Letter to the Editor from U.S. Congressional Candidate Lee Zeldin

• by Lee Zeldin for Congress

PATCHOGUE, NY (09/19/2008)(readMedia)-- Dear Editor,

The September 18 East Hampton Press published three letters from local residents who have adopted my opponent's desperate tactic to mislabel the words and actions of my campaign.

One writer claimed, "To accuse Tim Bishop of voting to deprive U.S. troops of ammunition and then calling him 'un-American' is both a lie and a smear."

On the two most recent funding bills to be passed and signed: June 19, 2008 (H.R. 2642), and December 19, 2007 (H.R. 2764), Tim Bishop voted against necessary ammunition, supplies and equipment for troops deployed to Iraq. This is an indisputable fact. The latter bill's troop funding also included Afghanistan where many of our neighbors, like the Fighting 69th, are currently protecting us so bravely. These weren't the first votes he has cast against necessary ammunition, supplies and equipment.

As a soldier, I am so deeply disturbed that we have members of Congress who actually vote against the ammunition in my weapon. By employing these tactics, my opponent is swiftboating himself, by hanging soldiers out to dry. When a young man or woman raises their hand and volunteers to serve, is handed a weapon, uniform, and deployment orders, they must not find out while risking their lives overseas that their Congressman back home is voting against the ammunition necessary to stay alive.

That would be un-American.

To those who characterize this position "dirty and libelous," I tell you that if you do not follow my logic for supporting our troops, then either you haven't served or you take your nation's protectors for granted.

Finally, I couldn't agree more with the writer who maintained that "it is unthinkable that he would do anything damaging to our soldiers." Unfortunately, the unthinkable did happen, as highlighted above.

Fortunately there aren't a majority of Tim Bishops in Washington, because it is hard to win a war when you don't have your Congressman watching your back. At the same time, there is a steep decline in veterans in Congress, and I'm working hard to highlight why this is wrong.

My campaign is dedicated to my fellow veterans who have endured too many Tim Bishops, and other ultra liberal, anti-war left wingers who fail to appreciate the freedoms provided them.

Shame on You, Mr. Bishop for hiding behind lies and mischaracterizations as you fail to support the troops in harm's way.

Lee Zeldin

-30-

For more information on Lee's campaign please visit us at www.zeldin08.com

Paid for by Lee Zeldin for Congress