My letter to Sen. Reid about Paul Hackett

[garthranzz]

with a copy sent to Senator Kerry, whom I do respect.

Dear Senator Reid:

I just learned that you have pressured Mr. Paul Hackett into withdrawing from the Ohio Senate Race. I am extremely disappointed, for several reasons. First, Mr. Hackett is a veteran and has brought honor not only to his country, but to the Democratic Party. Your action belittles that honor. Second, I had always thought that among the inviolate principles of the Democratic Party was open debate, that Democrats believed that ideas should be "battle-tested," to borrow an appropriate metaphor, and that character counted, while cronyism did not. While Representative Brown may be a fine individual, to say that the nomination must be his as a sort "payment for services rendered" strikes me as mirroring the Republican thuggery and cronyism Democrats theoretically abhor. If not outright corruption of the democratic process, such politics evokes another type of pandering. Surely if the so-called "leadership" of the Democratic party wanted to avoid internecine strife, a meeting between Representative Brown, Mr. Hackett and yourself could have been arranged months ago, before Mr. Hackett had invested so much time and money in this campaign, and thus preventing him, as a man of conscience and integrity, from participating in another.

You can not legitimately claim to differentiate yourself, or our party, from callous Republicans if your actions echo their cowardice and their contemptuous exclusion of challenge. It bespeaks a fear of change, of truth, and of principle.

While I will continue to support individual Democratic candidates for state or national office both here in Louisiana and throughout the country, while those who are proven profiles in courage I will support, I can not support the national party if this is how it behaves under your leadership.

Sincerely,

[Nashyra]

1. If I had another heart

I would give it to you. Great letter. Paul Hackett breathed new life into this party in that special election

[jarnocan]

2. good letter

Itr seems like more and more the dems are cowering again.

[Vidar]

3. excellent letter

[rucky]

4. Here's mine:

Dear Reid and Emmanuel:

STAY THE FUCK OUT OF OUR STATE'S PRIMARY. WE PICK OUR CANDIDATES, NOT YOU. IF WE DON'T PICK SOMEONE YOU LIKE, TOUGH SHIT. IT'S YOUR JOB TO SUPPORT THEM ANYWAYS.

-rucky