Independence OpEd from U.S. Congressional Candidate Lee Zeldin

MASTIC, NY (07/14/2008)(readMedia)-- The concept of independence is a genuinely American institution. Earlier this month, we celebrated Independence Day, honoring the brave endeavors of the Founding Fathers that sought to create the grand experiment in democracy that is today our great nation.

As Americans, we must treasure this independent spirit and embrace the spirit of 1776. After all, this has made America the world's shining city on the hill for more than two centuries, and catapulted us to the forefront of the global stage.

Unfortunately for New Yorkers, our independence is not properly represented in Washington. We're represented by some of the least independent members of Congress, a disheartening notion on a number of levels. Congressmembers Lowey, Maloney, Ackerman and Bishop all fall in the top 10 of worst offenders.

The party platforms of the Democratic and Republican Parties are broad, national frameworks not intended to serve as one-size-fits-all guidelines for every one of the 435 Congressional districts from the Atlantic to Pacific.

For Eastern Long Islanders, our Congressman's startling lack of independence is offensive. Our Congressman votes along party lines 99 percent of the time! To be sure, New York's First Congressional District is not more liberal than San Francisco or New York City. It's about time we have a Congressman that properly represents this fact.

Anyone can follow guidelines handed down from their party brass. While we are among the most taxed Americans and facing trying economic challenges tied to fuel costs and housing prices that are both shooting in the wrong directions, he blindly follows party edict without recognizing our challenges. That's not how a leader operates; to the contrary, that's the textbook example of followership. We'd be just as well off sending a robot to Washington-the savings in medical costs alone would make that worthwhile.

Not this time, Mr. Bishop. Long Islanders deserve better. We deserve a leader in Congress. We are entitled to a confident individual with the fortitude to making his own decisions and the character to recognize what his constituents need.

I recognize that public service is a vocation, a higher calling and as Congressman, I promise to bring two things to Washington: the leadership lessons I learned in the Army, and Eastern Long Island's values. Rest assured, I'll leave the culture of followership and backroom politics in D.C.

And that, you can DEPEND on,

Lee Zeldin

-30-