Drivel from a Congressman. How would you respond?

[Pacifist Patriot]

Dear _____:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the recent media attention to the “Downing Street Memo.” It is good to hear from you, and I appreciate your patience while awaiting a response.

As you know, the "Downing Street Memo" is the product of the British government. The United States Congress has no jurisdiction to investigate the validity of this report.

When the United States made the decision to take action in Iraq, as part of the Global War on Terror, it did so for a variety of reasons. Saddam Hussein posed a threat to freedom loving people around the globe. Since the Gulf War in 1991, the Iraqi leader embarked on a plan to acquire weapons of mass destruction, including chemical, biological and possibly even nuclear weapons. Additionally, Hussein demonstrated his willingness to use these horrific weapons, having used chemicals weapons on his own people.

President Bush came to the Congress and sought a resolution authorizing him the use of military force against Iraq. After the
President's visit, I, along with the rest of Congress, received a classified briefing on the issue from then National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. The issue of sending young men and women into harm's way is one of the most important decisions that this government will ever make. After much thought, I concluded that the Administration made a compelling case that Iraq poses an unquestionable threat against the peace and security of the United States and its allies. The House of Representatives passed the resolution authorizing military force by a vote of 296-133 and the United States Senate 77-23.

I supported President Bush as he sought to gain broad coalition support for ensuring that United Nations resolutions against Iraq were enforced. It is crucial that violent regimes like the Iraqi regime under Saddam Hussein comply with all UN resolutions that are imposed upon them. Iraq set an example for the world that the UN will not let rogues take over nations and hold the world hostage by fear.

The interim Iraqi government assumed full control of their country ahead of schedule in June 2004. On January 30, 2005, Iraq held its first free election to select representatives to their federal government; over 60% of the 14 million registered Iraqis turned out to elect their Transitional National Assembly. The elections were free, credible and legitimate. Millions of voters were determined to participate in democracy despite the threats of extremist terrorist. Iraq is one step closer to being a successful and independent democracy. It is vital for the United States to continue to offer our support until the Iraqi people and government are able to manage their nation.

Again, thank you for contacting me. If I can be of any assistance to you in the future, please do not hesitate to call on me. It is a pleasure serving you in Congress.

Sincerely,

Dave Weldon
Member of Congress

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This man does not live in the same solar system I do! Oh and by the way. This response is via email several MONTHS after I snail mailed him a letter with additional supporting documentation.

Edited to fix line breaks.

[hobbit709]

1. Tell him that

since he doesn't appear to live on the same planet as you that next election he should court the E.T. vote instead of yours.

[Pacifist Patriot]

2. Given our rocky relationship over the last 10 years...

I suspect he knows full well he has never had my vote and will never have my vote. I wouldn't be surprised if he has a special file on me for his staffers. :7

[texpatriot2004]

7. Great idea. n/t

[Fozzledick]

3. Ask him why he's lying to you.

[Pacifist Patriot]

4. Oh I plan to. But where do I begin? LOL!

The list of lies is so overwhelming I'm not sure how to even start. Good garlic, the last time I wrote him I supplied supporting documentation. I'm not sure what else I can spoonfed the Hon. Rep. Pinhead.

[sendero]

5. This is your standard stash..

... my wife has been writing our senator, KB Hutchison, for years. She always gets back a stupid form letter that bears little relationship to either what was asked or the truth.

Our entire government now sees its job as largely one of Public Relations.

Some are better at it than others.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

6. Don't bother.

You're wasting your time. All you're going to do is waste an intern's time. Quite frankly, they don't see you as a vote they can get anyway.

[Pacifist Patriot]

10. *sigh* I know. But I couldn't resist.

I just dashed this off.

------------------------

This "response" (below) is a joke, right? If the U.S. Congress has no jurisdiction to investigate the validity of a report casting doubt on their own government's actions, then how can Congress wholly accept as fact British intelligence on mastters such as Saddam Hussein trying to acquire yellowcake from a country in Africa? All of the "facts" you cite supporting your decision to support the pre-emptive invasion of a foreign country have already been soundly established as lies. Clinging to them makes you appear as either an accomplice to the lies or a fool.

Of course it is vital for us to continue supporting the Iraqis. It is only right to take responsibility for a mess of our own making. Perhaps the congressman should consider taking a trip to Baghdad and learn for himself how much better Iraqis are now. Be sure to bring your own body armor, I understand there is very little to go around.

We already know the world is a far more dangerous place courtesy of our invasion creating a power vacuum in Iraq and exacerbating the animosity towards us inspiring another generation of extremist Islamic terrorists.

But since you suggest the United States has a responsibility to remove cruel dictators and alleviate oppression around the world, would you kindly let me know when we will be assisting our brothers and sisters in Africa?

Regards,
________________

[mcscajun]

8. I wouldn't. I have a Republican Rep. as well...and I'll write him ONCE

on almost anything.

When I get back the canned response, I throw it away, unopened. I already know that nothing I write will change his mind. He doesn't want or need my vote (I'm in a very Republican district) I simply want them to Know that there are folks out there that disagree.

It's a waste of paper, postage and energy to write a second time.

[Norquist Nemesis]

9. I would ask him "The United States Congress has no jurisdiction

to investigate the validity of this report" then how is it the US Congress can wholly accept as fact British intelligence on matters such as Saddam Hussein trying to acquire yellowcake from a country in Africa?

[Pacifist Patriot]

11. Thank you, I used that as an opening in my reply.

This "response" (below) is a joke, right? If the U.S. Congress has no jurisdiction to investigate the validity of a report casting doubt on their own government's actions, then how can Congress wholly accept as fact British intelligence on mastters such as Saddam Hussein trying to acquire yellowcake from a country in Africa? All of the "facts" you cite supporting your decision to support the pre-emptive invasion of a foreign country have already been soundly established as lies. Clinging to them makes you appear as either an accomplice to the lies or a fool.

Of course it is vital for us to continue supporting the Iraqis. It is only right to take responsibility for a mess of our own making. Perhaps the congressman should consider taking a trip to Baghdad and learn for himself how much better Iraqis are now. Be sure to bring your own body armor, I understand there is very little to go around.

We already know the world is a far more dangerous place courtesy of our invasion creating a power vacuum in Iraq and exacerbating the animosity towards us inspiring another generation of extremist Islamic terrorists.

But since you suggest the United States has a responsibility to remove cruel dictators and alleviate oppression around the world, would you kindly let me know when we will be assisting our brothers and sisters in Africa?

Regards,
_______________

[LSK]

12. Bush's claim about yellowcake was that it was British intel

So he should go tell his president 1st.