So my Congresscritter, Nita Lowey (D, NY-18), sends a constituent mass-email that makes me so mad I could scream. I'd tear my hair if I had any. I've typed up the text for a letter tomorrow; but in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, I'd like to sleep through my passions before making a decision to put a stamp on it (maybe Darth Vader???).
Here's the offending email, quoted in more-or-less its entirety:
News from Nita
Top Stories - Week of July 9, 2007
House Passes Largest Increase in Student Aid since the Montgomery GI Bill
Last week, Congresswoman Lowey voted for legislation that would make the single largest investment in college financial aid since the 1944 Montgomery GI Bill. The legislation would help millions of students and families pay for college, at no new cost to U.S. taxpayers.
To read more about The College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 , click the following link: http://www.house.gov/...
Lowey Fights to Bolster Standards for Sunscreen's Protection against Cancer-Causing Rays
Congresswoman Lowey announced legislation requiring the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish standards for sunscreen products sold in the U.S. for protection against Ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays, which cause skin cancer. No such standards currently exist, yet many products make claims about protection levels against these harmful rays.
To read more, click the following link: http://www.house.gov/...
So that got me pretty riled up. I don't think that I could parody the inconsequence of the "Top Stor[y]" regarding sunscreen, but thankfully that's why we have The Onion.
So I'm going to send the following letter on nice rag cotton stationery tomorrow:
Representative Lowey,
Let me get this straight: (i) the White House is openly defying Congressional subpoenas; (ii) Alberto Gonzalez and others have a severe case of "I don't recall"-itis; (iii) obstruction of justice is now a commutable offense; (iv) Sarah Taylor talks about taking an "oath to the President"' (v) the corporate media is talking about a "failed Democratic" vote in the Senate amidst a virtual moratorium on the use of the word "filibuster"; (vi) instead of adequate port security we have confiscation of shampoo bottles in airports; (vii) warrantless wiretapping and other gross violations continue unabated (and can't be challenged in court because those spied upon have no "standing"); (viii) Brown v. Board of Ed. has been more-or-less overturned; and (viii) over 3,500 American servicemen and -women are dead in Iraq and the ones who aren't dead are coming back to buy their own prosthetics and face reduced levels of VA healthcare.
Now, in light of all this and dozens of other abuses that make the darkest days of Nixon's "imperial Presidency" look like a New England town meeting, you send your constituents an email headed "Top Stories" touting your efforts to "bolster standards for sunscreen." What am I to think?
RESPECTFULLY, Ms. Lowey, I might reasonably question whether you have ANY CLUE as to what's going on in this country or ANY IDEA what your solemn Constitutional duties are. Ms. Lowey, I am a proud progressive Democrat and heretofore a big fan of yours. But your efforts to date are going to be so much dust on the mantel if you do not rise to the occasion in this urgent "Constitutional moment" (to borrow a phrase from Prof. Bruce Ackerman).
I WOULD URGE you (i) to consider the "inherent contempt" powers of Congress and more substantial remedies (dare I say responsibilities) like impeachment and (ii) to convey my thoughts to Speaker Pelosi.
With cordial appreciation for your great efforts for NY-18 for many years, and encouragement to find the "intestinal fortitude" that the Democrats and our nation so desperately need,
[Pondite]
P.S. It would be a great boon to me if you would give Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT - Connecticut for Lieberman Party) not so much as the time of day, ever again.
So, whaddaya think? Too rough? Too easy? Please advise.