Disappointment

Dear President Stryer & Pacific Palisades Democratic Club Leadership,
I am so disappointed in your lack of courage to stand by your original decision to “do the right thing” by honoring a great man with a just cause. Progressives, so often, take the lead in “doing the right thing,” which is exactly what you did when you honored Mr. Weinstein for his courage. Unfortunately, you didn’t have the courage to stand with so many other distinguished individuals and organizations who have honored this great American.
I am the former chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. During my tenure, the “progressives” in our Party finally found a “voice” and a “seat at the table.” I take pride in having fostered that relationship and opportunity. I have not always agreed with their positions, but I have always valued their positions. I also applauded their ability to initiate and foster a healthy conversation about “doing the right thing.”
Mr. Weinstein stands head and shoulders above so many others in his crusade to hold our government accountable in its words and in its actions. He has been so deserving of the accolades that have been sprinkled upon him by organizations and individuals with true moral compasses. I say “sprinkled” because those accolades are a mere fraction in number when compared to the number of death threats, harassing emails, damage to his property and the things he has had to endure during his tireless efforts to stand up for our women and men in service. Unfortunately, your leadership (as I am sure it wasn’t an organizational vote) chose to change its course. That being said, you are not worthy to honor him as you have chosen to bend at the slightest breeze and find some ridiculous reason to “rescind” your award. Your actions are offensive enough that I took precious time during the final 4 days of my statewide campaign to share my disappointment.
As a former Party chair and current candidate for Lt. Governor, I find inspiration from grassroots organizations and strong Party organizations around the country. I have found just the opposite in your actions. I do wonder, however, whether this award is really to honor political courage or is it used as a fundraising ploy for some Democratic Club dinner with a room filled with wealthy donors—what would Anne Froelich think?
Respectfully, I am a disappointed and progressive Democrat from New Mexico,
(name withheld)

Dear Mikey,
Thank you for forwarding this letter to me. I have not said much in the past, but I see that you sent this letter specifically to me. For me not to say anything this time, I believe, would make you think that I don’t care about the heroic job that you are doing—of course, this is certainly not true. First, I just want to let you know that I am honored to be your friend and quite privileged to have been with you in the same squadron at the Academy.
Mikey, it is certainly ironic to me that the president of Pacific Palisades Democratic Club has no backbone to do what is right. If the award is truly to honor political courage, then why would he use the lame excuse that he did? I wonder after all the repercussions that he has been getting if he has the guts to admit that he is wrong? Well, I guess, all I can say is that a man with no backbone, no guts, and no common sense should really not be a president of a club—especially to an organization that honors those who are the epitome of those who do. In my book, you are one of the most honorable and courageous men who went above and beyond to uphold what we swore to do when we took our oath at the Academy—to defend the constitution of the United States.
Take care,
(name withheld)