As a Pennsylvanian and former Republican who voted for Arlen Specter, I have felt an overwhelming need to ride his sorry ass to keep him honest and at his word.
I have written him numerous times on Habeus corpus, torture, military tribunals, U. S. Attorney appointments and a number of other subjects. But today the statement on his web site requires the strongest and most forceful response to date.
Specter hedges again:
"I would prefer to have the interviews in public, but it is more important to get the information promptly than to have months or years of litigation. If we are dissatisfied with the information provided in the manner offered by the President, we can always issue subpoenas. Before coming to a final decision on my Committee vote, I want to study the law on the scope of executive privilege and discuss these complex issues with my Committee colleagues, both Democrats and Republicans."
If you would prefer to have the interviews in public, IT IS YOUR JOB TO INSIST UPON IT! Do so NOW!
It is time to set the watchfires. Ring the churchbells! Grab your pitchforks and torches! If you cannot march on Washington, send your Senators and Representatives a letter in the strongest terms. Do it now! Do it often! The future of our democracy is at stake!
Dear Senator Specter:
The arrogance and contempt for Congress and the rule of law displayed by Bush and his administration is beyond belief. I've been a Republican for 28 years, and voted for Bush (and Specter) in 2004. I have written you numerous times regarding the Patriot (Despot?) act clause that was repealed today. I knew this sneaky revision was a recipe for disaster since it was first revealed that your staff was somehow complicit in inserting it into the bill.
Bush's attitude on obscuring the truth regarding the USA purge is completely unacceptable. His posture is befitting an arrogant dictator rather than the leader of a free and democratic nation. He once again demonstrates his ignorance and contempt for the laws of our nation, and he smugly refutes the concept of separation of powers laid out in our constitution:
"If the Democrats truly do want to move forward and find the right information, they ought to accept what I proposed," Bush said. "If scoring political points is the desire, then the rejection of this reasonable proposal will really be evident for the American people to see."
The American people see a need to depose this dictator now! Witnesses must be subpoenaed, Gonzales must be dismissed, and Bush must be impeached. If Bush desires the constitutional showdown that he threatens, he must be shown the error of his ways!
A line has been crossed and the Senate of the Untied States of America must take a stand to preserve our constitution and assert the authority of our government. Never in the history of this republic has it been so imperiled. I implore you and your colleagues to take swift and decisive action immediately! The future of our nation depends upon your resolve! Please do not let the citizens of this great country down. You're with us or against us...
Sincerely,
Red no more
An angry and appalled constituent.
We cannot sit idly by while a dictator steals our country!