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04/18/2007 04:58:23 PM · #1
i recently sent this to congressmen Charlie Dent....
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Congressman Dent,

Hello my name is Robert Lewis and I am 16 years of age and an active participant in following national issues. Before I begin, I would like to commend you for your touching words about the shootings at Virginia Tech. I am writing to bring your attention to one of my recent concerns that currently is affecting my family and I. Just recently my brother-in-law, Corey Winters Brown was informed that he would be set for departure to Iraq on May 22nd, 2007. He was scheduled for ETS (end term of service) on July 29th, 2007. That would spell an extra year onto his already lengthy and loyal 11 years of service to the U.S. department of defense. I find it unbelievable that another member of the National Guard in his unit that has not served a tour in Iraq, and is not scheduled for and ETS within a one-year period of time, and is currently available to take his place. My sister (his wife) Brie Ann Brown, has also served in the U.S. Army and served a tour in Iraq already and has since performed an ETS but remains a civilian worker.
After just recently purchasing a house, it was bestowed upon them that he would soon have to depart to Iraq. In closing, Mr. Dent I would like to say that I find it highly irrational to lengthen his service by over a year when he already has served far more of his time than many others (no disrespect to those above him). I feel it would greatly enhance my beliefs in you, Mr. Dent as my Congressman and keep my love for this system our country has established if you could please address the National Guard on his behalf.

Sincerely,
Robert Lewis

P.S. Please contact me back on this issue at either (610) XXX-XXXX, or email me at Xxxxxxxxxxxx@yahoo.com

any feedback guys?

04/18/2007 05:08:20 PM · #2
Robert... I very much admire your views and faith in our system... Honestly I can't answer your question about whether or not they care, I can only say that I hope so... Your letter will be one of thousands such letters addressing the very same topic. My brother-in-law is getting ready to deploy for his second tour in Iraq also (just as he and his wife are attempting to have children). I would be interested in the response (if any) you receive.

-signed,

one very jaded and cynical SOB
04/18/2007 05:19:49 PM · #3
I commend you on taking the initiative to write such a letter, and really hope for the best for your brother. You presented your case very well, without becoming emotional.

However, being a realist, I have to respond to your original question. Do congressmen care?

-No. Not unless it somehow benefits them.

04/18/2007 05:43:13 PM · #4
Dealing with politicians can be tough. Hopefully your Congressman is not one who only cares about something if it affects them at the ballot box.

Your letter is well written. I wish you well.
04/18/2007 05:53:42 PM · #5
well my congressman is a verry good one... he supports a local club i belong to verry much..but i called the office to se how long it takes for a responsee and his secratary said they cant do anything cause he is out of his district...my brotherinlaw has sent and is already communicating with his representative but my sister said the more support the better...thanks tho guys

btw... most of the stuff in there is BS anyway..like i really could care less about his speech about VT and about our government for that matter...it was just a persuasive method used...no offence to those harmed at VT i really feel sorry 4 them

Message edited by author 2007-04-18 17:54:56.
04/18/2007 06:07:26 PM · #6
No, they don't care.

The letter will go to a member of their staff who might in return reply to you and tell you they will be handling it, however their hands are tied with such matters because A, his MOS is most likely a highly needed skill and the other guy doesn't have such a desired MOS. Unless someone is on the deathbed, as in blood relative and mostly only parents (siblings don't count) he is going.

I have written letters to a congressman and senator, several pages long dealing with poor treatment. A member of each of their staffs wrote me back saying they are interested in the case and needed release of information which I provided. Have not heard anything since and it has been nearly two years.

So needless to say, Unless there is National coverage to make them look like a good guy.. Most don't care. There are the few out there that do, but, sadly with your situation.. most likely nothing can be done, unless there was a HUGE MONSTROUS donation made...
04/19/2007 02:59:43 AM · #7
Do congressmen care? Yes, but it's not their job to care about the details. Their job is on a much larger scale than that of an individual -- any individual.

David
04/19/2007 03:35:26 AM · #8
Sorry to post here but it kind of applies to your question "do or don't care"

Originally posted by //www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/17099482.htm:


Posted on Thu, Apr. 19, 2007email thisprint this
Soldier forced to leave dying mother for war
Commander denies Alabama man's request for extension on two-week leave
Associated Press
DECATUR, Ala. - A Decatur soldier with five months left on his enlistment tried unsuccessfully to get an extension on his two-week leave to stay with his dying mother, who is hospitalized on life support.

Sgt. Tim Robinson requested another week in a letter faxed to his unit explaining that his mother, Kate Mae Jones, was dying of kidney and heart failure. His request included a note from his mother's doctor concerning her condition, but his commanding officer denied the extension.

As his scheduled Tuesday departure neared, he went to Redstone Arsenal to get help from the Judge Advocate General Corps but was told he had to go through the American Red Cross first. Without time to go through the proper channels, he left to return to his unit.

"It's either that or get arrested, and I don't want that, " said Robinson, 39. "I don't want to put any more stress on Mom."

The Decatur Daily reported that his 62-year-old mother, on life-support machines and unable to speak, was tearful as she watched her son leave Tuesday afternoon.

"Believe me, Mom, if it was up to me, I'd stay here, Mom," Robinson told her shortly before leaving Decatur General Hospital to catch a flight back to Iraq.

Jones has struggled with diabetes and fluid on her heart. She became seriously ill about two weeks ago, prompting Robinson to come home on emergency leave.

Robinson, who is close to retirement, serves with the military police at Camp Bucca. He said the prison is holding 15,000 prisoners and he knows the troops there need him. He also said he was not mad at the Army and that the assignment is part of the sacrifice soldiers make when they sign up.


Sad...


04/19/2007 08:21:05 AM · #9
Originally posted by David.C:

Do congressmen care? Yes, but it's not their job to care about the details. Their job is on a much larger scale than that of an individual -- any individual.

David


Actually, politicians should be there to serve their constituents. However, most of the time they are there to serve themselves and figure out how to get re-elected.
04/19/2007 08:54:50 AM · #10
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:

I commend you on taking the initiative to write such a letter, and really hope for the best for your brother. You presented your case very well, without becoming emotional.

However, being a realist, I have to respond to your original question. Do congressmen care?

-No. Not unless it somehow benefits them,or the cameras are rolling.


I'd like to add to your statement. If I may.

MattO
04/19/2007 10:01:11 AM · #11
Want to get action, contact a local news station about the situation and share the letter with them. Coming form a 16 year old there is a good chance they will do a story on it. Then he will do something. Sadly, the only thing our congressmen care about is media attention and getting re-elected.
04/19/2007 10:16:18 AM · #12
IMO,they care when their financial backers or voters care. You have two strikes because I'm sure that you didn't contribute to his war chest(or enough for that matter) and you cannot vote. I wish you the best and I feel that you should always write your congressman & women and tell them you feel. If they get enough letters from people on a particular subject they will "probably" speak up it they feel it's in their best interest. Good luck!
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