Over two weeks ago I called Ike Skelton’s office (and Claire McCaskill’s office) to ask about co-sponsoring a resolution condemning Rush Limbaugh for the remarks about the military he had made on his radio show.

Yesterday I received a letter on the subject from Ike Skelton.

October 16, 2007

Dear…

Thank you for contacting me to share your views regarding recent, distasteful rhetoric questioning the patriotism of members of America’s armed forces. I appreciate hearing from you.

As the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I am disappointed when anyone questions the patriotism of those who serve or who have served in our country’s military. The vast majority of these individuals are good, decent people. They are dedicated public servants, and they and their families sacrifice a great deal for the American people.

In my view, hateful political attacks – whether against an outstanding general like David Petraeus, against distinguished veterans like Senators John Kerry and Max Cleland, or against any other current or former military member – do a disservice to our national discussion regarding the best way forward in Iraq. They serve to cloud the real objective, which is to strategically redeploy most U.S. troops from Iraq and to force that nation’s bewildered policymakers to take the reins of their own nation.

Clearly, emotions among the American people are running high. In Missouri and elsewhere, there is a great deal of discomfort about how the war has been executed and about the best path forward in Iraq. As this important policy debate continues in our country, it is my hope that we can focus on the objective and refrain from using hateful or demeaning rhetoric to describe those who serve or who have served in uniform.

Again, thank you for getting in touch with me. With best regards, I remain

Very truly yours,
s/Ike
IKE SKELTON
Member of Congress

IS:ed