A message from Princeton Professor Jim Leach.
Joseph Raglione
October 13, 2008
Gentle Readers of the American Chronicle, it is no longer an issue of Republicans versus Democrats. The economy is forcing a merger of good people from both sides of the political spectrum in order to solve the current crisis. The following is a message from Jim Leech, former Republican representative.
Dear Joseph,
I am proud to have served thirty years as a Republican in Congress. But this past Spring, I came to the conclusion that the party I loved, respected, and supported had lost its moorings.
The tradition, pragmatism, and inspiration of leaders like Lincoln, Eisenhower, and Reagan have given way to partisan divisiveness.
Today, our country faces unprecedented problems -- an economic downturn as profound as any in living memory, growing instability in global security, and important questions about our energy future.
More of the same simply doesn't fit the times, and Republicans as well as Democrats understand that change is needed.
After decades in Washington -- witnessing the processes of government firsthand -- I have every confidence that Barack Obama is ready to bring that change.
Please join me in sharing that message by forwarding this email to your friends and asking them to visit www.BarackObama.com.
Or better yet, reach out to your entire community by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper.
We'll provide a list of local papers and some important background on the issues to help you get started. We'll even send the letters to the papers for you.
As Barack often says, this is a defining moment. Good citizens may disagree on issues and approaches to problem solving, but rarely have we had a greater need to pull together and seek unity in the face of division.
Barack has a broad, inclusive vision for the future of America. He is forward-looking in his proposals on alternative energy and education, and grounded in an approach to decision making that transcends party.
He has chosen foreign policy and economic advisers of the highest caliber. People like Retired General Anthony Zinni, former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, and President Clinton's Secretary of the Treasury Bob Rubin are all first-class professionals.
And he has shown his ability to withstand challenge. I often tell my students at Princeton to choose a candidate who most reflects what Lincoln termed "the better angels of our nature." Senator Obama has more reason than any Presidential candidate I have observed to lash out with anger. Yet he responds to irresponsible Swift Boat-style attacks with calm and steady leadership.
Barack Obama has inspired millions who want a new approach to politics and civic life -- Democrats and Republicans alike.
Please join me in welcoming everyone to this movement for change. Forward this message to your friends, or use the link below to write a letter to the editor in your local paper:
http://my.barackobama.com/gopforobamaletter
Thank you for making your voice heard.
Sincerely,
Jim
Former Representative Jim Leach
Iowa's 2nd District, 1977 - 2007
P.S. -- I gave a speech laying out some of the reasons so many traditional Republicans and independents support Senator Obama at the Democratic National Convention. You can watch it here:
http://my.barackobama.com/JLSpeech
Dear Joseph,
I am proud to have served thirty years as a Republican in Congress. But this past Spring, I came to the conclusion that the party I loved, respected, and supported had lost its moorings.
The tradition, pragmatism, and inspiration of leaders like Lincoln, Eisenhower, and Reagan have given way to partisan divisiveness.
Today, our country faces unprecedented problems -- an economic downturn as profound as any in living memory, growing instability in global security, and important questions about our energy future.
More of the same simply doesn't fit the times, and Republicans as well as Democrats understand that change is needed.
After decades in Washington -- witnessing the processes of government firsthand -- I have every confidence that Barack Obama is ready to bring that change.
Please join me in sharing that message by forwarding this email to your friends and asking them to visit www.BarackObama.com.
Or better yet, reach out to your entire community by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper.
We'll provide a list of local papers and some important background on the issues to help you get started. We'll even send the letters to the papers for you.
As Barack often says, this is a defining moment. Good citizens may disagree on issues and approaches to problem solving, but rarely have we had a greater need to pull together and seek unity in the face of division.
Barack has a broad, inclusive vision for the future of America. He is forward-looking in his proposals on alternative energy and education, and grounded in an approach to decision making that transcends party.
He has chosen foreign policy and economic advisers of the highest caliber. People like Retired General Anthony Zinni, former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker, and President Clinton's Secretary of the Treasury Bob Rubin are all first-class professionals.
And he has shown his ability to withstand challenge. I often tell my students at Princeton to choose a candidate who most reflects what Lincoln termed "the better angels of our nature." Senator Obama has more reason than any Presidential candidate I have observed to lash out with anger. Yet he responds to irresponsible Swift Boat-style attacks with calm and steady leadership.
Barack Obama has inspired millions who want a new approach to politics and civic life -- Democrats and Republicans alike.
Please join me in welcoming everyone to this movement for change. Forward this message to your friends, or use the link below to write a letter to the editor in your local paper:
http://my.barackobama.com/gopforobamaletter
Thank you for making your voice heard.
Sincerely,
Jim
Former Representative Jim Leach
Iowa's 2nd District, 1977 - 2007
P.S. -- I gave a speech laying out some of the reasons so many traditional Republicans and independents support Senator Obama at the Democratic National Convention. You can watch it here:
http://my.barackobama.com/JLSpeech
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