There was a terrific letter to the editor in today's Stamford Advocate/Greenwich Time, worth posting here because it spells out many of the ways Chris Shays has failed us as a Congressman, and why Jim Himes is the better man for the job. Nice to see this writer take the time to make these points.
All I have to say is: More like this ...
To the editor:
The ineptitude of Congressman Chris Shays resonates, appearing almost un-American, as he pretends to support the best interests of his constituents and country while actually sabotaging America, our Constitution and the basic security and survival needs of Americans.
The word is "mum" when it comes to his addressing the spiraling effects of the subprime mortgage debacle on both homeowners and our nation's largest financial institutions that are desperately seeking infusions from investors in the U.S., Asia and the Middle East. What about the failure to develop renewable energy sources that has inevitably led to soaring energy prices? The economic downturn, loss of jobs and failure to create new ones? And his continued support for tax cuts for the wealthy that have failed to prime the economy as he and his fellow Republicans contended they would.
Good point: What have Shays and the Republican Party been doing the past eight years other than cutting taxes for the wealthy, ignoring predatory lending, and giving tax breaks to the fossile fuel industry? Oh right, screwing up the Iraq War, ignoring the health care crisis ... and much more below the fold:
Shays has also not adequately addressed the problems of soldiers on indefinite stay in Iraq, the assault on our universal health care, the erosion of our educational system and our infrastructure. All that and more are living proof that our system is broken and that we have an economy that does not work for the middle class.
Shays' arrogance is egregious to his constituents, who see only a waste of money in his myriad trips to Iraq and who are embarrassed by his lavish praise of Blackwater and its chief executive officer, Eric Prince, who has intimate ties to Bush.
Our country and our state need a change. Jim Himes is an extraordinary humanitarian and progressive, who will infuse our community with fresh, workable ideas and support policies that will restore our system, nurture our people and take America back. Jim is one who will bridge values and interests without stereotyping parties, oversimplifying issues and stirring unwarranted fears.
He is the ideal candidate with the strength, courage, conviction and determination to move America in the right direction. Jim's individuality is beholden to no party or ideology that will distract his sincere intention to restore America and our Constitution, both badly damaged during the last seven years. A man of distinction, Himes will work for the common good - not only as a Democrat but as an American citizen who will represent all of us.
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