Kudos to Jim Marshall

I was incredibly pleased to hear today that my congressman, Jim Marshall (D), went against his party, but for his constituents, and voted against the Terrorist Survival Act of 2007. This is what he said from the House floor in the debate leading up to the vote:

"The anti-surge resolution is akin to sitting on the sidelines, and booing in the middle of our own team's play because we don't like the coach's call. I cannot join mid-play nay-saying that discourages even one of those engaged in this current military effort in Baghdad."

You've seen my previous letters (1) (2) to Mr. Marshall; here is my pat on the back I sent to him this evening:

Dear Congressman Marshall,

I was so pleased to learn of your vote today. It is a sad fact, but I know that it took great political courage on your part to vote as you did. It also gave me great pleasure to explain to my young sons the significance of your vote. You acted as a true statesman and I will not soon forget.

My wife's great uncle died fighting in France in World War I. My stepbrother is currently in the Air Force and serving in the Middle East. Many others of our family have served in between. Thank you for your unwavering support of our troops and your refusal to play political games with these very serious, and I think non-political, matters.

Marshall and Gene Taylor of Mississippi were the only 2 Democrats to break with their party, which means so-called "conservative" Democrats like Heath Shuler showed their real colors. Additionally, 17 Republicans broke with their party and voted for terrorists. Now this all goes to the Senate for more shenanigans tomorrow.