I honestly don't understand why the Democratic 'leadership' (If I can call them that) in Congress keep rolling over at Bush's command. I don't mean just that I don't like it, I mean that I can't figure out what motivates them to act that way.
So I wrote to my Representative, Barbara Lee, asking not ofr a change in policy, but for an explanation. I have enough faith in Rep. Lee to think I have some chance of getting a substantive reply.
Below is the letter my fiancee and I sent to her. I tried to keep it strident but not all adversarial. I'd like to encourage others to write to their congresscritters and ask them to explain what is going on.
If anyone here feels they really understand why the Dems are acting (or rather failing to act) the way they are, I'd be glad to hear a reasoned explanation. "Because they suck," is not an enlightening response, I've heard that already, and there has got to be more to it than that.
Dear Rep. Lee:
First, let us say thank you for your excellent work in Congress, and your tireless efforts toward ending our involvement in Iraq, restoring constitutional rule in our government, and a wide range of other issues. We are proud to be represented by you.
That said, we would like to ask you to explain something to us. Why does the Democratic leadership in Congress repeatedly cave to the Bush Administration on issue after issue? Why does the Democratic Leadership continue funding the war, rather than the withdrawal, as you have advocated and the American people clearly want? Why, when so many figures in the Bush Administration have so openly acted illegally and outside the constitution, is there no serious discussion of impeachment? Why does Congress not aggressively and effectually challenge the Bush Administration's increasingly absurd and unconstitutional assertions of executive privilege? Why are your colleagues in the Senate considering confirming an Attorney General who won't say whether or not water-boarding is torture? Why are all the Democrats in Congress not repeatedly and loudly calling the lies of the administration lies? Why, when the president's approval ratings are at an all time low and the citizenry desperately want to reduce his influence is Congress allowing him to continue amassing dictatorial powers? Is it cowardice? Is it some brilliant secret plan? Is it a short-sighted cynical partisan maneuver? Is it directionless confusion?
We honestly don't understand. We, and we believe most of the nation, are terribly frustrated, and we feel betrayed, not only by our president, but by our Congress. Please explain to us why Congress has failed to act on its mandate to stop Bush's mad rampage through our world and constitution. We want to understand, and trust you to explain it to us. Please explain.
Your constituents, supporters, and admirers,
Dan Quixote & Iris del Toboso
On a related note, a friend of ours was visiting last night, and I realized she lives in Pelosi's district. I talked her into writing to Pelosi and threatening to support a primary challenger unless Pelosi gets a backbone.
And, because it is Saturday, and to give a visual representation to my quest for understanding, here is a photo.