Thursday, December 31, 2009

Opportunism

Everyone has no doubt heard the details of the attempted terrorist attack on Christmas Day, when Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab tried to set off an explosive hidden in his underwear. His arrest has reignited the debate about torture and 'enemy combatant' status as well as the usual run of crass political opportunism.

Republican Congressman Pete Hoekstra of Michigan, who is currently running for Governor, wasted no time in getting his voice out there. How did he respond to this incident? Was his first action to commend the passengers and crew who subdued the bomber? Was it to tout or even question the way the Homeland Security system reacted to the incident? Nope. He just saw an opportunity for a quick buck. He posted a statement that said, in part:

"There is still a war against the American way of Life; on Christmas morning, it came right here to Detroit. I understand the real and continuing threat radical jihadists pose ... But I need your help! ... Please make a most generous contribution of $25, $50, $100 or even $250 to my campaign. ..."

No, this is not a joke. A sitting US Congressman, running for Governor has used the attempted murder of some 300 Americans as a way to increase his campaign contributions. For this alone I can only hope he loses the election. This is an example of the most base of political actions. It demonstrates that this person cares far more for his own political career than for the people who elected him. In my opinion this is pathetic and unworthy of a member of the US Congress. He should feel shame. Sadly this is just the latest action Congressman Hoekstra has taken which clearly demonstrates his lack of fitness for his elected office. This includes a statement he made after the Ft. Hood shooting, where he appears to have divulged information on a classified surveillance operation in his rush to ensure his name was in the news. And this man is the ranking Republican member of the House Intelligence Committee! It boggles the mind.

As always, please let me know what you think by clicking the Comment link below and leaving your thoughts!

1 comment:

Please let me know what you think, even if it's to disagree.