Doolittle does not fulfill House's contract of trust

LTE in Auburn Journal

Monday, November 27, 2006 11:29 PM PST

Twelve years ago, an important preface appeared in the "Republican Contract With America." In part, it stated: "As Republican members of the House of Representatives ... we propose to change its policies, but even more important to restore the bonds of trust between the people and their elected representatives." The contract also promised a citizen legislature, not one dominated by career politicians.

Fast forward to 2006. Our own representative, John T. Doolittle, will begin his ninth term in January. Far from the Republican ideal of citizen legislator, the congressman returns to Washington with enough personal baggage to ground a large aircraft.

For example: a cozy relationship - still being investigated by the justice department - with federal inmate No. 27593-112, aka Jack Abramoff; far-flung Native American constituencies in Michigan, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Iowa and Louisiana; a fundraising spouse who "earns" 15 percent of every dollar donated to her husband; a record of earmarking - especially for items requested by large campaign donors - unequaled in recent congressional memory; support for wage slavery in the Marianas; and much, much more.

Unfortunately, the congressman sees these troubles myopically. He's the target of a liberal media conspiracy (excluding, of course, conservative talk shows that dominate local stations 18 hours a day).

If that's the case, let me be the first to say: "Mega-dittos, Representative Doolittle. Longtime voter, first time correspondent. Eighteen years in Washington is long enough. Leave the public trough to another Republican. A place you've never been before - the private sector - is calling. It's time to come home."

Richard Bell

Grass Valley