Time To Decaffeinate Joe?

To the Editor:

It seems that the flag flies at half-mast most of the time on our glorious flagpole in Newtown these days. This is a most appropriate symbol of respect and honor for those brave members of the military, with Connecticut connections, who have died serving our country. It is in this light that Senator Lieberman’s comments calling for another aggressive preemptive military strike, this time against Iran, are all too familiar and very disappointing, but not surprising.

I did not vote for the senator due to primarily his “hawkish” views. He camouflaged them well during his campaign. In fact, he seemed “antiwar” to many people. During that campaign he frequented diners and professed to listen to the people when they had a “Cup of Joe, with Joe.” The majority of Connecticut voters fell in line. Now he is in the Fox Hole (FOX TV, that is) spouting the need for further aggression.

The senator listens only to the beat of his own war drum and not the rhythm of the state and the nation at large. Apparently the senator’s recent “Cups of Joe” have had way too much caffeine. The senator speaks of progress when visiting Iraq and now wants to bomb and invade (just a “small” invasion, he says) Iran rather than pursue talks with Iran and possible sanctions.

The senator should count the bodies and hatred left in the wake of actions from politicians like him. He is no longer the senator of the people of Connecticut. He is the senator of his own agenda. He is a politician. Perhaps he, as President Bush, plays well in Albania but not in Connecticut, not in the USA, and not around the world at large.

This is but one more example how the views of the people are not represented by those in public office. What has happened to the expectations of the American people as reflected in the midterm elections? Our presence in Iraq has increased and now we are talking about bombing and invading Iran. That’s not what most of America voted for in the midterms. Well, just have another “Cup of Joe with Joe” and all will be right with the world … correct?

By the time we have the Labor Day Parade in Newtown in early September, we need to find a way to make appropriate demands of our elected leaders pursuant to the current “surge” and our current and future role in the Middle East. Will we see you at the parade, Senator Lieberman? I’ll buy you a cup of coffee … decaf, of course!

Richard English

3 Curry Drive, Newtown                                                   June 13, 2007