I'm Chris Miller and I'm a Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in Illinois' 12th Congressional District. I'm not a stranger to blogging, but this is my first attempt at doing so on Daily Kos so just bear with me as I get it figured out.
I have been a progressive Democrat all my life. I started volunteering in campaigns when I was 15. At 18 I enlisted in the Army. I am a third generation Veteran; military service is a deep tradition in my family. I served 9 years in the U.S. Army in nuclear, biological, and chemical defense. I served 2 tours in Baghdad, Iraq. I trained Iraqi soldiers and screened Iraqi police officers. I planned and led combat logistical patrols. I received the Purple Heart in 2004 when a suicide bomber attacked my vehicle and detonated his device at point-blank range.
The war in Iraq was started on false and forged intelligence. It was a very costly lie, in terms of human life and money. 13 men I knew were killed during my tours there. I almost died there myself. It is their memory I carry with me every day.
Since leaving the military, I have been an advocate in Washington for breaking our addiction to oil, getting Americans to recognize that climate change is a national security issue, and that supporting new green technologies will create jobs. I have also worked to preserve the U.S. budget for international development assistance as requested by our Generals in Iraq and Afghanistan, having participated in some of these efforts in Baghdad.
I know personally the results of poor government policy. Those who go out and do all the fighting and working for the country have virtually none of the say. Domestically, our Congress is filled with old millionaires who are out of touch with working people and the realities of the post-Cold War world. The influence of corporate money in our politics has created a situation where our Representatives must bend to these interests to stay in office. I believe public service should be about service again. If we want to change Washington, we have to change the people we send there. We need to send more of the 99% and less of the 1%. This will require average Americans standing up and taking charge. That's why I am running for Congress.
Learn more about me at www.chrismillerforcongress.com. My campaign is citizen-centric, so you can donate online with ActBlue
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