My name is Doug Denneny Doug's picture and I'm a Democratic candidate for Congress in Virginia's 11th District. I'll be live blogging tonight (Sunday, Feb 17th) at 8 PM e.s.t. You can ask anything about me, my campaign, and issues that are important to you. Tonight I would like to focus on Torture(Waterboarding), Darfur and FISA.
I'm a New Generation Democrat. I believe in strong national security, in fiscal discipline, and I'm socially progressive. My candidacy has recently been endorsed by Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA 8th) and Rep Joe Sestak (D-PA 7th).
I have been closely watching developments this week on torture(waterboarding), Darfur and FISA. I'm appalled by the administration's defense of warrantless surveilance and torture. Please recommend this diary so that we can get even more folks engaged in a discussion of these critical issues . I look forward to hearing from you. Together, we can bring about meaningful change for Virginia and our nation. You can read more about my campaign and initiatives on my website at dougforcongress.com
I'm a former naval commander and naval flight officer with over 26 years of service to our nation. I served in combat and I was highly decorated. I had to deal with the fear of knowing that if I were shot down by the Iraqis, I would probably end up being tortured. I would have never in my wildest dreams imagined that my own country would engage in torture, or that my president and administration would spend months and years splitting hairs what torture really is. To see what the CIA is doing, and what some members of the military did at Abu Ghraib prison is appalling. We are better than this.
We need to lead through diplomacy, cooperation and respect. This week's developments on the issues of Torture (Waterboarding), FISA, and our continued inaction in Darfur underscores the need for American leaders who understand national security issues, foreign policy, and international law.
I know that in Virginia, and in America, we need leaders who are prepared to roll up our sleeves and get our country back on the right track in the wake of George Bush's disastrous administration.
On Darfur, our lack of leadership in putting pressure on Sudan, as well as the inaction of the United Nations on this issue, is outrageous. I was also disappointed to see related bills have failed several times in the Republican-led Virginia House of Delegates.
We need to bring our troops out of Iraq in a smart, phased withdrawal. We need to show good faith to the international community and rebuild the trust and leadership that we had before George Bush took office. We need to make America secure. We need a new energy plan that addresses and reverses climate change. We need to improve education for our children and our children's children. We need access to affordable health care for all Americans. And we need to pass a balanced budget and get our fiscal house in order. I won't stand for passing on a $9 trillion dollar (and growing) national debt to future generations.
I will focus on many issues in my campaign. As a New Generation Democrat, my core philosophy is that we need to promote Strong National Security, Fiscal Discipline, and Progressive Social Values. This bedrock principles will guide me in all the decisions I make on Capitol Hill.
As the next Congressman for Virginia's 11th District, I am eager to represent my district, my state, and all Americans. I'm fully prepared and ready to serve my again.
You can see my recent live TV appearance on my website at dougforcongress.com
and any contributions to my campaign Contribute Here would be greatly appreciated.
Shoot me your questions now, and I'll respond tonight at 8pm e.s.t. Let's have some fun, and thanks for reading this far down the diary! Together, we can make a real difference for ourselves and for future generations.
Thanks,
Doug Denneny
Democratic Candidate
U.S. House of Representatives
Virginia's 11th CD