Below is a letter I will be sending to my Congressman and Senator regarding a vote last week that essentially gives GW Bush a blank check on Iraq. It was a calculating and politcal move that Democrats need to be held accountable for. It was also a cowardly move considering the overwhelming mandate that resonated from last fall's election. I encourage you to copy it and tailor it personally and send one off to your elected officials.

Senator/Representative,

I am writing to represent my disappointment of your recent vote to continue funding America’s needless presence in Iraq.

Recently you voted on the Emergency Appropriations Supplemental Bill which essentially gives President Bush a blank check in Iraq. I understand that this bill provided needed funding for veterans, Katrina, port security and a myriad of “important” causes.

However, this bill was essentially, if not symbolically, about Iraq. Congressional Democrats have been in a stare down with the President since November’s midterm elections over this issue. You, and the other Democrats that voted for this bill, blinked first.

I cannot stop George W. Bush. But you as a United States Congressman can make a difference. Yet, given the opportunity, you chose politics, you chose compromise, you chose fear in voting “Aye” on this bill. Perhaps the Democratic leadership decided this was not the time to fight or that the political consequences of not funding this ill-conceived mess in the Middle East could be damaging in 2008.

But please explain that to the families of Sgt. Iosiwo Uruo, Staff Sgt. David Kuehl, Staff Sgt. Kristopher Higdon and Pfc. Robert Worthington, the latest of nineteen Fort Lewis-based soldiers killed just in May.  Please explain the justification of passing this bill is worthy of more soldiers meeting the same fate? Please explain to all of us how giving in to President Bush is going to honor these brave, young men.

Everyday more American jobs are being shipped overseas and countless constituents of yours have to decide between buying food or buying medicine. The unchecked greed of oil companies, corporate CEO’s and unregulated environmental abuse is costing us a chance at a secure, safe and healthy future.  But all of this takes a backseat to what is going on in Iraq.

This is why the Democrats won in November. The American people no longer trust George W. Bush and his Republican “Yes Men” to lead our country. You were given this mandate. Then this week, you failed us.

I understand the vote on this bill was complicated. I understand that there are strategies in place for successfully withdrawing from Iraq. But I also want you to understand that my patience is growing thin and as a constituent I do not agree with the recent actions taken by you and Congress. Please stand up for us and stand up for our troops and find a new course now, not later.

Sincerely,