Washblog

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?