Thursday, February 25, 2010
William Lacy Clay, Jr. Washington, DC Office: 2418 Rayburn House Office Building Washington D.C., 20515
Dear Representative Clay,
I am the National Executive Director of Veterans For Peace. I have been a resident of the Saint Louis metropolitan area for the past 5 years, most of which I lived in Russ Carnahan’s District. I moved to the Central West End during the summer which makes me one of your constituents. I am stepping down from my position as National Executive Director of Veterans For Peace effective this Friday, February 26th. My successor Dennis Lane also lives in your district and may contact you soon.
Sunday February 21st you and I had what I call a strange and disappointing encounter in Washington National Airport. I saw you while I was waiting to return to Saint Louis from a meeting of citizens across the Right and Left political spectrum. I wanted to quickly introduce myself, tell you about my successor and that I would like to get your advice and insight about Congress and how the peace/anti-war movement can be more effective when approaching the House.
Your reaction to me was short, gruff and curt. It was disappointing, not because you did not have time to talk to me. That is understandable. I am a busy person myself and run into other activist and VFP members who want to talk and I may or may not have the time. I know it can be frustrating when you are running late or have a lot on your mind and someone you do not know is trying to stop you to talk. I was disappointed because you could have been polite about not having time to speak to me. I felt as if I had no standing with you as a member of your district and no voice with you as a citizen. I am sure that is not what you intended, but that is how you made me feel.
rough day. Whatever the case may be, my advice is that in the future you find a hospitable and respectful way to disengage from a voter. Washington politics and incumbency has a way of changing almost everyone for the worst. It is one of the reasons Congress has such low approval numbers. We citizens feel as if you all are not listening. Your behavior was illustrative of our frustration. You may be slipping into a mindset that will hurt you and your district in the future. I hope not.
I shared my experience with activists in Saint Louis and on one of my blogs, mcphearsonreport.com. Please read it as it will tell you more about why I was in DC and the possibility of a broad based Right to Left anti-war coalition.
I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors to serve the people of Saint Louis.
Sincerely
Michael T. McPhearson Veterans For Peace Executive Director
