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The Wright Perspective℠
Social Commentary from the C-Suite to Main Street℠
A Blog by Gary Wright II
Letter from my Senator proves Congress needs reality check
Saturday, October 2nd, 2010
Recently I've been speaking about the need to replace most of our leaders in the upcoming elections. Many of our members of Congress are corrupt and most are completely out-of-touch with reality. Today I received a letter from my Senator which clearly illustrates the urgent need to appoint new leadership and I've posted a copy of the letter at the bottom of this page.
It is important to note that these aren't just my personal opinions. I have posted the proof of these assertions and you can verify the facts for yourself. In fact, I think as a voter you should weigh the evidence and reach your own conclusions.
The proof of widespread corruption. Why would a person spend millions of dollars to obtain a job that pays a few hundred thousand? Twice I have posted a link to a chart that documents the money flowing between big companies and members of Congress. I can tell you what committees they serve on just by looking at the companies who donate to their campaign. It is obviously a conflict of interest, but it isn't illegal. Before you vote, check out your candidate at OpenSecrets.org and here is a link to a chart showing the complex trail of money: Money Trail
Many members of Congress are completely out-of-touch with reality - especially when it comes to interacting with the younger generations. It's time to start replacing these crusty old bastards who have grown way too comfortable with their office and being in power. Note: My reference to "old" is not referring to their age, but to their seniority in office. The world has changed a lot over the past decade and we need leaders who actually know what is happening outside of Washington, D.C.
When our government was formed, the founding fathers included a system of checks and balances. Recently, it seems the only interest of Congress is cashing checks and improving their balances. The letter I received from my Senator shows complete disregard for our system. I regularly correspond with my elected officials on import matters, and I recently wrote to my two Republican Senators for Alabama about the repeal of the military policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. I cited the recent court ruling that determined the policy violates our Constitution and I explained why it would be an embarrassment to Alabama and our nation for them to not support the repeal.
Most other countries allow openly gay soldiers to serve in the military: Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Columbia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Uruguay.
None have had any problems with unit cohesion or combat effectiveness and our troops are fighting side-by-side with them in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The only countries who don't allow gays to serve are: Cuba, China, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Jamaica, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Syria, Turkey, Venezuela, Yemen, and the United States. This is why I say it is embarrassing for the US to be on this list.
In the letter I received from Republican Senator Shelby from Alabama he says:
...homosexuality is deemed incompatible with military service and thus grounds for discharge. While District Court Judge Virginia Phillips declared that this policy violates the First and Fifth Amendment rights of our servicemembers, the Pentagon has stated that the current policy will remain in effect until Congress takes action. ... I believe that our current policy is fair and effective, and I will continue to oppose any changes to it.
The Senator is wrong to say being gay is not compatible with military service. The current policy does not prevent gays from serving, they just can't tell the truth about their sexuality.
The Senator acknowledges the federal court ruling on the policy, yet he says he will oppose any changes to the current policy. That is why I say that Congress is completely ignoring our system of checks and balances. He is stating his intention to ignore the court of law. He thinks the current policy is fair and effective? Views like his are the very reason we must vote out of office him and all of those who share his views.
You can read the full text of the letter in the image below:
Best regards,
-- Gary Wright II