I thought I would share this letter I just sent to Senator Hagel regarding his support of the Bolton nomination. I used his web site form, and had to trim it quite bit to fit into the 2000 character limit, but perhaps it's better for the editing.
Dear Senator Hagel:
As a constituent of yours from Omaha, Nebraska, I am writing to ask you to oppose the full senate confirmation of John Bolton as UN Ambassador. I recently watched the hearings of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. As did other Republican senators, you argued that President Bush deserved to have his nominations confirmed in order to successfully carry out his agenda. You also strenuously maintained that your vote was in no way political. If that is honestly the case, then you are free to reconsider your position, and I am asking you to do so. Please vote "No" on Mr. Bolton.
I am a registered independent and did not vote for President Bush. I find him arrogant and divisive. I've disagreed with most of his nominations. This is the first time, however, that I've written you a personal letter asking you to vote against a nominee. John Bolton is a bully and an abuser of power. I believe his appointment would be damaging to our country, if not the world. In the clearest of terms, he is wholly unfit for the position.
The argument that President Bush deserves to have his nominations confirmed simply because he is president is a weak one. It is amazing to me that Republicans on the committee were not embarrassed to make this as the foundation of their case for confirmation. President Bush works for the American people, and it is they who deserve the right person for this job. The focus you and your colleagues in the senate should have is on doing what is best for the American people. Can you honestly say that Mr. Bolton is the right choice for the American people?
John Morley once said that "No man can climb out beyond the limitations of his own character." This will most certainly be the case with John Bolton. Past behavior is the most realistic predictor of future behavior. Mr. Bolton's past behavior shows that he is extremely unsuited for this position.
Sincerely,
[Name]
My take on Hagel has been that he is a pretty good guy (for a Republican) who has been somewhat independent in the past. He recently was quoted in the Omaha World Herald as saying something to the effect that this Republican party wasn't the same as the one he originally joined, the implication being that he didn't like the differences. I have to say, however, that I was definitely disappointed in his statement before the committee on Thursday.
I will send something similar to Ben Nelson because I've read he's on the fence. It's hard for me to believe any Democrat could vote for this guy.