Dear Congresswoman Bachmann:
Just one short day ago, we learned about Amy Myers, a high school sophomore from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, challenging you to a public forum debate/fact test on the Constitution of the United States, United States History, and Civics.
While I wholeheartedly agree with Ms. Myers' assertion that you consistently fail to accurately and factually present even the most basic information about the United States and that many of your statements regarding the Constitution of the United States, the quality of public school education and general U.S. civics matters are factually incorrect, inaccurately applied or grossly distorted, I also realize that as a sitting member of the Congress that you have nothing to gain by engaging a tenth-grader.
As much as I would like to see you prove Ms. Myers wrong, I am forced to believe that you are either unwilling to make honest, factual statements for fear of alienating your base, or you are simply incapable of it.
And again, while I understand that it certainly would not be politically expedient for you to answer this letter either, perhaps if a few of your fellow American citizens were to put our money where our mouths are, it might compel you to respond.
I came to this thought when I told my aunt about Ms. Myers' challenge, and she laughed and said "I would pay to see that." I immediately thought - what a fantastic idea.
So, Michele, I am asking you to accept Ms. Myers' challenge. As a middle-class American with a wife, daughter, and little disposable income, I don't have much money to put behind my words. However, a few of us banded together may be able to put enough money together to make a difference in the lives of some people who need it.
Therefore, I am putting up $100 of my own money. If you accept this challenge and win, Michele, I pledge to donate $100 to the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, giving the money to a fund specifically targeted to benefit the students of your district. If Ms. Myers wins, I pledge to donate the same amount to the Cherry Hill Education Foundation with the direction that the funds be used for the benefit of Cherry Hill High School East, the same school Ms. Myers attends.
I certainly don't expect you to accept her challenge at the behest of one citizen who pledges to send $100 into YOUR district to benefit YOUR constituents if you are able to show a better grasp on constitutional issues than a 10th-grader. But if other citizens come together and offer to make similar pledges, what does that say about you, Ms. Bachmann? Would you be willing to turn up your nose at money given freely by American citizens, rather than redistributed through taxation, to benefit your constituents?
My offer is on the table. I'd bet that others will put some money on the table as well too.
So here's the question: Is your sense of pride greater than your desire to provide a benefit to the residents of your district? If it is not, then accept Ms. Myers' challenge and prove what so many of us do not believe to be true - that you do have a rudimentary grasp on constitutional issues.
The American public awaits your response.
Sincerely,
Great Lakes Liberal