Mr. Terry McAuliffe

Chairman, Democratic National Committee

430 S. Capitol St. SE
Washington, DC 20003

 

Dear Mr. McAuliffe,

 

As you and Democratic leadership form a platform for the 2004 elections, a key issue has surfaced that warrants your immediate attention. Many political analysts are expressing concern that if Democratic candidates for President and Congress do not support Mr. Bush’s unilateral and dangerous war, and presumably the subsequent occupation of Iraq, they will be deemed weak, and will risk losing their respective elections. Do not confuse support of our armed forces with supporting a war on Iraq.

 

It should be noted that there is a clear, fundamental distinction between supporting a well-funded and strong military capability and supporting a war that is nothing more than a distraction to the present challenging conditions we face as a nation.

 

We respectfully request that the Democratic platform includes support for a well-funded, ready and rapidly deployable defense for the United States, and our allies.   Our military should be comprised of well-trained, courageous men and women that our well-equipped with the latest in advanced technology.  It should also be led by a Commander-in-Chief that will use them judiciously in our defense, not for political or other dishonorable intentions.

 

We also request that Democratic leadership clarify to their constituents and prospective constituents through platform statements that there is a remarkable difference in defending our country and allies, as opposed to supporting a first-strike unilateral action against another country that has not attacked nor threatened us or our allies. The Democratic party should look toward a adapting a strong, cohesive and compassionate foreign policy, which is the only way to build a sustainable future for ourselves and generations yet to come.

 

The Democratic party needs to act as strong leadership for this country and maintain a concentrated focus on issues that are becoming vital to our nation. The Republicans are succeeding in implementing policies such as the eradication of estate taxation and other tax relief that will widen the gap between the affluent and families just trying to survive. The Republicans are succeeding in eroding the separation of church and state by implementing private school vouchers and embracing faith-based initiatives. The Republicans are shifting the financial burden of critical programs from federal to state governments without shifting the appropriate revenue that has been collected for those programs through taxation. The Republicans are decimating our public school system, one of the fundamental pillars of a democracy.  We are creating a generation of students that will perform well on standardized tests, period.  The Republicans are implementing policies that are certain to harm the environment and policies that are creating further dependence upon volatile petroleum imports.

 

The time for strong Democratic leadership is two-years ago; however we will gladly accept it now.  We want to restore our pride in America for all citizens. We wish to lead the world to peace, equality and justice through firm, yet compassionate example.

 

 

George A. Polisner

the 100 Year March

www.100yearmarch.org