Feinstein's reply...

To the letter I send re: Sandy Hook, gun control, mental healthcare, et al

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Dear  Mr. Kelley :

Thank you for contacting me about partisanship in our political discourse.  I appreciate hearing from you and I welcome the opportunity to respond. 

I am a strong proponent of the core values that serve as the foundation of the Democratic Party, but I also believe it is important for politicians to put aside partisan feelings and work together on behalf of the American people.  Respectful political discourse encourages the expression of ideas and is an important part of our democratic system.  It also allows the minority view a voice in a debate and can encourage leaders to find areas of compromise. 

The voters of  California deserve leadership that will work across party lines to address issues such as national security, education reform, border security, health care reform, clean water, the budget, and other issues.  Representing  California in the Senate is a challenging and rewarding responsibility, and I am committed to finding real solutions to the problems that face  California and the Nation.  I frequently work across party lines to get things done, in recognition that compromise by both parties is often the key to advancing our nation's interests.

Once again, thank you for writing.  If you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to call my  Washington ,  D.C. office at (202) 224-3841.  Best regards.

Sincerely yours,

  Dianne Feinstein
         United States Senator

 

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In reply, I was forced to ask, "Did anyone there actually READ my letter?  I didn't say anything whatever about 'partisanship in political discourse'."

"Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself."  -Mark Twain

"Be respectful to your superiors, if you have any."  -Mark Twain (given the responses I get from legislators, I have my doubts...)

"We all do no end of feeling, and we mistake it for thinking. And out of it we get an aggregation which we consider a boon. Its name is public opinion. It is held in reverence. Some think it the voice of God."  -Mark Twain

"Sometimes I wonder whether the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it."  -Mark Twain (possibly, and misquoted?  The sentiment is accurate, and fits with the rest of his writings...)

"Dear God, if you won't help us, at least have some pity on us who can still see..."