We must stipulate at the outset that we disagree with Rep. Bob Wexler’s position on Iraq, like we do on most other issues.  We support the war.  He doesn’t.  He wants to impeach Dick Cheney.  We’d vote no. The Nation magazine named Wexler the “most valuable congressman.”  We’re dubious of the source and the reasoning.

But here’s one thing that Wexler is doing we’re just giddy about: using MySpace to strengthen democracy and access to power.

Here’s what Wexler wrote yesterday on his MySpace blog:

As President Bush stubbornly refuses to change course in Iraq, it grows increasingly frustrating for those of us who have been loudly demanding a withdrawal. I know you share my frustration. Every day, I receive letters and emails from patriotic Americans who want to - somehow – personally contribute to a solution.

Now it is your turn.

Next week, General Petraeus – the architect of the failed surge policy and our chief military leader in Iraq - will be testifying before the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

For too long the Bush Administration has been in a bubble – hiding from the truth and avoiding tough questions from outraged American citizens. This time I am turning the oversight powers of Congress over to you.

I want you to be the ones asking the questions to General Petraus.

Write me at contact at wexlerforcongress.com with a short reply and tell me what - specifically - you would like me to ask. Please include your first name as well as your city and state.

I will choose the best two questions and ask them to General Petraeus this Wednesday. You will be able to watch his answers directly on C-Span.

Please consider submitting a question. You already work so hard to bring accountability to this Administration and to bring our troops home from Iraq. I hope this provides you another opportunity for us to collaborate and directly influence the national dialogue.

Please keep your questions short and focused.

I look forward to your response, and thank you for participating directly in our democracy.

Congressman Robert Wexler
www.wexlerforcongress.com

Of course, my question would be “Why don’t you just leave Gen. Petraeus alone?  He’s a hero, and he’s the biggest reason we’ve turned the corner in Iraq.”

But since I’m unlikely to convince Rep. Wexler that he’s wrong on Iraq — I’ll just settle for applauding him for being right on Web 2.0.