An Open Letter to the Democratic Senate Caucus [View All]

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An Open Letter to the Senate Democratic Caucus. If your in agreement please add your appropriate and civil comment. If we get a large enough document we can send it to our Senators. Thank You.

Dear Democratic Senator,

As this great campaign draws to a close one piece of unfinished business remains.

The people adding their names below comprise Democrats from a wide range of ideological and policy differences. We represent all the different constituencies of the Democratic Party; union worker and professional, religious believers and secularists, every race, ideological slant, policy principle. We are among every race; we are straight, gay, lesbian and transsexual.

We are the people who have been ringing doorbells and making phone calls and sending in money when we can.

We took our cynicism away and have joined in this great campaign and we want to build a party that stands up for principle and that we can respect.

This campaign has one dark stain on it that must now be addressed.

It is now time to escort Senator Lieberman to the door of the caucus, thank him for his previous service and close the door.

It does not matter how many Senate seats we pick up, important legislation is still going to require negotiation and discussion with Republican Senators, except this time our position will be enhanced. We are not against including Senator Lieberman in these discussions and he may be a useful partner in reaching consensus, but that negotiation should be done with Senator Lieberman outside the Caucus and not in it.

Senator Lieberman has simply crossed the line. We can disagree where that line is but there is no disagreement that the line has been obliterated and that Senator Lieberman has gone beyond any possible understanding of acceptable behavior. General Powell crossed party lines and made a thoughtful endorsement answered some of his critics and then retreated into respectful silence. He did not become a prop for Senator Obama to drag around the country.

Senator Lieberman could have endorsed Senator Obama and made a few public statements and we might be divided on whether or not he should be in the caucus or not.

He did not do that. He travelled across the country and stood smiling behind Senator McCain as McCain attacked every single Democratic proposal that unites the party. He clapped his hands with a drunken grin while Senator McCain attacked Senator Obama’s patriotism and integrity.

Some of us would like to have him tarred and feathered. A civil walk to the door will suffice.

It is important to show that as the party in power the Democratic Senate Caucus has the ability to enforce a degree of discipline and hold its members responsible. The days when the Caucus could simply be an ‘old boys club’ are over. You have your responsibility and we expect you to do it regardless of whether we hold 55,56,57,58,59 or 60 seats in the Senate.

Its time to return to first principles. This betrayal, this perfidy, this treason to party principles must be addressed. If you leave Senator Lieberman in the Caucus you might as well as let Lindsey Graham in and give him a chairmanship while your at it.

We expect you to do your duty and take out the trash.


Respectfully,


DU members signed below.