It is wonderful that such people as Patrick Murphy got elected last round and that he took the time to address all us “extremists.” :-)

Best, Terry

Hot Flash – No, I wouldnt call for executing someone once they are in custody without a trial, not even Osama. I devoted my life to justice as a prosecutor, as did freshman Congressman Mike Acuri (who is one of my favorites, a no nonsense, practical, let’s get the country moving in the right direction kind of guy).

Arcuri, who is my representative and a recipient of a small donation or two from us, is moving in the right direction himself.

As soon as he was elected, Arcuri joined the Republicans (Blue Dog Democrats).

Arcuri replaced a maverick Republican, who once was reported to be considering running in the Democratic as well as Republican primary. He would most assuredly have won.

I am not so sure we didn’t lose when Arcuri won.

Best, Terry

Army secretary resigns in wake of Walter Reed Scandal by Aamer Madhani and John Biemer (Chicago Tribune)

Apparently Walter Reed awarded a five-year $120 million contract to IAP Worldwide Services…

“The company is tied to a former senior official of Halliburton.”

If I find out anymore, I will try to find your office and send info there. Otherwise, I’ll post here.

Go get ‘em. Thanks

Thanks to all who commented and contributed today. It is a terrific feeling to be a part of this very special place.

First, Iran. It pisses me off that some of these guys on the other side who never wore a uniform are so quick to saber-rattle against Iran when we havent even tried to talk to them. (I know ‘pisses me off’ is not supposed to be the vanacular of a congressman, but I was a paratrooper after all). President Kennedy once said, “We should never negotiate out of fear but we should never fear to negotiate.” At least we are now going to talk to Iran about Iraq, but I’d like us to talk to them about their nuclear ambitions and not just bury our heads in the stand.

Afghanistan – Congresswoman Marcie Kaptur was terrific on our trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan last week. She has taken the initiative to address the Madrassa’s (I’m killing the spelling of this), some that are educating young Muslims to extremism. We need to combat this with ‘Soft Power’ and helping, especially in the tribal regions, educating their children in a secular setting.

The Media – Well, I dont think we should hesitate to back down from a fight. We need to communicate to everybody, not just our base. I have been on Hannity and Colmes, local Fox shows almost every week, and local conservative radio (Michael Smerconish is our local and most popular conservative host, he fills in for O’Reilly on RadioFactor often)…as well as CNN, Hardball and the Countdown (just this week). I think it’s our responsibility to communicate to our country through the medium they use, TV and radio…kind of feels like being in front of the classroom back at West Point on most occassions, except I dont get to ask the questions.

Hey, Howie and everyone in the Lake, I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity today to talk to you. I really appreciate your earlier support of my candidancy for congress when no one gave me a shot…and now, when I’m not the most powerful member, you’re still supporting this skinny guy from the Eighth District of Pennsylvania.

Please dont report me either to child protective services, that diaper has aged for 20 minutes now.

Gotta run, thank you so much, and hopefully we can do this again soon. My wife will be back any minute and then we have to take off for events in the district tonight…the life of a new member…I’ll be keeping up the fight and will continue to make you proud.

Let me know if anyone is coming to Pennsylvania or Washington DC, it’d be great to have you stop in and say hello.

Patrick

I have done you somewhat better today, and I expect it is just an installment.

Like Howie says, we need to keep the gains we made in 06. I see your election as a gain we can’t afford to lose, as a party and as a nation.

Keep up the good fight.

Howie: How do I contact you, then?

downwithtyranny AT aol DOT com