You were voted in to make great change
you let fear get in the way

Dear Senator Feinstein,

I am deeply disappointed in your vote today to condemn MoveOn.org over its newspaper ad criticizing General David Petraeus. America is presently facing immense challenges abroad and at home, while the U.S. Senate is focused on ridiculous political resolutions instead of dealing with the problems at hand. This vote never should have made it to the Senate floor. If the U.S. Senate believes that condemning unfair political ads is appropriate, then why didn't you introduce a resolution condemning the "swift boat" ads during the 2004 election, when the patriotism and honor of one of your fellow colleges was called into question?

Obviously this was a political vote, and an incredible tactical mistake on behave of all the Democrats who voted for this nonsense. As Wesley Clark said earlier today:

"It distracted attention from focusing on the failures of the policy and let the other side play a game of personal attack again. That's a mistake. It distracted us from the dialogue we needed."

As Democrats, it is vitally important that we break the stereotype of a "weak" and "calculating" party. We could start by not tearing apart our allies, and calling out the Republicans when they attempt to distract Americans for the serious issues at hand. I am disappointed in your lack of leadership, lack of loyalty to progressives, and willingness to jump ship when it seems politically convenient. Democrats are better than this.

Your constituent,
Ian Magruder

President, Cabrillo College Democrats