Writer’s Note: After having been hospitalized nearly continuously for numerous ailments since early winter of last year, and most notably, since I had my second heart attack in late October, I finally had a chance to open my emails and wah-lah, what was one of the more recent emails? Well, it was slugged from this guy, a household name in the Buckeye State! Thanks, U.S. Sen. Brown, for sending this my way. I originally wanted these quotes for the next story on my current 76-article Daily Kos diary stream, which has a cover photo of one of Ohio’s most promising young leaders, Ohio Sen. Joe Schiavoni, Democratic Leader of the Ohio Senate, who is in the race for Ohio Governor this fall. In early November, to be exact. Thanks, U.S. Sen. Brown, for thinking of me and sending me this important memo! Seriously, I have been very sick. I haven’t smoked much at all in the past six years and I promise you, Sherrod, that soon I will join the ranks of America’s non-smoking public. Yeppers, nobody wants to quit but a second heart attack surely makes one “heart-attack serious” about kicking the tar and nicotine habit. And although I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol in nearly a decade, I have decided to quit drinking ice tea, Coke, root beer, Crystal Light, ice water, and black coffee straight like a water buffalo. Yes, it's not funny, but quite sad - and I got as big and bloated as a water buffalo. On a near 6-foot frame, even a stocky guy takes on elephantine physical features at 345 pounds. Times are changing for this near-60-year-old kid. Just sign me a content yet confused and somewhat convoluted Ohioan who now clocks in at a much more svelte 275 pound (or so). Best, - Sam
============================
****
Dear Mr. Vargo:
Thank you for contacting me with your thoughts on U.S. foreign policy. I appreciate hearing from you.
I believe the United States must do more to support human rights across the globe, and I have consistently advocated for human rights as one of our government's top priorities. Religious liberty, freedom of speech, and freedom from slavery or servitude are fundamental rights for Americans – as well as universal human rights. No individual should be persecuted for exercising these basic, fundamental rights.
U.S. foreign and military assistance funding can serve as a crucial tool for public diplomacy, strengthening our relationships with allies around the world. Our nation’s foreign policy and national security strategies are inextricably intertwined, and foreign aid can help promote peace and human rights while supporting both our values and our national security. In coordination with foreign aid funding, I believe the US must do more to combat global poverty. The conditions that keep more than a quarter of the world population in absolute poverty – living on less than the equivalent buying power of one U.S. dollar a day – must be addressed. Our immigration policies must also play a role, ensuring that the most vulnerable around the world can look to the U.S. as a beacon of hope—including those ravaged by violence in Syria.
Working to ensure our national security is one of my most important responsibilities as your senator, and it is something I take seriously. I believe we must do more to protect Americans from the threat of international terrorism. I have helped introduce legislation in the past that would bolster resources for local law enforcement, enact greater scrutiny on individuals entering the U.S. through the visa waiver program, and I have long supported those serving in the armed services and in our intelligence community.
I also believe the U.S. must hold bad actors in the international community accountable. In February 2017, I introduced legislation that would codify a number of sanctions against Russia for its malicious actions—both in meddling in the 2016 presidential election and for its destabilizing activities in Ukraine. North Korea also presents a strategic threat as its missile capabilities expand and nuclear weapons testing continues. In July 2017, Congress passed comprehensive sanctions legislation—including many provisions I wrote—that targets Russia, North Korea, and Iran for their continued, aggressive behavior that threatens regional stability. Finally, I am paying close attention to Chinese activity in the South China Sea. I am concerned about rising tension in the region, and I believe the U.S. should continue freedom of navigation exercises in order to assert the neutrality of international waters.
I will work with the Trump administration to ensure our national security. I believe in the value of American inclusive leadership, and the role of international organizations like NATO and the United Nations. I will always advocate for the protection of human rights, at home and abroad. I will not hesitate to speak out and hold the Trump administration accountable for meeting our international obligations, and for its responsibility to staff the State Department with experienced professionals. As the Senate considers legislation affecting our foreign policy, I will keep your thoughts in mind.
Thank you again for contacting me.
Sincerely,
Sherrod Brown
United States Senator