Brother of fallen soldier tells Bush, Cheney, Snow, McCain to "go to hell"

[blm]

Posted at kos:

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/10/31/175122/71

>>>>>>>
On June 13 of this year, my younger brother Russ was killed in Afghanistan. There is obviously no need for me to explain the pain this caused me and my family, from my mother, to Russ' twin brother, to his fiance.

We were contacted by all the members of our state's congressional coalition (all Republicans) and by our governor (John Lynch, a Dem). Only one politician from outside the state contacted us, and that was John Kerry. At Russ' funeral, the only two politicians who attended were Lynch and Kerry (no, cynics, he didn't advertise his appearance or make any statements to the media about it, so don't suggest he did it to win votes).

Since the funeral, a couple of our congressmen have followed up a little with our family. So has Lynch. So has Kerry. He has called my mother on multiple occaisions and offered to do anything he can to help us.

In short, he was there for my family, the family of a fallen soldier. He continues to be there for us, and has offered to do more.

What he said yesterday was clearly a slip of the tongue. He was talking about Bush, and misspoke slightly. The White House knows it, just as we know it. For cheap political gain, Bush and Co. are trying to make it sound as if he is insulting the troops, when they absolutely know that that is not the case.

As someone who has experienced Kerry's support for the troops first-hand, and as someone who has seen him give some small amount of comfort to my griveing mother, I can't put into words how offensive I find the false suggestion, for cheap politcal gain, that Kerry wants to insult our troops and their families.

To everyone out there trying to make that case (Bush, Cheney, Snow, McCain, among others), one simple message: Go to hell.

[bluerum]

1. Wow. Can't wait for ABC to pick this up.

:sarcasm:

[Binka]

You'll Be Waitin A Bit Honey

You know how objective the corporate media is :sarcasm:.

[niallmac]

11. Funny too how CNN isn't covering the Boehner 'slip'..NOT! n/t

[rodeodance]

53. still a waiting.

[Rainscents]

60. Hi Binka!

How's son doing nowadays? Is he healing nicely from wounds? :hi:

[wholetruth00]

23. They will pretend it doesn't exist. UNLESS we all e-mail copies to

the outlets, including the RW talking head chickenhawks like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Neil Boortz.

[Joe Bacon]

46. I'm sure John Stoessel can't wait to attack RIP Russ.

You can hear that liar now getting ready for his latest shtick on 20/20. Count the number of times ol Shithead Stoessel calls RIP Russ a liar.

[blm]

55. Russ added more to the story in the thread about HOW it came about.

Don't have a perfect answer (6+ / 0-)

to that. And I should point out that I can't be 100% sure that my diary comment that no politician from outside the state called us is accurate. Lots of stuff was going on, and my head naturally on straight.

What I do know is that Kerry has contacted lots of families. I also know someone (via the internets) who lost his father on 9/11 and Kerry met personally with that family.

Kerry called my mother the night before the funeral to convey sympathy. He ended up spending nearly an hour talking to her (this was pretty late at night). The next morning we got a call from his office that Kerry was flying in for the funeral, and making sure that was alright with us.

by RIP Russ


Kerry spent an HOUR TALKING to a grieving mother and so moved he flew the next morning to show his respects in response.

Bush wouldn't go down his driveway to talk to Cindy Sheehan.

[Joe Bacon]

62. You see who the real man is

Kerry walks the walk

President Asshole just bulls the shit

[karynnj]

70. But I made the mistake of turning on RW radio this afternoon

and know from Newt Gingrich and Sean Hannity that Kerry hates the military and has since the 1970s. (I listened for only 10 minutes and literally couldn't eat dinner 30 minutes later.) the only thing I hope is that they have gone too far and end off turning off many normal Republicans.

[beachmom]

78. I thought I was the only one who had lost my appetite

because of this whole sorry episode. It's just an example of a terrible, terrible world we live in. The injustice of it all is astounding.

[indepat]

2. Go straight to hell, do not pass go, do not collect $200

[Karenca]

3. k --- r . NT

[wicket]

4. K & R

:kick:

[gfnrob]

5. Condolences

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. My son in law, father of my grandchildren is now headed to Iraq with his MN National Guard Unit. I know he, as your brother will do his job well.

