Dear Senator Murray

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/22999

Dear Senator Murray
Submitted by davidswanson on Mon, 2007-05-28 12:49. Activism | Congress

Todd Iverson
President and co-founder, America In Solidarity
www.americasolidarity.org

Senator Murray,

On Saturday, I received a fundraising letter from you in my mailbox and on
the envelope in bold red letters it said "Standing up to President Bush .
and fighting for you!"

You should be ashamed of yourself.

Two days before, you voted on the Capitulation Bill which essentially
gives President Bush a blank check in Iraq. I understand that this bill
provided needed funding for veterans, Katrina, port security and a myriad
of "important" causes and you made it clear in your floor speech that you
strongly disagree with the President on our nation's course of direction
in Iraq.

However, this bill was essentially, if not symbolically, about Iraq.
Congressional Democrats have been in a stare down with the President since
November's midterm elections over this issue. You, and the other Democrats
that voted for this bill, blinked first.

In your letter to me, all by itself, you wrote: And we have to stop him.

I cannot stop George W. Bush. But you as a United States Senator can make
a difference. Yet, given the opportunity, you chose politics, you chose
compromise, you chose fear in voting "Aye" on this bill. Perhaps the
Democratic leadership decided this was not the time to fight or that the
political consequences of not funding this ill-conceived mess in the
Middle East could be damaging in 2008.

But please explain that to the families of Sgt. Iosiwo Uruo, Staff Sgt.
David Kuehl, Staff Sgt. Kristopher Higdon and Pfc. Robert Worthington, the
latest of fifteen Fort Lewis-based soldiers killed just this month.
Please explain the justification of passing this bill is worthy of more
soldiers meeting the same fate? Please explain to all of us how giving in
to President Bush is going to honor these brave, young men.

Earlier this week, I attended the funeral of a 90-year-old World War II
veteran which included a Color Guard, complete with the playing of Taps
and the presenting of the flag, "On behalf of a grateful nation," etc.
While I was watching this touching moment, I could not help but think of
that somewhere in this country; this same drama is being played out for a
young soldier who recently gave the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq. And for
what?
Several soldiers stationed at Fort Lewis, in the state you represent, have
died this week. Did you attend the funerals? Did you think twice about the
rhetoric you were sending in a fundraising letter and how it does not
mirror the lack of leadership and courage that you and other Democrats
have shown in failing to end the debacle in Iraq? Or were the political
implications the primary concern?

You concluded your lengthy letter about how bad President Bush is and how
the Democrats will fight for us with "And, if you can, support my efforts
on behalf of our soldiers.Your gift today of $25 or even $50 would mean so
much."

I use to curse the Republicans for wrapping themselves in our flag. For
trying to prove they loved America more than Democrats. That they
supported our troops more than Democrats, though anyone with a rationally
thinking brain knew better-we knew that the lack of veteran care and the
mess at Walter Reed showed their true colors. Then you have the gall to
conclude your letter with a plea of "on behalf of our soldiers" the same
week you stood with the Republicans and George W. Bush.

As president of a nonprofit concerned with working families, I have spent
countless hours lobbying and rallying people around issues like fair trade
and affordable health care. I wish these were the issues I could focus all
of my attention on since everyday more American jobs are being shipped
overseas and countless constituents of yours have to decide between buying
food or buying medicine. The unchecked greed of oil companies, corporate
CEO's and unregulated environmental abuse is costing us a chance at a
secure, safe and healthy future. But all of this takes a backseat to what
is going on in Iraq.

This is why the Democrats won in November. The American people no longer
trust George W. Bush and his Republican "Yes Men" to lead our country. You
were given this mandate. Then this week, you failed us. And now you are
asking for $25 (or even $50) of my hard-earned dollars to support you?

I hope you share my embarrassment of your complete incompetence, hypocrisy
and failed leadership on this issue. I will take a few moments this
Memorial Day weekend to remember those whose sacrifice has provided the
freedom I enjoy. Will you? Or will you merely use them for political gain
and a fundraising tool as you fill an empty seat of leadership in the
United States Senate?

Sincerely,

Todd Iverson
President, America In Solidarity

She is my senator and I thought she knew better.:(