[Shadizar]

I have no doubt many will disagree with me, but these are my thoughts and opinions. I have a great fear that our (USA) rights are at risk, and if we do not stand now we will not have another chance. Worldwide, well I feel you already have an idea what the consequences are, and have for some time. I sent this to my elected representatives in the Senate (Republican and Democrat...to be fair).

To my elected representative,

I am writing to you about the future of the Republican Party and the current abysmal state of your popularity. For years I considered myself a strong supporter of the Republican Party and President Bush, but today I cannot in good conscience support you.

I am not writing this to bash your party, but to give you an insight into the reasons for my loss of trust and why I believe you are losing the support of the American people. Perhaps you will read it.

First and foremost I have come to the conclusion that the President misled the American people (and Congress) for the purpose of invading Iraq. There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. There were none at the time of the invasion. You may disagree with my conclusion, but I don't care for that argument anymore (i.e. faulty intelligence). Second, I believe the NSA wiretapping program done outside of FISA is illegal. We have a separation of powers in this country for a reason. Short of an investigation by Congress or the Supreme Court no amount of rhetoric will change my opinion. You have lost my trust.

Since the Republican Party came to its current position of power largely by following the lead of President Bush, your future is intimately tied to his. I think any effort you or your party make to distance yourself from him will be largely ineffective. Sometimes the only way to overcome something is to face it head on.

Since the issue is largely of trust, the only way I can see for the Republican Party to succeed is to regain that trust. The only way I can see for you to do this is to commission an in-depth and independent investigation into the events leading up to the war. Congress or the Supreme Court should review the legality of the NSA wiretapping program. Checks and balances have a purpose. I am aware that some investigations have been conducted, and are being conducted, but they seem to be only half-hearted and rushed.

Any attempt to subvert or resist a comprehensive investigation regarding any issue leading up to the Iraq war is an admission of guilt. I believe this, and I think a growing number of Americans are coming the same conclusion. If you, and the administration have nothing to fear, then it is your duty to do this. It is, in my opinion, in your best interest.

I do not think you will support such investigations. Therefore, I cannot in good conscience support you or the President.

Sincerely,

[UIUCstudent01]

Bravo

[Carlhole]

WMP

QT(longer)

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('CrooksandLiars.com', 'A')lan Shore (James Spader) from Boston Legal gives one of those great monologues that we all wished would be said by somebody other than a great actor. In the episode "Stick it," Alan Shore's secretary, Melissa (Marisa Coughlan), is arrested for tax evasion, he takes on the case of this outspoken girl who says her late, patriotic grandfather would be proud of her for challenging the government.

Shore: At a presidential rally, parade or appearance. If you have on a supportive t-shirt you can be there. If you're wearing or carrying something in protest, you can be removed, This in the United States of America.- This in the United States of America! Is Melissa Hughes the only one embarrassed?

emailer CS: "James Spader's character gives such a fiery and passionate speech about the lies, mistruths and unethical behavior of this Administration that it made me jump from the couch and yell triumphantly at my TV. Covered everything from lies on WMD, to torture, Abu Ghirab, Guantanamo, and, most importantly, illegal wiretapping"

[meekoil]

I think someone just bought a ticket to an interment camp.

[Shadizar]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('meekoil', 'I') think someone just bought a ticket to an interment camp.

[shakespear1]

Nice, but all this is happening with the comforts of the TV and the living room.

Take a look at what is going on in Thailand. The people saw that they have a crook as their Prime Minister (Thaksin Shinawatra) so what do they do. They go to the streets. Of course some of the ellite are with them

[UIUCstudent01]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('shakespear1', 'O')f course some of the ellite are with them

[DesertBear2]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('shakespear1', 'N')ice, but all this is happening with the comforts of the TV and the living room.

[formandfile]

Do me a favor and write another letter to those Florida senators and tell them to get their asses behind the florida high speed rail program!

[Kickinthegob]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('DesertBear2', 'S')uch a disconnected existence for so many citizens doesn't bode well for the idea of an American Empire.

[dukey]

u maybe upset over iraq
but america has been doing this shit for years
Taliban ? yep they were funded and trained by USA
America has a long dirty history of funding and backing regemes it favours if it thinks it will benefit itself. Iraq is no different.
USA cant even give aid without similar strings attached