j.modjeska

Congressman Jim McDermott
1809 7th Avenue, Suite 1212
Seattle, WA 98101

Dear Jim:

First, let me congratulate you on another well-deserved victory in the 7th District. I am so proud of your service within Washington State and your tireless representation of our district in Congress.

Like so many others, I have spent the past weeks working with the Washington State Democrats in the 7th and 11th Congressional districts. Our team worked many long hours, including a tiring 16-hour Election Day canvassing push in the pouring rain. Our hard work culminated in victory for some of our candidates and of these triumphs I am extremely proud, particularly the resounding 80% landslide that will keep your voice alive in Congress. You were there every step of the way, too. At the Moore Theatre debate party, at the Howard Dean rally on Pier 30, at Key Arena with Michael Moore, at the Patty Murray rallies, even there to kickoff our volunteer training (which you may not remember because you hadn’t slept in days). How inspiring it all was.

Sadly, our victories here fall under a tremendous shadow. The new Republican-dominated House and Senate are eager to churn out legislation with economic, environmental and social consequences that will impact generations of Americans. And George W. Bush is eager to sign every page of it. And then, there are the pillars that hold up our Supreme Court. They are not made of stone but of flesh and blood. And as they crumble and fall their replacements will be appointed by these radical neo-conservatives we have allowed to ascend into power.

I am afraid now as never before. I fear a draft as thousands more American soldiers die in Iraq and still thousands more leave the military, disgusted and disillusioned. I fear a PATRIOT Act II by next fall equating to the coronation of John Ashcroft. I fear a funeral for Roe v Wade by 2006. Privacy, civil liberties and the safety of our children, our allies, our future, will find no shelter from this massive storm we have conjured.

So my question to you, Jim, is how can I possibly stay here in America with all of this looming on the horizon? How do we stay and fight something that the people of the United States have sanctioned? This is not 2000 where the will of the people was hijacked. This time fifty-nine million Americans willingly handed over the controls – with a mountain rapidly approaching. I heard you speak last night at the election night party and I wanted so desperately to join in your optimism as I have so many times on this campaign. But it all looks so hopeless from here and there are places not far away where, a broken heart notwithstanding, I can go and live without fear.

In gratitude for your service, I wish you all the best.

Jeremy Modjeska