[Frustratedlady]

6. What a wonderful letter.

Bless you and your family in the loss of Russ. May he live on in your memories and the love that surrounds your family.

[Supersedeas]

34. A letter to be cherished for others to read when the history of this age is written

[Sensitivity]

7. Anyone know how to push this story to MSM blog reporters?

[blm]

10. They all stop at Kos - so probably saw it.

I hope the letter spreads like wildfire.

[beachmom]

79. Actually it sunk. So, no, the MSM wouldn't have got it on kos. nt

[blm]

99. I hope he realizes we brought here and has the opportunity to read

the thoughts posted here.

[Karenca]

12. HUGE MEDIA CONTACT LIST------

[e-mail]; [e-mail]; [e-mail];
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[e-mail]

[Judi Lynn]

28. Thank you for posting that excellent contact list. n/t

[Cetacea]

31. thanks!

K+R

[Jax]

47. Outstanding Links!!!

:thumbsup:

[LilyLibber]

51. Thanks for the resources.

And I'm so sorry to hear about Russ. This is the type of story that needs to be shared.

[Pastiche423]

83. How do you put the list in your address book

and send one email to all?

[Karenca]

84. What email program do you have?- nt

[Pastiche423]

85. Netscape

[Karenca]

90. I've go t Yahoo--What I did was

I kept cutting and pasting
on the "send to'' portion------It took
about 6 or 7 times to send them all.....as
the 'SEND'' would only take that amount at one time.

I don't know if Netscape is anything like Yahoo---Sorry I can't be
more helpful. Good Luck! :)

[Pastiche423]

91. Thank you for getting back to me

I've done pretty much the same. I was looking for an easier answer. lol

[midnight]

89. That is an absolutely colossal list-Thanks.

[Bitwit1234]

13. No Guts

Since most of the MSM are permanently glued to bush's ass crack that will never happen. Look at what Boetner just said about the troops. Unless you read in on the internet you would never hear it but for three days they have hyped the story about Kerry. They didn't go that long when cheney shot some guy in the face. And only a little longer about bush ignoring Katrina victims.

[ShortnFiery]

18. You got that right!

If our Democratic Party gleans any decent power within the Congress, WE MUST break-up (de-consolidate?) the handful of huge media conglomerates into many independent and discreet outlets.


We have NO Fourth Estate as long as we have huge Corporate Media conglomerations that reflect news decisions are being made by A HANDFUL of bloated Media Executives. That's not even close to approaching FREE and they will always favor the mega-corporations over the welfare of the average working American. :thumbsdown:


Not only would de-consolidation of our HUGE USA MEDIA CONGLOMERATES promote a diversity of opinions, it just might help our USA's "freedom of the press" ratings to rank us higher than 56th :wow: in the world. :shrug:

[SaneInSC]

32. Amen!

[seabeyond]

8. dems of so little character thaat use this to attack kerry

are shameful. they are even beyond disgusting..... compared to repugs using this to attack kerry

[atreides1]

17. What you say is so very true

But they are even here on DU!!!

[seabeyond]

19. yes.... i am specifically

talking about the ones here on du

[Jo March]

66. I agree totally

DUers should know how much Kerry cares for the troops. He always has. The knives in the back that he received from other Dem leaders and from DUers was shameless and played right into Rove's slimy, disgusting hands.

OT, but hope you are doing well, sea! :hi:

[blm]

20. Problem is that Dem politicians know DAMN WELL that Kerry has carried the load

of the veterans' and their families for DECADES. Going along with BushInc on this is beyond CRAVEN politicking, and I have no trust in those who are using it no differently than Bush - got that Hillary?

[Cha]

25. Yes! You're both

right on. They should be ashamed today.

[glitch]

22. First we get the fascists, then we get the collaborators

out of office.

[seabeyond]

27. this is how i see it and we quit convincing the american people

our dems are pieces of shit when they have worked their ass off for this country one way or another. whether you want to vote for the man for president or not

[glitch]

29. It is a shame he has to be defended here. You are relentless, keep up the good work! nt

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

38. I don't have any trouble with that statement.

I'm pretty tired of the attacks on Kerry.

Compared to vote flipping, it has no impact on the impending elections.

