It really has bothered me to see two outstanding people dragged thru the mud this week. To see Valerie Plame, who served her country for decades, who risked her life for our well-being, who gave up part of her life for a higher calling being smeared recalls to me the slime tactics used against John Kerry, who went to war on behalf of this country and then had to see that service used against him. I know politics is a blood sport, but there needs to be some honor somewhere.
Similarly, Joe Wilson has served this country admirably as an Ambassador to numerous nations. He served Republican and Democrat administrations with distinction. In fact he was appointed by the first Bush Ambassador to Iraq and was Baghdad Station Chief at the US Embassy in Iraq from 1988-1991 just before the first Gulf War. He also served as Ambassador to Gabon under the first Bush. Ambassador Wilson was appointed Ambassador to South Africa under Reagan and has worked in both Democrat and Republican administrations. He was hailed by George H.W. Bush as "truly inspiring" and "courageous" after sheltering more than 100 Americans in the US Embassy when Sadaam Hussein threatened to arrest them prior to the first Gulf War and then showing up before Hussein (the last American official to meet with him) with a noose around his neck when Hussein threatened to execute anyone protecting wanted foreigners, telling Hussein "if you're gonna hang me, I'm using my own fucking rope....."
These two are American heroes in my book. I am shamed to see the way they are being dragged through the mud, but I remain confident they will be triumphant in the end. I have faith that whats right is right and all but the most partisan of citizens will see this couple to be the heroes they are.
So, I ask for everyone on DKos to do something simple. Respond to this diary and thank Valerie Plame and Joe Wilson for their work on behalf of all of us and their service to our country. I ask that we make this one of the most responded to diaries in the history of blogs to show our support. I know that if we do that, it will get back to Ms. Plame and Ambassador Wilson somehow and they will see how much support there is for them out there and how much many Americans appreciate what they have done.
Just a few personal words of thanks is all I ask, it'll only take a minute or so. From me, Thank you Valerie Plame and Thank you Joseph Wilson. You are a credit to all of us and you both make me proud to be an American.
Lets let them both know how us Kossacks feel.
Thank you for your consideration.
GDoyle