. As a serving member of the USAF Reserve, I've been warned against this myself (as have all of us).

I hope Rep. Rick Noriega has been well advised by running as a servicemember. Of course I shall vote for him.

Cornyn is a despicable water-carrying chickenhawk who deserves the ignominy awaiting all Bushites.

Andale, Senor Rick!

[brendanm]

Even if you don't live in Texas, you can still donate to Mr. Noriega's campaign. I think that is the main reason why he posted this here, though it isn't a shameless solicitation for money like Rep. Wexler's outreach to liberals and progressives.

[Mavin1620]

I wish that all our Members of Congress and those running had the vision of Rick Noriega. If I lived in Texas I would vote for him.

[TankGirlz]

Good luck to you Sir

[1Eco]

Excellent observations. Your voice is needed full-time. I would like to see you with Obama every day.
You are both just what this country needs, now more so than ever.

[Liberoservative]

Good luck Rep. Noriega!
If I was a Texan you would have my vote.... you understand the "right" way to get us off our dependence on fossil fuels and you know what it is like for the military people who are serving in this "war" , as a fellow military member, I am thankful for your service...