[ShortnFiery]

9. Thank you! The Republican Noise Machine and their M$M enablers

FAIL to mention during all these "manipulative segments" that Senator Kerry has a 100% Pro-Veteran voting record in the Senate.

It's SICK and TWISTED how the M$M allows the Republicans' lies and disinformation to receive a valid platform.

IMO, God Bless Senator Kerry. Shame on ALL of those fellow Democrats who would not stand by his side. He put HIS LIFE on the line to save our sorry asses in Vietnam. I'm ashamed of the people in MY PARTY who do not have the integrity and courage to stand up with Kerry and against the Republican Smear Machine.

Whether you're yellow or blue dog democrat, REMEMBER we must stand together.

I can't find the words to convey my *dismay* at the republicans who knowingly LIE about Kerry's background and spew hatred for anyone who does not drop to their knees in awe of Bush-World's power.

We must unite. Liberal is NOT a dirty word. Are you listening blue dog representatives and senators? Stand by your fellow PARTY MEMBERS. No, you don't have to agree but, like one brother protects another, STAND UP and say "No More" of these distractions and distortions. :patriot:

[laundry_queen]

72. If I could recommend an individual post...

this would be it.
Thank you for saying what needed to be said!

[blm]

98. Blame the Dem "strategists" who ueged siding with Bush over Kerry.

.

[babylonsister]

14. I'm very glad he wrote this, and very sad for his family. Did anyone

doubt Senator Kerry's compassion for the troops?

[pecwae]

35. Apparently so.

Over the past few days I've been amazed at the trashing of Sen. Kerry; here and everywhere. I honestly cannot see how anyone, anyone at all, can doubt the Senator's care and compassion for the troops, fellow vets, for god's sake! I just don't get it.

[brentspeak]

15. But how can that be? President Bush and FOX News told me Sen. Kerry hates the troops

Because as we all know, a Senator who attends fallen troops' funerals, and who merely has worked his butt off for years securing funding for disabled veterans and military families -- as well as a host of other things for military personnel (even before he became a Senator) -- couldn't possibly
care about our nation's troops...

If Senator Kerry truly supported the troops, he wouldn't squander his time pursuing selfish interests like increasing military families' benefits and better armor for the troops; he would instead utilize much of his time and exploit his elected position as many of the Republicans and their footsoldiers do: sitting in smoke-filled rooms, thinking up clever ways to portray political opponents as disliking the troops, and then spending even more time on television and RW radio talk shows trying to send that message out to voters. That's always the best, most practical, and most effective way to support the troops...

[Solly Mack]

16. Let's be fair, the WH does send out a nice little form letter

with your soldier's name inserted at the top and a signature stamped at the bottom.

Sure, it's not attending the funeral or follow-up calls to see how you're doing, but it's from the WH and it has the Presidential seal!! WOW!!

uh, sarcasm...

[BootinUp]

26. But this WH admin

has been much colder to the fallen soldiers families IIRC seems I have seen stories about changes in various policies under these cretins.

[Solly Mack]

30. hence my sarcasm

I was actually mocking the Bush Regime and their little form letter.

The Bush Regime has harmed troops and their families in many, many ways.

Insult to injury - often and piled high deep

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

42. Hey Solly

Beaming good kharma to you and your soldier.

[Solly Mack]

44. Hiya ItsTheMediaStupid. Thanks!!!

[Window]

21. K/R

.

[Cha]

24. How poignant..one of the

stories the fascistmedia wouldn't dare pick up. It would destroy bush and his henchmen even more. What's so pathetic is even the mediawhores can't cover bush's ass anymore. That's how rotten they all are..the smell cannot be disguised.

And Russ' brother could see exactly what the mediawhores were trying to do to Kerry.. why couldn't certain dems?

[ProSense]

33. Truly poignant!

Families are being destroyed because Bush lied. IMO, Bush and McCain owe the troops and their families an apology:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2922440&mesg_id=2922440

[donkeyotay]

36. After all the charges of "playing politics" hurled at the Democrats

How ironic that the WH gets a total pass for using our soldiers this way. For a few votes from the hopelessly clueless in Fox-Rush land, they would let those serving in Iraq believe that they were being insulted back home. What a shameless use of our soldiers, playing politics with their morale for GOP political gain.

