. One senator or rep at a time. I emailed my 2 senators and my rep about "My red line"

[magical thyme]

I didn't keep a copy, so don't have the exact verbiage, but in a nutshell advised my red line is that I will not vote for anybody who votes for military intervention in Syria. I asked how mass murder by sarin is more obscene that mass murder than Agent Orange, Napalm, white phosphorus, depleted uranium, daisy cutter, drone strike, etc. I asked why it was ok for us to supply Iraq with sarin to gas Iranians? I asked why were wanted to help al Qaeda; if they were only our "enemy" when it was convenient?

I heard back today from my Rep Chellie Pingree:

Thank you for being in touch about the ongoing conflict in Syria. I appreciate hearing from you about this important issue.

I am very concerned about the long-term human and fiscal consequences of military engagement in Syria. On August 29, 2013, I joined 53 of my colleagues in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to seek Congressional approval before taking military action. I was encouraged by President Obama's announcement that he will be seeking authorization for military force. There is no guarantee that military action on the part of the United States will necessarily improve the situation in Syria, and I have serious concerns about the President's plan. I will listen closely to the upcoming debate in Congress, but I am not inclined to vote in favor of the authorization of military force in Syria.

There is no question that violent and repressive actions of the Assad government should be widely condemned, and in response to the brutal crackdown on dissent by the Syrian government, Arab and Western leaders have joined President Obama in calling for Assad to step aside and facilitate a peaceful transfer of power.

The United States must continue to take decisive diplomatic steps to ensure that leaders who brutalize their citizens and suppress peaceful dissent receive neither the tacit nor explicit backing of the United States or its people, banks or businesses. Just as we vigilantly support our freedoms at home, we should promote the same values abroad by encouraging democracy, more open societies, strong economies, lasting security and opposing violence. The United States, as the global champion of democracy and freedom, must stand with people across the region who are advocating peacefully for their rights and freedoms and to improve their lives.

Please rest assured that in the coming days and weeks that I will continue to monitor the situation in Syria closely. Again, thank you for contacting me about this important issue. I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind.

Sincerely,
Chellie Pingree
Member of Congress

[progressoid]

1. You heard back already?

Your rep is fast. Jeez, I probably won't get one of those form letters back for a couple months.

[magical thyme]

2. it's the fastest I've ever heard back from Rep Pingree

although Senator Angus King's acknowedged receipt of my email beat Rep Pingree's reasoned reply. Still waiting to hear something from Senator Collins. It does usually take a couple weeks...