An Inconvenient Truth: Politics & Lies

Some say copying good ideas is the sincerest form of flattery. And, in a matter of thinking it can be. In politics it's almost a trademark by a front-runner who has garnered the media's attention. It effectively neutralizes the momentum innovation can produce by an opponent.

In July 2005, our campaign took one of the first public anti-war positions in the nation with a clear exit strategy associated with the Iraqi's voting on their Constitution and government. It foresaw the sectarian violence of Civil War and the possible remedy of creating several nation states instead of a consolidated Iraq. The goal now, as it was then, is to limit loss of life in a war built on a series of lies. Over 80% of those who have been combat veterans (VFW) oppose the Iraq war and our campaign's position was mailed to over 7,000 veterans' households to seek an expression of support and catalyze better ideas for withdrawal.

Within one to four months, Matt Brown and then Sheldon Whitehouse revised their "stay the course" positions to the politically safe, but vanilla position of calling on president Bush for an exit strategy and timeline. Sheldon Whitehouse had no interest in debating the issue when challenged by Matt Brown. He still doesn't, although this has not stopped his campaign of commercials that represent his father's service in the Marines - that will transition by failed memories to imply he had served. It's sly. His new ads call for a withdrawal and address the dated issue of inadequate body armor also tap into the clear anti-war sentiment.

As a combat officer with ten years service in the U.S. Marines, I am fully aware of the impact of extended tours have on our troops and their families. I'm grateful for the support and endorsement of many national veteran and anti-war groups for my candidacy and positions. That they've been co-opted with the help of the less than inquisitive media is unpleasant.

This "wait and see" approach is also reflected in Sheldon Whitehouse's newest press release concerning innovations surrounding foreign and energy policies. Once again, these are issues that were first raised by our campaign last October with increasing levels of detail that culminated in a comprehensive position expressed at our State Democratic Convention. The media has foregone its journalistic responsibility of equal time or inquiry as to whether Sheldon Whitehouse's positions are original or the ideas of his opponent.

John Hazen White Jr. had endeavored to get the U.S. Senate candidates to agree to a debate to highlight our attributes and ideas; however, Sheldon Whitehouse refused to attend. Since then White has commented with clear disdain Whitehouse's avoidance. This denies the public an opportunity to make informed decisions based upon anything else other than carefully scripted commercials purchased from the media. The simplest solution is to visit our two campaign web sites and determine for yourself our positions and when published.

Sheldon Whitehouse: www.whitehouseforsenate.com
Carl Sheeler: www.carlsheeler.com

Could this be the inconvenient truth of shallowness relying on the resources of rich elites and labor unions to buy office? Real leaders independently think, discuss and act.