It's about our values

I have been writing to voice my support of Mark Wilson and debating the “Cantwellians” for a few months now and it has occurred to me that, with very few exceptions, I have spent most of my time discussing Mark’s shift from the Libertarian and Green parties to the Democratic Party, going back and forth with folks over the wisdom of challenging a “vulnerable” incumbent (well, she is vulnerable or not vulnerable depending on what point they are trying to make), I have even had to defend Mark’s lack of money (this from folks who, on the one hand, decry the effect of money on the process and yet, on the other hand, use it as a measuring stick to support their millionaire candidate).

So here’s the thing, no one is challenging his issues! More to the point, no one is disputing the facts that Maria Cantwell has voted to give George Bush sole authority for invading Iraq (and says she has no regrets about that vote to this day). She voted twice for the USA Patriot Act (The only Washington Democrat to do so). She voted for both NAFTA and CAFTA, voted for the confirmation of “Mushroom Cloud” Condi Rice, and voted to shift class action lawsuits to Federal Court and move the process out of the reach of ordinary Americans. Now we hear that she has co-sponsored S-333 with Rick Santorum, again giving George Bush sole authority to determine Iran’s compliance with our demands that they cease further nuclear activities (Would YOU trust George Bush with ANYTHING?). Instead, what we hear from the Cantwellians is, “We can’t risk the seat. When we have a majority in the House and Senate, then we afford to challenge incumbents over the issues.” Huh???

Of the claims I have heard about Mark Wilson that were not about his “viability” or “electability”, one person didn’t approve of his desire to establish a Peace Academy and someone else had a problem with his support for decriminalization of marijuana. So here is my challenge: if you were offered a choice between someone with the undisputed voting record listed above and someone who would stand in direct opposition to those votes – and you were voting for a choice to challenge for an OPEN SEAT, which candidate would you choose? If you believe that six more years of a foreign policy based on aggression and social voting that leans toward the corporation-as-person model is acceptable or even preferable, I would like to hear that argument. If, on the other hand, you believe it’s time for a return to Democratic values then I would direct you to http://votemark.org.

Do not be fooled. You do have a choice in September. Vote your values not your fears. Vote Mark Wilson for US Senate - Democrat

Peace,

Chad (The Left) Shue