[blm]

39. And THAT is what truly ABUSES the troops....

and in Bush's case, I should add...abuses the troops, yet AGAIN.

[oasis]

37. McCain turns out to be a two faced, double talking backstabber.(eom)

[Coexist]

40. knr

[RiverStone]

41. So sad to hear...so well said! Thank You.

[xxqqqzme]

43. Yesterday morning a woman called

OC Democratic Party HQs. One of the other volunteers asked me to take the call because the woman was upset w/ the Kerry remark. After listening to her say she was a teacher (first thing out of her mouth)and her son was finishing USMC boot camp and would probably be sent to Iraq; she was extremely offended by what Kerry said. I asked her if she understood the context of the remarks;that Kerry was actually making fun of b**h; that maybe she needed to watch it on the web - I suggested youtube - she launched into this diatribe about Kerry. I told her (I'm getting pissed now) she would have to look long and hard to find another Senator who supported the troops or the returning veterans more than Kerry. How he had fought for equipment and medical care. She didn't want to hear it. So I told her the OCDP had no way to contact Kerry and perhaps she would feel better if she contacted his office directly.

RW freaks! coming out of the woodwork

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

45. Because Bush is a uniter, not a divider, she hates Kerry

It's the media ..... It's the fruit of hate radio and hate politics.

The bushbots have been told for ten or twenty years now that we're weak on defense, hate the armed forces, etc. When they hear something that reinforces the meme, it's hard to get past all the conditioning they have been put through to have a rational conversation.

Poor brainwashed woman. Sorry you had to deal with her.

[blm]

49. Sounds more like a GOP operative or a Hillary advance team...heh.

.

[oasis]

50. The woman (freep) was predisposed to criticise Kerry. I wouldn't

believe a word she said.

[Glimmer of Hope]

58. That is why this portrayal of Kerry makes me want to scream.

This isn't the only funeral he has attended. He has always been loyal to the troops and wants what is best for them. Damn media and Rove.

[civildisoBDence]

48. I'm so sorry about your brother Russ.

Russ. We need to put names to the statistics. God bless you, Russ.

As for the Bush cabal, "Go to hell" is pretty restrained.

I'd prefer to see them go to the Hague.

Newsprism

[Diane R]

52. My brother was killed in Vietnam, and I fully understand his rage.

I opposed John Kerry in the primaries but decided I needed to learn more about him after he was nominated. What I learned made me forever in awe and gratitude for his strength and service to this country.

John Kerry is a good and decent man, and this note illustrates that. I won't forget the democrats who bashed him this week when he was down (speaking to you, Hillary).

My heartfelt condolences to this family and all other families who are in the pain that we experienced. When you go through something like this, you change. I have been outspokenly anti-war for the last 40 years. Sadly, it looks like more families are picking up that torch.

[Riverman]

54. Dem Nat'l Com: Make/Run Ad with Bush Declaring on the

Carrier - Military operations in Iraq have ended, with overlay pics and stats of the US military members killed since he said it, ending with a demand that he apologize to the families of those heroes and to the citizens of the United States for lying about Iraq, and begging for forgiveness and mercy!

Make the ad today, and run it over and over again until close of elections Tuesday in every TV market where Senate and Congressional races are running neck and neck.

Use their own medicine against them!

[Joe Chi Minh]

56. What infuriated and sickened me were reports that Democratic

politicians had begun distancing themselves from him, on the campaign trail.

They're all supposed to be leaders of men, like John Kerry, and not roll over belly-up, when the neocons' noise and smear machine goes into overdrive on something so patently vapid and spurious! They should have seen through them straight away and FOUGHT to have JK at their side on the campaign trail! I swear the public are not taken in by these lying vermin. In fact, the louder the noise-machine, the less substance in their criticisms and attacks.

[WildEyedLiberal]

59. Amen

The American people aren't buying this crap and the backlash is going to be big. When it comes, the cowardly Dems who refused to stand up to the GOP's shameful swiftboating of Kerry will look like the craven weasels they are.

[malaise]

57. Great letter from

this brother of fallen soldier. In all his grief this young man has exposed the real hypocrites. :yourock:

[Rainscents]

61. I got very disgusted with some DU er's for bashing Kerry.

I just want to scream!!! Glad to see this post!

