I wrote a letter to the editor of the local Grand Rapids (MI) Press today in response to the article the paper wrote about our congressman's support of Dennis Hastert in the House page scandal. I think this is a good example of how to bring the House scandal to each district.
My letter after the jump:
I was very disappointed to read Congressman Ehlers' response to the House page scandal in Thursday's Grand Rapids Press article "Ehlers puts his trust in House Speaker.". You defended House Speaker Dennis Hastert behavior in the House page scandal. This is not a hard call; young persons are at risk.
Danny Hastert said that he has done nothing wrong, but there is a difference between not doing anything and not doing anything wrong. Every week I say the Confession of Sin in church. Sins are committed "...in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. It is those sins left undone which Congressman Hastert committed. All he had to do is refer the reports he was getting (reportedly over two or three years!) to the Page Board. He failed to do this simple task, instead perpetuating this abuse of power and lack of accountability by only considering the political consequences.
Congressman Ehlers, the best way to make sure nothing like this happens again is to punish the people who allowed it to happen. Please hold Dennis Hastert and the other House leaders involved accountable. I have been shocked at the inability of ANYONE to step up and shoulder responsibility. Maybe it should start with you.