A message from General W. Clark

Dear Maria Just swallowed John le Carré’s latest thriller Absolute Friends in two evenings. I recommend it unreservedly. Sharpened my outrage at the 1984-ish way our governments giddy minds with foreign quarrels. This isn't a war on terror. When there is real danger, real leaders urge calm. None of this Dept of Fatherland Security ‘orange alert’ nonsense. (Thanks for the cartoon and the message from the general.) Put a brown paper bag over your head. Stay calm. Suck it up.

Le Carré is spot on. Our governments have recruited terrorism to cow us. There is real danger from the likes of al-Qaeda, the wind-up monster the CIA made to confound the Russkies, but it pales besides the dangers of giving George II a free hand.

We could certainly use a real general telling people to stay calm, but I think everybody’s seen too many Arnie-movies. (And the Californians elected him. They deserve their reputation for reading the winds of change.)

Yours from the demilitarised zone round my desk

Stephen

A message from General Wesley Clark:

To all those who worked so hard and cared so much,

Thanks for all you've done. You gave me a voice and you amplified it far beyond anything I could have expected. I am so grateful for all your support, contributions, letters, visits, emails, and continuing commitment. And for all your determination to help our country into the future.

I think we did make a difference, and I think the country and the party are better for all we did together.

But we didn't win.

Today is a sad occasion for all who believe in our vision of America. Like so many of you, I worked hard for John Kerry. Over the last few days, like so many, I believed the polls that showed John Kerry winning. And I believed John would be a good president. Thank you for supporting him. I very much regret that he won't be there in the White House for us.

Much will be written about this election. People will analyze the nominees, their platforms, and the processes. There'll be detailed looks at the electorate. I'm sure our party will look hard at itself, its ideas, policies, and approaches.

We'll likely be very tough on ourselves and each other — but I hope not too tough. We want to strengthen our party and our ability to compete in the next election and the one after that. So we need to show each other some appreciation, too, to keep it all in perspective.

I'll be listening to their views — and to yours. It will take time, effort, and honesty to sort out the lessons. But I hope you'll be there as we do so. And participate. I look forward to reading your ideas and hearing from you in the coming days.

As for me, well, I'm continuing with efforts in the private sector. But I haven't lost my love for this country nor concern for her welfare. That's why, through WesPAC, I'll continue to speak out and fight for the issues we care about and the values we stand for.

Thanks again for standing beside me over the many months. We've got a lot left to do, so stick with me in the weeks and months ahead!

Sincerely,

Wes