[MODemocrat]

63. I absolutely love this young man; he gets it right

Of course, those idiots know full well that John Kerry would be the last person on this earth to throw
an insult to our troops. Those rats are disgusting. To re-iterate what he said: To Hell with McCain,
etc., and even though I've been supporting Hillary, to hell with what she thinks about this too. I love
John Kerry because he's a statesman, and he's a great senator.

[Bluerthanblue]

77. yes he sure does, and as one who clearly has a 'right' to

speak out about just 'who' really cares-

I'm proud of my neighbors- Russ who gave his life, and his brother Sean who speaks truth to corrupt power!

[Anakin Skywalker]

64. Yeah! That's Telling 'Em!

[jaxhud]

65. Thank you for your post, and please accept my condolences for your grave loss.

I find it absolutely abhorrent that Bush has feigned righteous indignation regarding Kerry's misspeak. Bush claims to be a Christian, yet he lies to millions of Americans for political gain, whilst fervently trying to unjustly ruin Kerry's career in politics. Doesn't match up with my Christian ideals, nor Jesus' sermon on the mount.

As an American who believes strongly in the principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence and Bill or Rights, I find it downright repugnant that our elected government officials, indeed even our very own President, have become little more than ministers of propaganda. The Republican party has become nothing else than a modern-day army of Joseph Goebbels clones.

It makes you wonder what all this propaganda is for. Why did we go to Iraq? And why are we still there? We've accomplised the following objectives, according to Bush's Propaganda.

1. Defeated Saddam Hussein's military, toppled Saddam's statue with American tank.
2. Abolished the terrible, corrupt Baath party's grip on Iraqi government institutions.
3. Captured Saddam and his lieutenants.
4. Verified that WMDs did not exist in pre-war Iraq. (Whew! Those U.N. Weapons Inspector were right!!)
5. Held free and fair open elections where a Parliament was duly elected to represent the people of Iraq.
6. The duly elected Parliament appointed a Prime Minister and other key ministers.
7. Iraq's Judicial system began prosecuting Saddam and other Baathist party members.
8. Iraq's "Unity" government drafted a Constitution.
9. 300,000+ Iraqi Security Forces were hired and trained.
10. Reconstruction of Iraq's infrastucture (Electricity, Water, Sewer, Healthcare, etc.) are rehabilitated to surpass pre-war states.
11. Iraq's Oil production is brought back online and now surpasses pre-war levels.

Sounds like a lot of great accomplishments, right? SO WHY ARE OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS STILL THERE? Why is our military policing Iraqi streets while Sunni separatists snipe at them?

I strongly suggest that Bush can bring back the Mission Accomplished banner. He can make another landing on another Aircraft Carrier. Maybe he can land on the one named after his Daddy this time. And then he should step to the podium, banner in the background, and admit it's over.

No more troops should die simply so the President can claim that the war wasn't lost on his watch. What is the objective that President Bush is waiting for? No more car bombs? No more sectarian violence? No more kidnappings? No more IEDs? No more mortar attacks? No more sniping? Those objectives will NEVER be met, and Bush and his cronies know full well of that. There is no "WINNING" this war, only withdrawal.

Iraq's troubles are their troubles. They will sort them out in their own way. American troops should not be Iraq's car bomb investigators while Bush counts the days until January 2009.

Terrorism is a threat, but America's security does not depend on a democratic Iraq, that is just another non sequitur that Bush has spread with his propaganda lie machine. America's security rests on protecting Americans, not Iraqi oil. I'd rather pay 40 cents more for every gallon of gas for the rest of my life. Iraqi oil is not worth the loss of American lives and the loss of American ideals.

Lastly, democracy is not something you force on people. Democracy is something people must choose for themselves.

[blm]

67. GREAT POST. The loss was not mine, however, it was posted at kos

and I brought it to DU because it was getting little notice at kos and I thought the letter deserved greater attention.

[jaxhud]

71. My mistake, I missed that it was a repost. Thanks for bringing it to DU.

It saddens me that the sensless war in Iraq continues while the mission and our troops in Afghanistan have been abandoned by Bush. Abandoned in favor of securing 2 million barrels of Iraqi oil, the profit from which no longer goes to build Saddam's palaces, but now goes to corrupt Oil Ministers that direct funds to the insurgency and ultimately Al Qaeda for recruitment and weapons. Bush and the Republican congress sure have made us safe!!!

