By Staff
Editor:
Attention all active duty, National Guard, Reserve personnel, veterans and military retirees: Do you remember when Dr. Parker Griffith and Wayne Parker were running to fill the Congressional seat being vacated by then Congressman Bud Cramer? Dr. Parker Griffith claimed to be the only one who could fill the shoes of Bud Cramer.
It seems we have elected the wrong person to fill Bud Cramer’s shoes. Dr. Parker Griffith’s feet seem to be too small to fit in Bud Cramer’s shoes. I think it is time for all of us military background individuals to start the effort to make Congressman Dr. Parker Griffith a one term Congressman.
I have sent a good number of e-mails and sent a fax and even tried calling his office in Washington, D.C. and I have even been in contact with his Huntsville office, all to no avail. The only reply I have received to date from Congressman Dr. Parker Griffith is the following canned message:
I want to thank you for taking the opportunity to contact my office. I am always glad to receive messages from constituents who choose to voice their opinions on upcoming legislation. Because of the nature of my job and the responsibilities I have to my district and state, I am only able to respond to the concerns of Alabamians. This is an automatic response to let you know that I received your message; you will receive a written response from me shortly. Because I like to offer an individual response to each message, please be patient and understanding. However, if you don’t receive a response, please let my staff know.
I want to take a moment to let you to know that I am excited and honored to be your representative. I am ready to do the work of the people. As your representative, I believe that it is essential for my office to continually stay in contact with the residents of North Alabama. Your voice is valued, and I want you to know that I will always take your opinions into account. Should you need further assistance, please contact my office at (202) 225-4801. Once again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Sincerely, Parker Griffith, M.D. Member of Congress
I do not find the above response acceptable to the many veteran legislative items I have contacted him over the last three months. I am left with the feeling Congressman Dr. Parker Griffith does not care or have any feelings for the military man and his family. What do you think?
Perhaps, the reason Congressman Dr. Parker Griffith is not concerned about the military man and his family he is too busy taking care of all of his political action committee contributions he accepts for his election campaign. According to the Disabled American Veterans web site, “www. STANDUP 4VETS.ORG”, he accepted $369,808 in contributions from political action committees.
Now, I ask you, where does that leave the military man and his family? Most of us do not have that kind of money to buy a Congressman to represent us in Congress.
Are all of you with me in making Congressman Dr. Parker Griffith a one term Congressman? Remember, we do have the power to kick him out of office in the 2010 elections. Let’s put forth an all out effort to make this happen. We certainly cannot do any worse than what we now have representing us in Congress.
Gene B. Aittala
Hartselle
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