Please forgive me for writing at this late hour. However, we must make important decisions very soon.
I would be deeply obliged to you if you would forgo your proposed trip to Washington, D.C. The nation is deeply challenged by a financial crisis consequent to the fundamental dogma of the Republican Party. Your presence is unlikely to help and may prove to be detrimental.
Would this, Senator, be a good time to privatize Social Security?
You and your fellow Republicans advocate that. You agree with the President that markets can take care of themselves and require no oversight ... only an occasional bailout. Your are a charter member of the Keating 5, poster children for the last incarnation of a Resolution Trust Corporation.
Wall Street's perspective, Senator, has been over-represented in Washington and, pardon the nitpicking, in your campaign.
As you contend that your views are based on convictions (sorry for the double entendre, couldn't find a better word), wouldn't it be better for the nation and its challenged future to have a full, forthright, honest discussion about those views with one of your opponents in the race to assume leadership of this nation? It is conceivable that you would learn something about economics; perhaps you would share with us useful insights we've not heard. Stick with the Debate.
You have been absent from the Senate for five months as the storm clouds gathered, the lightening struck, the rain fell and the waters rose. Outrage about the Financial Industry Relief Act of 2008 is rising as we're all threatened with economic calamity, save those who've created and mightily profited from this crisis. Your President's plan absolves this latter group who not only raped and pillaged us on the way up, but expects (demands, actually) to do the same on the way down. Many of us think that inappropriate (shameful, to be precise).
You were chosen by the Republican party as its candidate to lead this country. You have the opportunity to lead from among us in a candid debate. Or you may return to the shelter of the Washington you so fervently deplore in your speeches to be instructed and guided by the lobbyists and financial interests whose principal concern is their own well-being and whose perspectives have led us to this precipice. Do you trust us? or do you trust them? Do not hide from us. Do not deny our concern and rage. Try being a real maverick. Try a little truthfulness.
And while I will be deeply obliged if you'll heed my request, it is unlikely that my sense of obligation will extend to voting for you and your would-be successor. However, a turn toward integrity and away from ideology and fundamentalism would help to salvage your once noble reputation. And for that I would be grateful.
Sincerely,
Paula