[blm]

105. Welcome - and thanks for being another American who "gets" it.

Hopefully this will be a growing number.

[Jo March]

68. Nice post, jaxhud

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[jaxhud]

74. Thanks for welcoming me. I think I'm gonna like it here.

[Jo March]

75. It's like an extended family

We fuss and fight and get mad but we all pretty much love our big old family. :D

[mahatmakanejeeves]

69. "... the only two politicians who attended were Lynch and Kerry...."

Kerry's Remarks: Here's the Question to Ask.

[AIJ Alom]

73. Thank you Senator Kerry for being there.

[Bluerthanblue]

76. Russell. would be damn proud of your words and your

courage to speak out on his behalf- Sean-

As a person from a town which neighbors Russ' hometown, I'm proud to hear you speak up- and speak out for TRUTH- and for genuine virtue- something this country is sadly lacking in.

All the yellow ribbons in the world aren't going to bring back many of our promising young people- or fill the holes left in lives of their grieving families-

Thanks for bringing this to DU BLM- This deserves to be broadcast far and wide-

blu


(Kerry was there as a fellow soldier AND a friend of Russ' Mom)
How DARE anyone question Kerry's compassion and profound respect for our Military men and women-

McCain has sold his soul to his dream of being president- and lost ALL my respect.

[blm]

81. When I saw it was getting little notice on kos, I felt it needed wider attention

as it strikes me that both Sean and John Kerry are not the type of men looking for attention on this for themselves. Yet his voice needed to be heard.

This is just REALITY in its most serious form and its most tender form.

[Bluerthanblue]

82. I completely agree- and hope it gets heard far and wide !

Thanks again BLM- for noticing it- I wouldn't have seen it any other way, and it moves me to tears for this family once more- The dead are so much more than faceless numbers or names- and the wounded and suffering include many of those who never make national headlines-

This has to stop- it has to stop for all human"kind".-

peace, peace, peace.

its time to STAY off the 'course' that leads to assured death and destruction.

[autorank]

80. Great post blm!!!!! KR !!! n/t

[applegrove]

86. Wow. That is very powerful!

[midnight]

87. Is Kerry this soldiers senator? How very remarkable that

Kerry has followed through with this family who is grieving. Lets just bring them all home.

[blm]

96. No - this is NH, where the senators are GOPs.

.

[AnnInLa]

88. That's what heroes do.

That's what "real men" do.

Kerry has heart and Kerry has soul.

[blm]

102. The GOPs and the corpmedia have DISTORTED what "real men" do, Ann.

They think real men make war when real men work to AVOID war until there is no other choice.

A real man would hear the cries of a grieving mother and reach out to her, not AVOID her.

[Island Blue]

103. You're right AnnInLa - That's what "real men" do.

I originally posted this in the Kerry Group, and am posting it here at blm's suggestion. :hug:

I wanted to post these photos because most of the words said about John Kerry this week have been lies. These photos don't lie. They show what a true man John Kerry is, and just how much he cares not only about "the troops" but about humanity in general.

As a comparison, the only photos of bush* and the troops that stick out in my mind are the ones of him with the fake turkey and the ones of him in his stuffed-crotch flight suit.

Sometimes words fail.

[blm]

104. Thankyou - - I wish I could add it to the original letter.

.

[mogster]

92. It's refreshing with a politician that doesn't only care about his own ass

Kerry has what it takes. He's straight without being narrow, and has a track record that defines him as one of the few honest men in politics. It's such a shame he isn't your president, he would have been up there among the greatest...

[Paradise]

93. k & r n/t

[peekaloo]

94. I think Hell is too good for them.

:kick:

[NastyDiaper]

95. This replay of Kerry's vietname vets experience.

So many years, so little difference.

So many people that need to just be told to go to hell.

[sqarebis]

97. Good for him

We all wish Bush would go to Hell.

[zulchzulu]

100. He need not worry. They ARE going to Hell.

You can count on it.

[upi402]

106. I pray the IS a hell.

:evilgrin:
As desperate and arrogant conservatives get nastier ...

[bif]

101. Powerful letter