My letter to Jim Bunning

[Faygo Kid]

(This is what I sent to him today. The old reprobate was a hero of mine as a kid. He lost that status a long time ago, but his actions of the past few days wipe out any remaining fond memories):

I was nine years old in Detroit in the summer of 1961 (turned 10 in September). That summer I discovered baseball, and it was magical, as the Tigers won 101 games, and you won 17. I can still name the entire team, the starters, the pitchers' records (you, Frank Lary, Don Mossi, Terry Fox et al), Norm Cash's .361, Rocky Colavito's 45 home runs, and on and on - and no, I don't have to look any of it up.

I grew up without a father around, and adopted Al Kaline as my role model. He never let me down. Ever. My Mom and little brother and I had tough times then; we even had to go on welfare briefly that year when Mom couldn't find a job. She eventually found work doing laundry in a locker room at a Detroit high school. She ended up retiring from there 20 years later, loved and respected by all. We didn't have much, but we didn't go hungry - thanks to the bridge that welfare then provided.

So now you have decided that Americans down on their luck don't deserve unemployment benefits. Instead you pitch (sorry) a hissy fit while their kids go hungry. Maybe they can just eat cake. I was disappointed when the Tigers traded you for Don Demeter. Now I wish Detroit had thrown you out of our city and state far earlier. This is what you will be remembered for, not your baseball or Senate career before this. Al Kaline never let me down, but you have let your nation down. Congratulations.

[thecrow]

1. Waaaay too nice

Mine would have started with " F-you, Jim, you ignorant asshole..."

[Faygo Kid]

2. I think I made that point in an even sterner fashion.

Pretty tough to let down a 9 year old. I have a history with him, and used it.

[JohnnyLib2]

3. Powerful and poignant letter.

I suspect he's cantankerous or demented beyond being affected, but otherwise that should get through...thanks.

JL2 in Kentucky

[Junkdrawer]

4. Jim Bunning's Response:

Tough Shit.

[Faygo Kid]

5. Yeah, that's about it. I expect no better.

Still felt good to write it, though.

[Junkdrawer]

6. Maybe someday he'll regret pissing away his legacy...

But then, maybe not.

Can't fix senile.

[Faygo Kid]

7. Senility doesn't necessarily mean nastiness. Bunning is just a nasty piece of work.

The only thing good about him is that he pissed off Mitch McConnell. Otherwise, just a waste of flesh.