Word of the Day Online

Re. Frank Wolf

Dear Hon. Wolf:

Firstly, thank you for submitting to Congress H.R. 1186 which would prevent terrorist prisoners in Guantanamo from being moved to and housed in Virginia prisons. I agree that this is a huge security concern for those of us who live and work in Virginia and I fear it will also result in fuzziness in determining whether these terrorists should be tried as enemy combatants or mere criminals afforded all the protections of Miranda Rights and our legal system. The potential trial to come for the captive Somali pirate proves this danger.

On another note, I wanted to express my disagreement over H.R. 1913 or the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. The crimes described in this bill are already covered as crimes regardless of intent by the criminal. This bill will only serve to pave the way for the spoken word to be considered hate speech and statements as simple as "I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman" could result in legal prosecution. Section 10 stating that "Nothing in this Act, or the amendments made by this Act, shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct protected from legal prohibition by, or any activities protected by the free speech or free exercise clauses of, the First Amendment to the Constitution" does not offer the protection Americans deserve when certain groups seem hell-bent on redefining what the First Amendment means. If you are supportive of this bill, I hope that you will reconsider.

As always, thank you for your hard work.

WOTDO

Jim Webb's Lack of Response

Dear WOTDO:

Thank you for contacting my office to express your opposition to federal government assistance to key economic sectors and companies. I understand your opposition to such assistance. Your specific views will assist me as I work to protect Virginians' best interests.

For many years, I have said that the federal government failed to exercise appropriate oversight of the nation's banking and corporate sectors, and promoted policies that reward Wall Street at the expense of Main Street. And like you, I have strong reservations about assisting companies whose own mismanagement helped to lead to our current economic crisis.

Throughout the U.S. Senate's debate regarding financial assistance to companies, I have been an outspoken advocate for hardworking Virginians, as well as for policies that protect our economic well-being. Moreover, without appropriate regulation and oversight, we will be unable to avoid this chapter in our economic history.

As the Senate continues to address issues related to our nation's economy, please be assured that your specific views and suggestions will be very helpful to me and my staff. I hope that you will continue to share your thoughts with us in the years ahead.

I would also invite you to visit my website at www.webb.senate.gov for regular updates about my activities and positions on matters that are important to Virginia and our nation.

Sincerely,

Jim Webb

United States Senator

To Spend Or Not To Spend?

Obama's Bumbling Budget

This whole budget thing is driving me crazy. I tried to email Senator Mark Warner but his contact form is down now for "maintenance." Could it be that he is tired of responding to the 100,000+ emails he has received since taking office in January????? Good 'ol Webb is still up.

Dear Hon. Webb:

I have my doubts based on your predilections to a liberal ideology but I am hoping and, in fact, pleading that you will side with the PEOPLE and vote against President Obama's budget. After all, it's MY money you are spending, is it not?

There are numerous problems with the budget as I see them but I'll go ahead and list the most offensive components: