I saw a diary where it was suggested that Ashcroft might use "revolutionary" and "incendiary" comments on this site to lock us Kossacks up and throw away the key.
Well, this is probably a wild-eyed conspiracy theory, but on the off chance that it isn't, I would like to make it easy for Ashcroft to find me.
Mr. Ashcroft,
My name is Jeremy Dowell. I live in Peoria, Arizona and I am proud to call myself a Democrat. This November I will be casting my vote for John Kerry and I will do what I can to convince other Americans to do the same. Here's why:
1.) I believe in the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution and the ideals behind its formulation and ratification. The Bush Administration, and you personally, have declared a kind of war against the very civil liberties that our soldiers are supposedly fighting to protect. These rights are what have made us great and have helped to distinguish us from our adversaries over the course of our short history. By doing your part to undermine the very hallmark of our democracy, you are helping to destroy this country, not protect it.
2.) I believe that the government derives its power from the consent of the governed. The White House is not a King's Palace. The President is not an elected King. At no time is it right, just or necessary for the President to subvert the Constitution or undermine our fundamental liberties to execute his oath of office. Indeed, he has sworn, as have you, to uphold and protect the Constitution. You have failed miserably in this area and so has the entire Bush Administration. You cannot be trusted with a second term and I will do what I can to prevent you from winning in November.
3.) I believe that EVERY vote, to the extent that it is humanly possible, should be counted. It is absolutely necessary that the integrity of the voting process be vigorously defended, regardless of which political Party stands to benefit from voter suppression tactics. The Bush Administration and the Republican Party have failed to ensure that this is the case and have done serious damage to the credibility of our democracy. For this reason alone, you cannot be trusted to govern.
4.) I believe in equality of opportunity and equality under the law. It is the proper role of government to make every effort to ensure this ideal is realized.
I have many more reasons for proudly calling myself a Democrat. In the end, I am a Democrat because the Democratic Party stands for the preservation of the fundamental ideals expressed in our Constitution, its Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments, and the Declaration of Independence. The Republican Party has set itself up in opposition to these ideals and will therefore never have my support.
If any part of the above statement conflicts with your agenda or otherwise makes you uncomfortable, I don't care. I am an American. I am a Democrat. Don't tread on me.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Dowell
Peoria, Arizona