Remember Dick Durbin?

Remember when Dick Durbin compared the U.S. run terrorist prison camp at Guantanamo Bay to the Soviet Gulags, Nazi Concentration Camps, and Pol Pot's Killing Fields? You might have to think back a bit - it was in June. On June 18 I wrote to my congressional representation and expressed my outrage and urged them to do so as well. Today I heard back from Congressman Christopher Shays. I'll shrug off the fact that he seems to think I called him to the volume of communication his office handles. I hadn't intended to Fisk the letter when I started typing it, but I just can't some of this go without comment.

Dear Stephen:

Thank you for you phone call expressing concern about the statements by Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois comparing the treatment of prisoners at the Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba to techniques used by the Nazis and the Soviets. As you may know, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove and others have interpreted these words as questioning the patriotism of those who do not support the War on Terror and specifically the War in Iraq. I appreciate your taking the time to let me know your views.

First of all, what the hell does Karl Rove have to do with this? Is this the scope of Shays' response to say "Yeah well so what Karl Rove said this?" Really what does that do to lessen the appalling nature of Durbin's statements. I had to go back to your website just check my memory that you are a Republican. Counter attacking with Rove is so Democratic. And for what it's worth, comparing the U.S. Military to the Nazis, the Soviets and the Khmer Rouge (you forgot them) is hardly the hallmark of a great patriot.

First, let me say that we do a disservice by contributing to the partisan, acrimonious climate that all too often characterizes political debate. It seems to me that the American people want us to be American's first, and Republicans and Democrats second. When we do this, we get things done.

I agree. Every American whether Republican, Democrat, independent, or Green should have been equally outraged by the Senator's statements. As far as the government getting things done, since they are more often doing things to the American public (see McCain/Fiengold for one example) I don't have much of a problem if a little partisanship gets in the way.

That having been said, it is worth noting that Senator Richard Durbin, of whom Mr. Rove was specifically critical in his speech, has in fact apologized for the comments that led to Mr. Rove's observation. it Seems to me to me that the senator was right to apologize. I share the concern that "Al Jazeera now broadcasts to the region the words of Senator Durbin, certainly putting America's men and women in uniform in greater danger," and believe the senator will choose his words more carefully in the future.

Three cheers for Mr. Rove for being critical of Senator Durbin, too bad you don't seem to be able to bring yourself to do the same. As for the Senator's apology, I heard that too. After more than a weak of defending his statements he was very apologetic that his statements offended anyone. "Some may believe that my remarks crossed the line to them I extend my heartfelt apology." I guess if you don't feel he crossed the line he still stands by what he said.

Please do not hesitate to contact my office again. Because mail is delayed by Anthrax screening, e-mails, phone calls, faxes and in-person visits are the most effective ways to communicate with my office. I have also begun a periodic e-newsletter and would be happy to send it to you. To request this e-newsletter, and for other information, please visit my website at www.house.gov/shays.

You can bet that as long as you are the closest thing to a Republican that can be elected to represent Connecticut, I will likely be contacting your office again, and again, and again. And I will be happy indeed to receive your periodic e-newsletter. I'll even be happy to share it with my readers.

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at 01:10 PM | No Comments | Add Comment