Given kos'
entry yesterday about Gary Bauer's newsletter, I thought that I would reach out to my friendly neighborhood wignut zealot. I don't write very well (hence, this is my first diary) but it struck me that perhaps this would be a good way to at least get on these people's nerves. I don't expect a response from Mr. Bauer, but hopefully someone in his office at least had to expend some time and energy reading my e-mails....which are presented below the fold.
E-mail one:
Mr. Bauer --
In a recent newsletter you blame the military's recruiting troubles on the media and the fact that they report only about the difficulties of war as opposed to the wonderful things that our men and women in uniform are doing. If you are so worried about current recruitment levels, why don't you do something about it?
There are many people both inside and outside of your organization who look to you for guidance and direction. As a strong supporter of and believer in the war, why don't you encourage your followers to enlist? If you truly believe that the war in Iraq is worth the lives of your followers, why don't you urge them to join the military? Do you have sons or daughters? Nieces or nephews? Have you encouraged them to enlist?
I guess what I am trying to say, Mr. Bauer, is that if you really believe something needs to be changed, do something about it.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Matt
E-mail two:
Mr. Bauer --
I sent you an e-mail yesterday respectfully suggesting that since you are so worried about recruiting shortfalls and such a big supporter of the Iraq war that you should encourage your friends, family members, and members of your organization to enlist. It occurred to me last night that there was another way in which you could provide tremendous support for our nation and our soldiers.
Never in the history of our nation has the public been given tax cuts during a time of war until the current administration. Past administrations presiding over other wars have asked the public to sacrifice in order to support our troops. Currently, however, we have an administration financing the war through deficit spending, leaving our children and grandchildren with the burden of paying for this war. Corporations and wealthy Americans have been given billions of dollars in tax cuts while our troops are being asked to perform life-threatening duties without sufficient equipment or protection.
The executive and legislative branches of our federal government are controlled by the Republicans. As I am sure you know, the Republican party is very beholden to conservative Christian groups such as yours. Thus, you have an inordinate amount of influence over policy decisions. I would like to suggest that you encourage your members and your government to make some sacrifices in support of your war and our troops. Perhaps rolling back some of the recent tax cuts or an organized phone calling and letter writing campaign to members of Congress encouraging them to provide our troops with better support and equipment would be good places to start. Because God encourages charity (and because it's the right thing to do), perhaps you could use some of the money your organization has collected for political purposes to send care packages to the troops. Or, maybe you could buy them an up-armored Humvee or two. I think that any of these actions would do infinitely more to support our troops than placing a yellow ribbon magnet on your SUV.
Mr. Bauer, we all have our own personal relationships with God and that each person interprets his or her own relationship based on upbringing and past life experiences. I realize that your relationship with God may be different than my own, but the God that I know would be much more interested in supporting people who are risking their lives to protect me than in preventing same-sex couples from marrying.
I look forward to your reply.
Matt