As you may know if you have been following any of my diaries over the past few months, I am working with DC for Democracy in a campaign to get individual Members of Congress to sign H Res 543, which would force a debate on Iraq to the House floor.
Although we have had successes -- 112 signatures so far -- there have been many frustrations along the way, mostly in the form of Members staff saying the Member is "being cautious" or "hasn't made a decision yet." One of my co-campaigners finally felt the need to address our minority leader. Her letter follows...
May 13, 2006
Dear Congresswoman Pelosi,
Recent press reports say the Democratic Party leadership does not see a relationship between:
a) the failed administration policies (blindly supported by the Republican Party loyalists) for a "War WITHOUT END" and
b) winning elections.
This is so very unfortunate because even a blind person can see the very strong connection. .....
cont'd after the break...
If the Democratic Leadership ever takes the time to HEAR and LISTEN to the front-line grassroots American instead of high-paid so-called political consultants, they will find excessive anger not only with the administration but the lack of substantive actions by the Democrats.
Let me share with you what one of the common people, not a high paid political consultant has to say:
Caryn Unsicker from Iowa: "I am so disappointed in all of them, Democrats too, for being such cowards. When I think about my son, if he gets hurt, or worse, and it's because of THEIR cowardice..."
Your continual call opposing censuring the President over his decision to invade Iraq in March 2003 appears that you totally disregard the lies the Administration told the American people about Iraq. You totally ignore the resolution to investigate the administration over issues of prewar intelligence and warrantless wiretapping of American Citizens. Yours and the Democratic Party's silence speaks volumes about your views of justice and truth.
It is telling how you and the Democratic Party make the time and effort to argue among yourselves about election strategies and how to spend the campaign war chest and yet find no time, effort or desire to tackle the complex challenges of the Iraq quagmire that the administration has created.
For me, my interpretation of the silence and inability to engage in substantive debate about the Iraq quagmire is as follows:
a) You and the Democratic Party have joined the President in replacing TRUTH with LIES as an American Value.
b) You and the Democratic Party have joined the President in replacing JUSTICE with EGO and GREED.
c) You and the Democratic Party have joined the President in positioning, posturing and pandering to self-interests of a small group.
Please tell me my interpretation is wrong. Please show me that my interpretation is wrong. Please make me proud to be an American on the world's stage again.
Your adopted slogan, "We can do better" is true. Please show me that you can do better.
Peace,
jbkim