Let's all send a "thank you" to Republican Rep. Walter Jones

As stated by Larry Wilkerson, former Chief of Staff for Secretary of State Colin Powell, in response to questioning by North Carolina Representative Walter B. Jones (R) at the Congressional hearing yesterday regarding the manipulation of pre-war intelligence that led our country to war:

Wilkerson: "I'm glad to see you here. As a Republican, I am somewhat embarrassed by the fact that you are the only member of my party here."
Video at Crooks and Liars:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/posts/2006/06/26/pre-war-intelligence-three-words-the-vice-president/

Soon after, Wilkerson stated what may become his famous words, "The Vice President" as his three-word explanation for how a group of political appointees inside Cheney's and Rumsfeld's offices created Iraq intelligence that superseded the intelligence produced by veterans at the CIA.

But speaking of Walter Jones, as a matter of interest I stumbled upon this past open letter to Rep. Jones from Mike Ferner, former Navy Hospital Corpsman and member of Veterans For Peace regarding Jones' previous criticism of one of the war's architects, Richard Perle, and his effort to send condolences to the families of soldiers who have been killed.
http://vitw.org/archives/876

Also, a Washington Post story on the April 2005 post-invasion hearings with Perle and others featuring Jones' remarks. This is a good read, by the way.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A32440-2005Apr6?language=printer

Long story short ...

I think it would be a fine gesture for all of us to send a simple note of gratitude to Representative Jones for rising above partisan politics and acting out of the interests of his country. He is setting an example for many in Congress to take their position seriously as members of an independent body with a constitutional duty to check and balance the Executive.

I'm starting my letter right now.

Website for Representative Walter B. Jones: http://jones.house.gov/

EDIT:
Rep. Jones' email form on his website requires a North Carolina 3rd District Zip Code. You can tell a little white lie and use the following: 28557.

Also, why not send him an actual letter? I am.

"Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) just said he's sent 8,000 letters to fallen troop's
families apologizing for his vote on the war which 'wasn't based on truth'."

:wtf:

8000??? 8,000 letters? Does he know something we don't know?? :shrug:

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http://www.congress.org/congressorg/bio/fec/?id=442&cycle=2005-2006
Representative Walter Jones, Jr. (R-NC 3rd)
Political Action Committee Contributions: 2005-2006 Campaign Cycle
Total 2005-2006 campaign contributions: $99,101

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/bio/keyvotes/?id=442
Key Votes
Name of Legislation voted
Passed Legislative Line Item Veto Act 06/22/2006 N
Passed Permanent Estate Tax Relief Act 06/22/2006 Y
Passed Defense Appropriations Act, FY2007 06/21/2006 Y
Passed Declaring that the United States will prevail in the Global War on Terror,
the struggle to protect freedom from the terrorist adversary. 06/16/2006 P
Passed Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense,
the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006 06/13/2006 N

at least he is not afraid of admitting a mistake and he does have a heart as his actions now shows.
peace

http://icasualties.org/oif/woundedchart.aspx
Total US Wounded (so far) = 18356

--------------------

http://icasualties.org/oif/
U.S. Deaths Confirmed By The DoD: ===== 2521
Reported U.S. Deaths Pending DoD Confirmation: 3
Total ======= 2524
DoD Confirmation List
Latest Coalition Fatality: Jun 27, 2006
Two unconfirmed fatalities removed from database

no big deal, but I thank you for posting this info.

Dear Congressman Jones,

I am resident of Texas, but wanted to take a minute to express my gratitude for your participation yesterday at the hearings regarding the handling and probable manipulation of Iraq-related intelligence that took our nation to war.

I believe this is by far the most important issue of our time and commend you for rising above the bitter partisanship that is poisoning our nation and our government to take your position seriously as a member of an independent body with a constitutional duty to check and balance the Executive.

You are providing a fine example as a public statesman standing among obedient partisans and I sincerely thank you for your questions and concerns for an incident that should deeply trouble this democracy and hopefully find remedy.

Yours,

Ian Watson