A Letter From A Patriot

This letter was written by a brilliant, brave, and wise friend. I have deleted his name. (No, it is not Cousin Jim. Though brilliant, brave and wise, he’s held a few protest banners and marched a bit) I intend to do a similar to letter to my congressional delegation. If you are sufficiently evolved, feel free to do the same.

July 20, 2006

Senator Blanche Lambert Lincoln
SD-355 Senate Office Bldg.
1^st & Constitution Ave., NE
Washington, DC 20510-0404

Dear Senator Lincoln:

I am outraged and frustrated that the circumstances in the Middle East have spun so terribly out of control. The continued incursion by Israel into Lebanon and the resulting loss of civilian life is only strengthening the hand of our enemies there. It is savaging a state that recently was lauded as a beacon of democracy. This is crazy.

I am 59-years old. Although I attended college and law school during the Vietnam years, I have never held a protest banner nor marched in a protest parade, but these circumstances make me want to scream from the street corner. We have now let Osama bin Laden achieve exactly what he wanted to achieve with the September 11 attack. Our policies have managed to unify the Muslim, both Shia and Sunni, in opposition to our interests throughout the world. This administration with the abdication of Congress, has managed to establish a common interest between Shia and Sunni that over 700 years of history could not achieve. Iran is now seen as the protector of Muslim honor and of the Palestinian people. North Korea can exploit our isolation and over-extension. The “axis of evil” has been strengthened by our policies.

The Muslim street has always claimed that Israel is our proxy. Our position under the circumstances of Israel’s Lebanon incursions is proving that conclusion. Even my Israeli son-in-law, who lives in New York City, reports that his parents in Tel-Aviv believe, along with others, that Israel is doing George Bush’s bidding in its attacks upon Hezbollah.

Violence begets violence. That is a constant in history. We are not going to succeed in our “War” against terror by attacking civilians, even when the terror efforts are state supported.

The invasion of Iraq was a terrible mistake. We have truly become occupiers in that country, hated and unwanted. We have destabilized the existing power structures and détentes. Iran will reap enormous benefits from that incredible miscalculation.

Congress must assert itself. The future of our country, both internationally and in its domestic economic well-being, is at stake. We have got to begin being responsible international citizens. Unilaterally flashing the sword and unleashing our wardogs will only further undermine our long-term interests.

Sincerely,

Here’s how our buddies see it - “Iraqi Prime Minister Denounces Israel's Actions”