State lawmakers send message on Iraq

DENVER - Colorado's state senators squared off on the topic of the Iraq war before endorsing a statement encouraging Congress and President Bush to stop any escalation of soldiers to the country.

Sponsors said "Senate Joint Memorial 2" honors the efforts and sacrifice of American troops, while condemning efforts to send more members of the military into harms way. Opponents believe the memorial undercuts the morale of soldiers and speaks to topics that Colorado lawmakers know little about.

"If you have an opinion in a democracy, you have to say it," said Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon (D-Denver), one of the sponsors of the memorial. "Silence is consent and I don't consent."

Gordon and his fellow co-sponsor Sen. Ron Tupa (D-Boulder) argued that as long as Colorado citizens were being sent to war, they had the right to engage in this conversation. Republican senators disagreed.

"We are not qualified to opine on force levels," said Sen. Steve Ward (R-Arapahoe County). "We have no particular expertise regarding the need for or against escalation. We are not experts on national security or the tools needed to achieve it."

Earlier this month, hundreds of citizens came to the Capitol to attend a public hearing on the memorial. Dozens testified, both in favor and opposed. The measure will now head to the the State House for debate.