I must apologize for the actions my United States Senator from Oregon, Ron Wyden. I did not think that this stalwart of progressive ideals, this champion of everyday Oregonians would vote for such a rash and unthinkable action as to allow a fast track for TPP. I called his office, I sent him an email. I spoke out against his continued support for this secretive and potentially detrimental action.
I have supported Sen. Ron Wyden's election and re-election campaigns throughout the years. I canvassed for him. I even had the honor of shaking his hand as he stood up for equal rights for all his constituents.
But, this is a bridge too far.
What the honorable Senator from Oregon has done is beyond explanation. Sen. Wyden stood for integrity, for honest political debate on issues large and small, for representing all Oregonians, not just those who stand to benefit from pieces of legislation. He balanced the more conservative minded Oregonians' concerns with what was good for every Oregonian and he worked to ensure that every one of his constituents were heard.
I do not understand why he pushed for this fast track legislation. I do not understand why he suddenly shut his constituents out of having an open and honest debate about a trade agreement that will affect all of us for generations to come. I do not understand because the honorable Senator Wyden has not shared with Oregonians his logic for acting in such a manner.
Sen. Wyden said that he thought the legislation was just and that his actions were justified because the TPP was solid. But, he did not attempt to further justify his unjustifiable actions. He did not share the language of TPP with his constituents and he has voted to not allow an open and honest debate about what TPP will mean to everyday, working people across the country. He has not revealed what TPP will mean to the balance of trade between the Pacific countries included in the trade deal. He has not released the details of the trade deal. All he has done is to allow this trade deal to go forward without honest debate, without scrutiny, without every voice being heard. In short, he has sold out his constituents and he has sold out the American people for an unknown trade deal with unknown consequences for generations to come.
I have been weighing my options and I have also been asking myself questions. The main question that keeps coming into my head is "Does this one vote to fast track legislation outweigh all the good that Sen. Wyden has accomplished for my state?" There are too many unknowns to adequately answer this question at this time. But, my gut response is, "Yes, this legislative maneuver outweighs all the good that this man has accomplished heretofore for the State of Oregon."
So, what does this mean for my continued support of Sen. Wyden? I cannot in good conscience continue to support the good Senator from Oregon. If he is the only Democrat on the ticket, I will hold my nose and vote for him. I hope that another progressive champion for the rights and well-being of every Oregonian will challenge him from the Left. I will willingly support this kind of challenger.
Again, I apologize for the action of my senator.