Open letter to Senators Lautenberg and Menendez a tirade.

[bklyncowgirl]

This will be faxed to both Senator's offices tomorrow morning.

Dear Senators:

You did not hear from me on Wednesday regarding the Bush administration's assault upon the Bill of Rights and our tradition as a country which upheld human rights and the rule of law. You did not hear from me because I believed that you would both do the right thing. As it turned out I was wrong.

I am more than disappointed. I am outraged. Do you actually think that by surrendering all principles that you will get people to vote for you? Do you actually think that people will find this unwillingness to stand up for our Constitution, which you are sworn to uphold, somehow attractive? Do you actually think that people will believe that you would stand up to Osama Bin Laden if you are quivering in your wing tipped shoes at the likes of Karl Rove?

Senator Lautenberg, as a decorated veteran who served this country honorably, how could you vote for something that will put our troops at risk but also further demean our country in the eyes of the world?

Senator Menendez, I have a daughter who is voting for the first time this year. I have been trying to make the argument that she should vote for you over the candidate of some third party because 1. You are someone who has voted right on the issues that she cares most about and 2. The Democrats are the only hope to stop the Neocon junta from destroying our country. With this vote you have taken away both of these arguments.

I believe, Senator Menendez, that you have sealed your fate with your reluctance to make a stand on principle. This has been a campaign that has revolved around character. Clearly you have revealed yours. I will still vote for you, hand firmly grasping nose, but there are many who will sit this out while you go vainly searching for the votes of those who will never, ever vote for a Democrat while disdaining the opinions of those who are your natural supporters.

We are living in dangerous times. We have an incompetent and dishonest administration who is relentless in its grasp for power and a Congress which has seemingly abandoned the principle of checks and balances. Both of you in the past have been exceptions and that is why this particular vote is so painful and disturbing.

Sincerely

Brooklyn Cowgirl

[AX10]

1. Bob hasn't earned the vote of your daughter.

[rzemanfl]

2. Ironic, I just posted about holding my nose when I vote for

Bill Nelson in Florida.

[Hippo_Tron]

3. Well said

The only thing that makes me feel a bit better about this vote is that I refuse to believe that Bob Menendez really supports this bullshit. If this letter actually reaches his desk, it will definitely give him something to think about.

[bklyncowgirl]

4. If he does not support this then he is worse than someone who does

Selling out our Constitutional rights and the good name of his nation for a few dubious votes.

I know street hookers with better morals.

[bigwillq]

5. That's a very good letter.

Good job. :toast: :hi:

[Stinky The Clown]

6. Let's try to talk rationally about this ......

..... NO! I do NOT support torture. Yes, I am appalled and angry at what happened today.

But consider this. Menendez is in a real fight for that seat in New Jersey. Lautenberg's his 'other half' so to speak. The empty suit known as Little Kane is in the lead. Little Kane. A man who is so fucking dumb its incredible he won the primary. Just another Repulicick sperm lottery winner. But there he is. A few points ahead of Menendez.

They could have made a 'moral' vote and many on the left would be happy. The bill would still have passed. Their votes counted for nothing, no matter how they voted. It would have been a feel good thing, but that's it.

And it would have pissed off those NYC expats (Republicans all) in Bergen and Passaic Counties. And those rifle totin' deer hunters down along Routes 206 and 130 and 70 in Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington, Mercer and Atlantic Counties.

These are the people they need to woo. Not you. Not me.

The country is not on board with this issue. That's a sad commentary, but all too true. The only way we can have *any* hope of overturning this is to gain some control.

No. I am NO applogist for this crap. No, I am no "DLC type" (the current popular scourge of DU). I'm a lefty. I'm on the same side of the issue as you.

[FogerRox]

7. I am working for Tom Wyka , hes running for COngress in NJ11

I coordinate with the Menendez campaign, it stinks. Husb2Sparkly I agree with your points, well written. BUt for NOW, Frank and BOb can BITE Me.

[bklyncowgirl]

8. Those people you mentioned are voting for Keane anyway.

Menendez is in trouble due to accusations about his character--well and of course Corzine's budget woes and McGreevey's reappearance--but mainly due to questions about his honesty.

Due you really think that this abrupt about face is going to relieve any question genuine swing voters have about his character? Is a Democrat voting to give even more power to a president who is actively despised by most of the population of the state really going to help him?

My guess is that Lautenberg is giving cover to Menendez.

You're right that many if not most of the population is not with us on this issue and that this is a sad commentary on this country and on those political leaders who have failed to make the argument in a compelling manner.

I'll hold my nose and vote for Menendez--control of the Senate is too important for me to not vote for the only viable alternative to the empty suit son of a Governor. I'll donate to and work enthusiastically for my Congressman, Rush Holt but right now it's a little difficult for me to get up any enthusiasm for Menendez.

[mcscajun]

9. Great letter! K&R

you go, Cowgirl!

[bklyncowgirl]

10. I'm just mad, that's all.

I can see the argument about it being a tight race and all, but the Democrats let a few Republicans carry the ball on this fight and then when they folded, faded into the woodwork.

It may be good politics as some say but as inspiring political leadership, it is absolutely abysmal.