A Listening Session on Syria

 

Here’s the response I got from Rep Jim McDermott to my email on Syria:

Dear Friends,

In the past week, I have received hundreds of calls from constituents about a possible military action in Syria. It’s a serious issue that deserves a public debate, and while I have heard from President Obama and his national security team, I need to hear from you. I will be asked to vote on this issue as your Representative and I want to give you the chance to voice your opinions in person.

I will be hosting a listening session this Sunday to hear your thoughts and concerns regarding the current situation in Syria. Please join me.

Listening Session on Our Options in Syria

Sunday, September 8

7:00 pm

University Temple United Methodist Church

1415 NE 43rd St, Seattle, 98105

Map It!

Please RSVP to my District Office or on my Facebook page.

District Office: (206) 553-7170

Facebook Event

Sincerely,

Congressman Jim McDermott

PS – If you’d like to stay up to date on what I’m doing in Washington or in DC, sign up for my e-newsletter, find me on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter!

 

A big contrast to the weaselly response I got from Microsoft millionaire
Sen Maria Cantwell:

Dear Dr. Bramhall,

Thank you for contacting me regarding  the ongoing situation in Syria.   I appreciate hearing from you on this matter.

I am currently  reviewing the language of the proposed legislation that Congress is debating to authorize military action against Syria. I am deeply concerned about the atrocities committed by the Assad regi me against the Syrian people.  I continue to support humanitarian aid to the Syrian people and military aid to moderate fo rces in the Syrian opposition.  However, I have serious questions about the strategic goals and outcomes of a U.S. military strike in Syria.  I look forward to learning more from the Obama Administration on its end goals and its strategy to avoid open-ended involvement in this conflict. At the same time, our nation must work with our allies to protect American interests in the region, including Israel. 

On September 4, 2013, the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations approved by a 10-7 vote a draft resolution that would authorize President Barack Obama to use U.S. military force in Syria. If enacted, this resolution would prohibit U.S. troops on the ground, and would set a limited timeframe for any U.S. military involvement.  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has announced that the full Senate will debate and vote on the resolution no later than the week of September 9, 2013. 

On August 31, 2013, President Barack Obama announced he would seek Congressional authorization for a limited U.S. military strike in Syria.  The President’s announcement was made shortly after the White House released an intelligence assessment to the public which concluded with “high confidence” that the Syrian government deployed chemical weapons on its citizens during the morning of August 21, 2013. 

The United States and the international community have strongly condemne d the use of chemical weapons.  I have heard from many Washingtonians who are concerned about the atrocities  committed and th e safety of the Syrian people.  I have also heard from many Washingtonians who are deeply concerned about the potential use o f U.S. military force in Syria.  As the United States recovers from a decade of war  that has put a strain on our military families and our country , it is important that Congress and the President exercise caution in this decision. A government’s illegal use of chemical weapons on its own people is indefensible and unacceptable; however, the use of U.S. military force should not be taken lightly. 

Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as this situation develops.

Sincerely, 

Maria Cantwell

United States Senator

 

I got no response at all from Sen Patty Murray.