Dear Senator Corker:
My fraternal grandmother proudly carried the maiden name of Ausnie Ann Reagan. She was an astute letter-of-the-law enthusiast, if not sometimes a fearful irritant, whether that law was recorded in the King James version of the Holy Bible or The Constitution of the United States, in that order. Any violation of the words in those laws would bring a quick thump on the head and many words of wisdom verbatim from those sources, page number and line.
These simple facts will mean something special to you and especially to proud Texans so enriched with our historic sacrifices for freedom and justice. They also are what created and have kept alive for all of my 84 years my dogged grasp and hold on to my right and most certainly my responsibility to make my voice heard in the peoples' house where all citizens of this blessed country have seats at the table. That table hosted my ancestor (and his brothers in arms from Sevier and Benton Counties, Tennessee, and others by the names of Bowie, Crockett, Houston, and Travis who never returned but shall never be forgotten. The annals of history have seen to that.
That ancestor was elected by the people of the Great State of Texas and served in our legislative house of law, order, and justice three times: In the House from 1857-1861 and from 1875-1887; and in the Senate from 1887-1891. (He was appointed by Jefferson Davis to serve as postmaster general of the Confederacy when Texas joined the Confederacy in 1861.) He died and is buried in Palestine, Texas, just north of those Texas landmarks of Houston, Crockett and Bowie. His name was John Henninger Reagan.
Senator Corker, you have served the people of Tennessee, as well as this country, far beyond what they have read or seen on the news. Not all have the luxury of being retired from serving their government as I did for 34 years and can fill a great part of their days following the same course of my Granny, or Aunt Ann as some chose to call her. It is time for the truth to be told and the facts to hit the road and travel where they may. One thing you have never done is boast.
It has been your professionalism, cooperative spirit, and dependable performance in the Senate and your leadership and that of your brothers and sisters in arms on the most respected Senate Foreign Relations Committee that have put to rest any argument that Democrats and Republicans cannot get along or work together on any matter coming before the Senate or Congress. Each of you has traveled not only to your home state near election time but most particularly the vastness of our world in all of its beauty, history, and glory to attempt to find and arrange for help by the generosity and concern of the American people to end the ills, pain, and suffering in those countries affecting all of us. Those daily hearings before the Senate, House, and Congress are where the facts go on the record. Although, regrettably (and I understand, appreciate and agree with your decision for many reason), your name will not be on my ballot this fall, I plan to follow through as I informed you some time ago if you did not change your mind and run again.
I shall be casting my vote for Governor Phil Bredesen for your seat in the Senate. Based on his success as governor of Tennessee, I believe he would have continued to hold that position for years to come were it not for term limits. From my observation through both of Governor Bredesen's terms, I can say with authority that he was a favorite among the governors of the states during their national periodic meetings, all of which were televised. If anyone can hit the road running and bring all parties together; have extended experience in political correctness; know the laws of this country and their application to the states, the country, and abroad; and possess a proven record and demonstrated success in performing their duties with all due diligence and moral and dedicated service, it is Governor Phil Bredesen. We must bring order and healing to our country. Governor Bredesen does not work for a political party. He works for the people.
With great appreciation for your years of service to your constituents and our country.
Respectfully,
Charlotte (Stailey) Parton