tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12703782.post114013011884493833..comments2024-03-25T13:42:25.771-05:00Comments on Advance Indianaâ„¢: Guess Who Opposes A Ban On Lobbyist Paid Travel?Gary R. Welshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15185079937305083438noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12703782.post-76825627391347163032007-04-07T06:03:00.000-05:002007-04-07T06:03:00.000-05:00Thanks much for your post on the travel ban. I ca...Thanks much for your post on the travel ban. I can hardly disagree with you on the concerns regarding potential corruption in travel for public officials.<BR/><BR/>However, as the founder and president of a small, 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring freedom of religion as the foundation for security, stability, and democracy, the freedom of members to travel to investigate -- in our case -- violations of fundamental rights -- is not only necessary, but mandatory.<BR/><BR/>Concerns over congressional and staff trips overseas have raised legitimate apprehension over the purpose, necessity, and funding of congressional delegations.<BR/><BR/>As a small non-profit (annual budget less than $250,000), our ability to affect change in some of the harshest areas of the world (Kosovo, Sudan, Rwanda, Colombia, Central Asia, the Middle East, China, South Asia, and elsewhere) is dependent on the involvement of the United States Congress. By working closely with NGOs and others, the United States Congress promotes the commitment of the United States and the international community regarding freedom of conscience and protection of minority rights. Both directly and indirectly the Congress brings great weight to bear on the protection and promotion of rights in every corner of the globe.<BR/><BR/>However, it is impossible to understand fully any situation without studying it appropriately. One must experience to grasp fully the complexities of international and regional issues. With the US Congress more actively taking up issues with significant international importance, visits to foreign countries, meetings with foreign officials and peoples, and the establishment of worldwide relationships and educational experiences and global conferences are key to Congress's ability to confront the changing international scene. The current debate over such trips demonstrates that in fact accountability does exist; people are watching how and where Members of Congress travel abroad.<BR/><BR/>Educational, fact-finding, and conference missions to foreign countries are fundamental means by which Congress asserts its authority over international affairs and educates Members on the most crucial issues facing them today.Joseph K. Grieboskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01944249460145331351noreply@blogger.com