This Parrot's Letter to the United States Senate

The following is being e-mailed to each and every Senator of the United States of America.

SUBJECT: What Would Winston Do?

My Dear United States Senators,

Given my unique perspective on the matter, I feel it is incumbent upon me to share with you my thoughts regarding Senator Orrin Hatch’s evocation of Sir Winston Churchill on the Senate floor this past 26th of April. Judging by the vote on H.R. 1591 that same day, a clear 51 of you missed his point entirely; hence the urgency of my correspondence.

For more than a quarter of the 20th century, I served as Prime Minister Churchill’s proud and loyal pet parrot. You can read all about it here and here. (While there have been numerous counter-reports aimed at discrediting my lineage, please pay no attention. Bloody lies.) Today, through that miracle of modern technology known as THE BLOG, I endeavor to reintroduce Sir Winston’s words, spirit, and perspective in order to shed sorely needed Churchillian Light upon the events of our time. You will find this letter and numerous other of my essays, articles, and links at http://www.churchillsparrot.com/.

Thus, was I greatly heartened by Senator Hatch’s comments on the Conference Report to H.R. 1591. Thus too was I greatly disheartened by the fact that the bill passed the Senate by a vote of 51 to 47. Fortunately, as Bushie is sure to veto this debacle, there is still time to reiterate some of Senator Hatch’s more brilliant observations in regards to the need for commitment, resolve, and comprehensive thinking on the part of the American people and their representatives, assuming you all wish to actually prevail in this latest test of history.

“Today I rise to speak on a question that continues to weigh heavily on my heart. I am reluctant to ask it since such a question would never have been asked, or even contemplated, by previous generations of Americans. But it is a question that now must be asked since it is central to our future: do we, as Americans, have the resolve to see our commitments through?

It is the central and critical component in determining who will prevail in the Global War on Terrorism. Will we, our coalition allies, the people of Iraq and their elected government, emerge victorious? Or will we renounce and abdicate our commitments and responsibilities to the Iraqi people -- leaving them to a fate controlled by terrorists and leaving our future security as a Nation in peril. Generations ago that, unto itself, would be a stain on the honor of this country; but these are different times

I am reminded of events that occurred during the summer of 1940. The Nazi armies, seemingly invincible, had conquered Western Europe. France, the Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, Norway, and Belgium had all fallen. The British Army, after its rescue from Dunkirk, no longer possessed sufficient numbers of artillery and tanks to defend against the blitzkrieg. All that stood between Hitler and complete victory was the English Channel and 650 fighters of the Royal Air Force. Then Hitler offered a deal. In exchange for a “free hand in Europe,” the Nazis would provide “guarantees” that they would not invade Great Britain. Despite the fact that the British Army lacked sufficient equipment to effectively repulse an invasion, Prime Minister Churchill resolved to keep his Nation’s commitment to the people of Europe. He would not abandon them.

His words, which I will paraphrase, still echo today:

’The Battle of France is over… the Battle of Britain is about to begin. Upon this battle depends the survival of… Western civilization… The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break us… or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free… But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States…[and] all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us, therefore, brace ourselves to our duties and so bear ourselves that…, men will say – This Was Their Finest Hour.’

This is the lesson that history teaches us -- that resolution to see your commitments through is what great statesman and Nations are made of. That peace and justice can only be restored through bold action. So what do my colleagues on the other side of the aisle offer, knowing full well this lesson of history? In a word: Defeat.

I believe Winston Churchill would have characterized the Democratic strategy as -- guaranteed defeat. Is this resolve? Is this determination to see our commitments through? No, this is the worst case of capitulation to appeasement since Neville Chamberlain spoke the words “Peace in our Time.” What is needed now is leadership. Now at this critical moment in history, great nations need to follow Churchill’s advice, yet the Democrats only offer us Chamberlains.

What side of history do you wish to be on? Based on America’s history and our resolve that has seen us through so many difficulties in the past, I believe the American people do not want retreat they want success and security.

-Orrin Hatch, United States Senator for Utah

HERE, HERE Senator Hatch! Though I undoubtedly could have, I shall do you the honor of claiming I could not have said it better myself.

My dear Senators, I sincerely hope that each and every one of you will - on this and ALL matters concerning the fate of Western Civilization at this particular and peculiar juncture in human history - reconsider the words of Senator Hatch and Sir Winston. Please know that my continuing counsel on such matters is at your disposal 24 hours a day at http://www.churchillsparrot.com/.

For alas, much is at stake and much remains left to be done before we can heed Mr. Chamberlain’s advice to, “Go home and get a nice quiet sleep.”

Cheers,

Charlie