Jim Dean Delivers Open Letter to Senator Lieberman

Released: Dec 13, 2005 1:03 PM

Over 50,000 Democracy for America Members Co-Signed the Open Letter

HARTFORD, CT -- Today, Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean joined Connecticut DFA members to hand deliver an open letter to Senator Joseph Lieberman asking him to stop trying to stifle debate around the war in Iraq. The letter was co-signed by over 50,000 Democracy for America members and was delivered to Senator Lieberman's office in Hartford, Connecticut.

"If Senator Lieberman wants to be a cheerleader for President Bush that is his own prerogative, but to try and stifle an honest debate about an issue as important as the war in Iraq is just unconscionable," said Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America. "The people of Connecticut and the nation deserve better from a member of the world's greatest deliberative body."

The letter was delivered in response to remarks made by Senator Lieberman last week. Below is the text of the letter written by Mr. Dean:

Dear Senator Lieberman,

Recently you said, "It's time for Democrats who distrust President Bush to acknowledge he'll be commander-in-chief for three more critical years, and that in matters of war we undermine presidential credibility at our nation's peril."

I disagree. The First Amendment enumerates our right "to petition the government for a redress of grievances." If Americans don't challenge a president who is bankrupting our treasury, destroying our moral leadership and jeopardizing our national security then we fail as patriots.

Senator Lieberman: As a member of the "world's greatest deliberative body," it's time you stopped trying to stifle debate and instead become part of the solution by joining the majority of Americans in questioning President Bush's foreign policy.

Respectfully,

Jim Dean
Chair, Democracy for America