Can you please explain your position on Darfur. You have been given a grade of "F" by the Darfurscores.org folks for a complete lack of attention to this issue. (http://www.darfurscores.org/george-allen). Not being one to believe everything I read on the web, I'm looking for your response to these charges of inaction.
Legislation in question:
Darfur Accountability Act: S. 495
Darfur Peace and Accountability Act: S. 1462
Civilian Protection: Senate Resolution 383
I'm a bit disgusted by the negative tone of this campaign on both sides of the ticket. I will never understand why our representatives stoop to low brow childish attacks instead of staying focused on issues.
As a lifelong Republican I find myself leaning toward Webb because of your apparent lack of concern for the genocide occurring in Darfur. This may well be the issue that will decide my vote this year.
I look forward to your explanation of your voting record.
Every now and then you find someone that says something that cuts through the rhetoric and actually has something intelligent to add to the conversation. If only our politicians could set their personal agendas and pride aside and do what is right, not what follows the party line.
I hope Ben doesn't mind, but I am lifting his commentary from the CBS Sunday Morning Show this week. W, if you're still reading my blog, please please please call Ben. Our country's future and the lives of many many people are riding on it.
Times are very tough in Iraq, and if I were still a speech writer for the President, as I was for Mr. Nixon and Mr. Ford, this is what I would suggest he say:My fellow Americans, I have some sobering news. It is my duty above all to protect the nation and to protect the Constitution. I sincerely believed I was doing that when I ordered the invasion of Iraq. I still believe Saddam Hussein was the most dangerous man in the world.
But it is clear to me now that things are not working out well in Iraq. Despite the incredible competence, bravery, and sacrifice of our men and women on the ground there, Iraq is still a violent, largely out of control country. We may be making more terrorists than we destroy. The word "quagmire" comes to mind.
It is clear that changes must be made. I have this morning accepted Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's resignation with sincere thanks for his service to the nation. Despite his flaws, he is a great American. He will be replaced by a truly heroic American, Senator John McCain of Arizona.
I relied on the best minds I could access to make my decisions about Iraq. I prayed long and earnestly. Nonetheless, I made mistakes and good men and women died and hard earned tax money was lost. Fine young men and women are crippled and disabled. It is time for a change. Therefore, inspired by Secretary Baker's and Senator Kean's fine unofficial committee, I am convening a national, bi-partisan Blue Ribbon commission composed of leading Democrats, Independents and Republicans , civilian and military, to start meeting at once and give me a recommendation in one month as to what our Iraq policy should be. All options are on the table.
That is, I will consider all options, no matter how critical of my present policy.
I want to close with this thought. I am just a man. I have no miraculous powers. I have no special pipeline to God. Like all Presidents, from Jefferson and Lincoln onwards, I make mistakes, and sometimes good people die. I am deeply sorry. Now, as we re-examine our policy, I would ask that you all pray for us to make the right decision. I am in politics. I get criticized for a living. But let us all stand behind the brave men and women and their families who fight for this nation and give up their lives for us. May God continue to bless us all and especially those who wear the uniform and their loved ones.
Copied without permission from Ben's site, BenStein.com