My Non-response from Sen. John Cornyn on Iran

[TexasLawyer]

I sent my Texas Senator a frantic e-mail after reading the Seymour Hersh article alleging that US commandos are in Iran choosing military targets, and that the US is getting ready to bomb Iran, and/or support Israel's bombing campaign on Iran.

Among other things, my e-mail reminded Sen. Cornyn about the illegal and useless war this country is already involved in. From this response, I don't think my Senator was getting me. (And I wasn't asking for "relevant legislation"-- I was looking for the Senate and House to shut this insanity down and to take back the oversight responsibility on covert US activities that they're supposed to have).

Reading between the lines, he basically says "The Pentagon is going to do what it's going to do, so shut up."

We've got a LOT to do, folks.



Dear _____,

Thank you for contacting me about the United States' policy toward Iran. I appreciate having the benefit of your views on this matter.

After 24 years of theocratic rule and nearly 7 years of so-called reform government, it is clear that the repressive government in Iran has not changed. Last year's pro-democracy demonstrations crushed by the government saw several demonstrators killed, hundreds badly beaten, and over 4,000 arrested. These are the actions of a vicious regime that fears for its survival.

A State Department report released in 2003, cities Iran as "the most active state sponsor of terrorism in 2002." It has provided funding, training, weapons, and safe haven to anti-Israeli terrorist groups, including Lebanese Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command. According to the State Department, Iran is also in the process of developing a full-scale nuclear program.

On May 19, 2003, Senator Sam Brownback introduced the Iran Democracy Act (S. 1082), of which I am a co-sponsor. This legislation, which supports the right of the Iranian people to choose their own government, is just the beginning. The United States must send a clear message to Iran that we will not stand idly by while the regime abuses Iranian families and children, and we will not tolerate support for terrorism or illegal weapons programs that threaten the cause of peace and security in the Middle East.

For the sake of freedom and security in the Middle East, we must adopt a comprehensive policy toward the current regime in Iran. This policy should provide strong and unequivocal support for groups in Iran that are dedicated to freedom and human rights. It should also include increased pro-democracy broadcasting into Iran. We must undertake serious diplomatic efforts to end the flow of nuclear components to Iran and continue multilateral efforts to press Iran to allow international inspectors to have unfettered access to all locations.

I appreciate having the opportunity to represent the interests of Texans in the United States Senate, and you may be certain that I will keep your views in mind as relevant legislation is considered.

Thank you for taking the time to contact me.


Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator

[Wright Patman]

1. What about that girl

killed by the Boston police after the Red Sox won the World Series?

Here the police state "represses" even when there is no political angle involved.

[liveoaktx]

2. Cornyn is a Bush stooge

He was worthless when he was AG, and he's a puppet for Bush now that he's a senator. I only wish the terms for Senate were shorter so we could try to get him out sooner.

[TexasLawyer]

5. No illusions here

I never had any hope that he'd actually break from the party line. He is a total stooge, you're right. But at least I can help to document that he, and the other people I wrote to, was aware of what the US was doing covertly in Iran (since only the Daily Show, Democracy Now, and a few other fringe media outlets seem to be talking about the current Iran outrage).

[TexasLawyer]

9. The "Persian Incursion"

as per Jon Stewart/ last night's "Daily Show"

[crispini]

3. Cornyn actually responded?

Jeez, you're ahead of me, I've never heard a thing back from him. He must think I don't live in Texas or something. At least Kay Bailey writes back... form stuff, of course. I have never gotten a single thing back from a senator or representative that makes me think they even read my letter. :shrug:

[Sweet Freedom]

6. When KBH responds to me

it's always MONTHS after the fact, to the point that I have to refresh my memory as to what the heck I wrote about.

Responses from Cronyn and (my) congreaseman Delay pretty much say the same thing: "The *Resident and I agree, so that means you are wrong." (After writing to Delay, he puts me on his direct-mail support list of whatever I oppose, and vice-versa.)

I wrote all three of them about Armstrong Williams and called for an investigation...still waiting for a response from any of them.

[TexasLawyer]

10. Same here for responses from KBH.

She probably treats her donors better. You and I are just in this other completely irrelevant group called "constituents."

[Bridget Burke]

4. Many were surprised that Cornyn was elected.

His Democratic opponent was a moderate African-American who'd been a successful mayor of Dallas. A conservative (old-style) co-worker voted for him. Of course, that was the first year we had electronic voting in Texas. Here in Harris County (Houston) & Austin, for sure--two of the more liberal parts of the state.

Kay Bailey Hutchison retains the title she had when Phil Gram was her colleague: "Not As Bad As The Other Senator." Not that she's actually any good.

[The_Casual_Observer]

7. He sent you the content wh talking points memo re: Iran

His office didn't make up any of that reasoning themselves.

[TexasSissy]

8. Iran Democracy Act passed in 2003? Why wasn't this a news headline?

I didn't read about that in the news in 2003! That is BIG news...a precursor to a war with Iran. Why wasn't this a headline in 2003?

Also, Cornyn is my senator, as well. Yeah, he's a jackass. He just spouts party lines and never votes in any way other than what the Republican bossess tell him to. As with most Repubs, he doesn't have a brain....just a finger to point with (and stick up his ass at times).

[bigluckyfeet]

11. You are Doing Good

I believe I have only received one reply from him,I just wrote him and the other Twit a letter concerning SS,she answered,John has not.