I’m not in the habit of writing letters to my elected representatives–if only because I generally prefer watching movies or climbing mountains to writing letters, and I certainly do not expect any letter to make one lick of difference. (Want to make a difference? Donate to your lobbyist of choice!)
That said, I’ve recently felt so upset at my having voted for John McCain in November that I’ve decided to write a letter–for the sake of catharsis.
Since I don’t honestly expect Senator McCain to read my letter, I’m going to post it here, as well, where it will also not make one lick of difference!
21 December 2010
Senator John McCain
241 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator McCain:
I’m 24 years old, and have voted four times. You may be pleased to know that, on this November 2nd, yours was the first ballot I’ve cast for a Republican in a national election.
You won my vote on account of your national stature, your long service, and your reputation as a political moderate. I’m not so naïve as to expect my consistent agreement with your activity as a Senator. Nevertheless, I do sincerely expect your statements and votes will always be reasonable and well defended.
In the past month, you have failed this expectation three times: your action on the DREAM Act, your comments on the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, and your retreating stance on Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
I recall from your 2008 campaign that you favor sensible immigration reform, including a path to citizenship for current illegal immigrants. You’ve carefully separated this last idea from that of amnesty, making politically palatable a pragmatic first step toward fixing a patently broken government system.
So, I must confess my great surprise when, on December 18th, you participated in preventing the Senate from voting on the DREAM Act. To my mind, the DREAM Act is entirely consistent the common sense immigration reform I voted for as part of your senatorial platform. That you opposed it can only be explained by my incomplete knowledge of the legislation, my misunderstanding of your platform, or, your engagement in ribald political maneuvering, to the detriment of your constituents and our interests.
With respect to the Zadroga Act, you’ve spoken eloquently about honoring our American heroes. As a hero yourself, please honor the 9/11 first responders by putting aside political machinations and providing the leadership the Senate needs to pass this bill. The bill’s passage lacks only a strong Republican champion. Please be that leader, and in doing so, honor the brave heroes that we, as Americans, are each indebted to.
Last, please make good on your avowed intent to defer to military leadership on the issue of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Your statements on the subject of the late are suggestive of political backpedaling. Surely, your constituency would not find fault in your making good on your prior, principled stand.
I believe, as a Republican leader, you are uniquely positioned to provide the leadership and political will needed to break the political deadlock in Congress. As your constituent, I’m weary of partisan gridlock. I’m writing to enter an honest please that you use your great voice in Congress to enable action on America’s behalf.
Sincerely,
Mark Egge
I wrote the above this morning when I should have been watching the lunar eclipse. Then, I watched this: