Senator Runner's letter to Governor Schwarzenegger asking him to veto measure that harms military personnel

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:

I am writing this letter to ask you to veto Senate Bill 924 (Perata).

This meaningless measure will only bring harm to our brave troops in Iraq. Additionally, it sends a negative message to our military personnel that the difficult mission they are pursuing in the name of freedom is undervalued by the California legislature. This idea to end the war and immediately bring troops home is so dangerous and far-fetched that even Congressional Democrats would oppose this bill.

Furthermore, let’s not forget; the United States Constitution gives Congress and the President the authority to make decisions about war – not state government officials. So this measure is useless on this basis alone.

This bill amounts to nothing more than political grandstanding. We are doing a disservice to Californians by wasting their hard-earned tax dollars on legislation that will never influence military decisions, and in fact, will never amount to much more than a hollow political statement.

Our constituents sent us to Sacramento to fight the many battles that California communities face. They sent us to the Capitol to find solutions to public safety, healthcare, education and transportation problems. They did not send us here to stray off course of our legislative duties and instead, meddle in the affairs of the federal government.

I am hopeful that concern for our military personnel will win the day and you will veto SB 924.

Sincerely,

Sen. George C. Runner
Senate District 17

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