Reading about the Joe Lieberman call--this is a good time to start letting our representatives know that they are on the hook this time. To let them know that we're watching and what we expect. My congressman is Jim Moran. He's okay. He's made some regrettable votes (like the bankruptcy bill) but his heart is usually in the right place (I'm really angry about the bankruptcy bill). What I'd suggest is that we all take some time to write our representative and let them know (whatever side of the aisle they're on) what we expect to happen now. I've included my letter after the jump in case anyone needs ideas.
As a Democrat and Virginian my entire life, it has been my pleasure to vote for you in each and every election for which you have stood for election since I reached the age of the franchise. I have worked in your Rose Hill office manning phone banks during the 2000 election, and I've always been proud of you as a representative. We have not always seen eye-to-eye (the Bankruptcy bill!!! Grr!!), but I have always valued your representation in Congress and I've been happy my district is represented by a Democrat.
Right now, though, I need something more. I need to know what my Congressman stands for. The relief effort from Hurricane Katrina has been so badly bungled that certain questions must be answered by our government, and more importantly, by our representatives. I'd like to know how you feel about a few things:
- What is your idea of what the commission to examine our government's mistakes should be composed? I believe that President Bush heading such a commission would be totally irresponsible and would defeat the purpose of such an investigation. I expect that my congressional representative will feel the same.
- Will you vote to extend protection from the draconian measures of the bankruptcy bill to people affected by the disaster? Would you further consider exemptions for medical expenses and troops in Iraq? We know now what happens when you're poor and destitute. Let's not create more poor and destitute people simply to allow the credit card companies to make even more obscene profits.
- What do you intend to do about the gap between rich and poor people in this country? The time for talk has ended. The looting of the Treasury for the rich must stop, and we must restore our tax code to a CREDIBLY progressive standard. No more tax cuts for the rich at the expense of social programs for the poor. New Orleans shows us and should shame us in to demanding much more.
- The Conservative agenda since the Reagan administration has shown its failing in a most spectacular fashion in the Katrina aftermath. A government small enough to be drowned in a bathtub is not large enough to save the citizens of a drowned city. Because the Conservative agenda has failed America, what do you plan to do to push back Conservativism? It is no longer enough simply to oppose the policies of the Conservatives in Congress. Our representatives must be more vocal and more willing to confront the majority in the interests of the American people. I am speaking to you of this, Mr. Moran, because I have not seen you address your constituents on the news in quite some time. Perhaps an appearance on Inside Washington or some other local show would be in order for you discuss how you are going to oppose the ruinous polices of the Republican party.
These are serious questions. They need serious answers. Our nation needs the very highest quality representation to Congress, and now is the time for the strongest representatives to separate themselves from those who will need to be replaced. I believe I speak for many of my neighbors in saying that we will expect accountability from our government. If the current batch of representatives are not up to the task we will replace them in 2006. It might do to remind your colleagues of that.
Sincerely yours,
James Hare
Update [2005-9-9 13:45:3 by jjhare]:
Here's a second letter to Joe Lieberman's Office. Again, just some ideas for people. Get on it! Let's do what we can to make it clear we're asking for accountability across the board.
I would like to know why Senator Lieberman did not more thoroughly vet Mr. Michael Brown for the vital position of director of the Federal Emergency Management Authority. It seems unconscionable that a member of the Democratic party would not recognize the importance of FEMA after Bill Clinton broke precedent and apppointed the first FEMA manager that was an emergency management professional. James Witt is now doing an excellent job in Louisiana under the governor; however, I do not understand why the Senate did not fulfill its mandate and make sure that the director of FEMA was well-qualified for his position. As the presiding committee chair, the responsibility fell on you to properly vet this gentleman. As we can tell now, thousands of New Orleanders would have been served far better by your action than your inaction.
James Hare