Former awardees Joseph and Valerie Wilson send letter to Pacific Palisades Democratic Club in protest of withdrawal of award from Mikey Weinstein
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This post was created on the previous version of the MRFF website, and may not be fully accessible to users of assistive technology. If you need help accessing this content, please reach out via email.The hard-hitting letter by Joe and Valerie Wilson is below:
Mike Stryer
President
Pacific Palisades Democratic Club
Dear Mr. Stryer,
By separate mail, Valerie and I are returning the Awards for Political Courage. We find it outrageous that you would offer the same award to Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and then rescind the offer because he “served in the Reagan White House”. Mikey has single handedly thwarted the efforts of the Fundamentalist Christian right to convert our armed forces from one that serves the constitution of the United States and the defense of our homeland, and includes citizens of all faiths, into one that fights wars in the name of a specific brand of extremely conservative Christianity, and deeply discriminates against those who observe other faiths. It is unconscionable in our view to tie political courage to partisan activities, particularly those that took place over twenty-five years ago. Democrats are not the only ones who demonstrate political courage. By applying your partisan criteria to the selection of recipients of the award, I clearly received mine in error as I was appointed Ambassador by President George H. W. Bush. And I am a registered independent. Please also cease and desist using our names to promote anything related to the Pacific Palisades Democratic Club or the Political Courage Award program.
As an observation, you might want to rethink the Political Courage Award program altogether. You make a mockery of the term when your organization itself demonstrates such an absence of political courage by your actions. Mikey, quite literally, has put his life on the line for separation of church and state, a principle articulated in our nation’s constitution, not in some party platform. Presumably that was the reason you honored him in the first place. He certainly remains worthy of that honor whatever his past or present politics might be.
Sincerely,
Joseph and Valerie Wilson
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Here is my humble suggestion to the Pacific Palisades Democrats. Before you place both hands firmly around your ankles and pull your feet out of your mouths; take both hands, place them firmly around your necks and pull your head out of your four pointed contacts.
Mr. Weinstein is an American Hero.
He continues to defend and uphold the Constitution when our military leaders and politicians decline their oaths.
That is Treason.
Thank you Mr. Weinstein for everything you do. As I thank active, retired and deceased Veterans for making the United States what it is.
I find it pathetic that this organization can be so narrow minded.
Having spent some delicious times in the Palisades, i know the place well. And i have no doubt before the decision to rescind the invite was announced, it first had to percolate thru several octogenarian minds. So, be compassionate toward your extreme elders. A whole raft of feisty 75-year-olds will be taking their places soon enough.
Joseph and Valerie Wilson, thank you for your great letter! You are true patriots! Mikey Weinstein, thank you for all you have done, Sir! I hold rare individuals like you in the highest regard! You get it, you know what this country is all about, and are willing to lay your life on the line. May God bless and sustain you through your battles, in your fight to preserve liberty of conscience, religious freedom and that grand old document, the United State Constitution.