My congressman is Howard Coble (NC-06). Howard distinguished himself back in the early '90s by being one of two congressmen silly enough to introduce a joint resolution declaring August 16, 1994, TV Nation Day, celebrating Michael Moore's television show, TV Nation. As you might imagine (although Howard didn't), this was an extremely silly move on his part.
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Howard didn't exactly cover himself in glory in that episode, and he hasn't really distinguished himself much since then. As his constituent for the past ten years, about the best I can say about him is that he answers his mail, and recently, he's been using email, so when he sends me his largely unsatisfactory replies now, at least he's no longer killing trees to do it. That's about the extent of it. He made some noises at one point about ending the war in Iraq but has never voted out of lockstep with his fellow Republicans that I'm aware of.
So although I've never been a fan and have never even remotely considered voting for him, I'd mostly ignored him. And then he sent me this in reply to my request that he vote against the egregious H.R. 3:
Dear Ms. Haskell,
Thank you for contacting our office in favor of the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act [sic] (H.R. 3). We appreciate hearing from you.
H.R. 3 would prohibit the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law (federal funds) for any abortions.
The majority of Americans do not want their hard-earned taxes used to pay for the destruction of human life; therefore, I joined Congressman Christopher Smith and many of my colleagues in cosponsoring H.R. 3. This legislation has since been referred to the House Ways and Means committee.
Thank you for bringing this measure to my attention. Your comments are always welcomed, and if we may be of further assistance, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Howard
Maybe I'm overly sensitive, but this really, really, really chapped my hindquarters. And not just for the obvious reasons. There's also the fact that, over the years, when I have requested that Howard co-sponsor some well-intentioned and meaningful piece of legislation, he has told me that he doesn't co-sponsor legislation. The liar. So, I wrote him back:
Dear Congressman Coble,
Thank you for what I am constrained to believe is a completely disingenuous reply. Federal law currently prohibits federal funds being used to pay for abortions. I knew that. Why don't you? If that is your concern, then this legislation is unnecessary. Furthermore, if it is truly your goal that Americans' hard-earned taxes not be spent on the destruction of human life, you might better spend your time fighting to end war and making sure that the children you're so concerned be brought to term have access to nutritious food and health care. Perhaps you would like to try to explain to me why you don't. Seriously. Please explain to me why these are not your priorities if you truly value human life.
On a secondary note, I have had several communications from you in which you have made the claim that you do not co-sponsor legislation, and yet you tell me you have co-sponsored this piece of legislation. Has your policy changed, or have I misunderstood? I'd appreciate a clarification of your policy on co-sponsoring legislation.
Thank you for your time. I will look forward to your substantive reply.
Best regards,
Edie Haskell
I'm not really looking forward to a substantive reply, but I don't want them to know that.
So why am I writing my first diary ever about this particular issue?
First, I felt a strong need to vent beyond the venting I did to Howard. I am so very sick of the whole disingenuous lot of the current brand of the Republican party, with their prating and blathering about the sanctity of life while funding wars, pandering to the wealthiest and telling the poorest to pull themselves up by their non-existent bootstraps (something they'd never require of those who don't actually need their help). Urgh.
So.
Second, it's past time for Howard to retire, and I want to do what I can to bring that about. In recent years, with a couple of exceptions, most of Howard's opposition has been tepid at best. I'd like to do what I can to help find and work for a candidate who wants to make a serious run. To illustrate, despite having done a some volunteering for the local Democratic party organization, I've never received any literature or phone calls from Howard's opponents, let alone a request for more substantial help. The thing is, given how little I've heard from the local Democratic party, I have no idea how to go about finding a better candidate.
I figured some of you here might, though.
So, do any of you have any suggestions about where I might start?