I want to say thank you. You have been a rare example, to me at least, of intelligent and nuanced leadership within the Republican Party and I'm grateful to you for that. I wish there was more of that displayed pervasively on both sides of the aisle. I apologize sincerely if this comes across as another of a so many rants. I really want to support the process of Democracy in my country in a positive way, but I have to say that as an independent voter (who has liberal ideals but conservative attitudes) that I am appalled at what I'm seeing in the Legislature and the White House in terms of partisan political stunts, special interest policy making and a seeming disregard for the needs and desires of a majority of ordinary American taxpayers. I don't want to have to vote along party lines but if this keeps up I will be tempted to vote against every Republican office holder I see out of pure frustration. What I really want is to be able to vote for true leaders who are representing their constituents but also looking out for the greater good of this country regardless of party affiliation...and who won't mislead voters with spun out explanations of policies and blunders. Abuse of power seems rampant in this Republican led Congress and White House. I am at the point as a citizen of feeling that it is my patriotic duty to ask why this President isn't on the brink of impeachment. So I ask you sincerely, what does a citizen like myself do when I feel convinced that Senate and House leaders are subverting the democratic process and that my President has betrayed his office, acted illegally and become a threat to the integrity of my nation and the security of its people. I never thought it would come to this, but now that it has I'm shocked that there isn't a debate about impeachment running like wildfire through the media and through Congress...or at least being discussed in the judicial sector. Since I'm still learning how the government runs I have to assume that within the complexities of everything you have going on around you that it's something you're thinking hard about, but that there are more severe things at hand that demand your attention first. At any rate I do want to thank you for your hard work and sacrifice and for having the courage to stand up for positions that are controversial within your own party. I hope you are able to enjoy a nice holiday with your loved ones and I also wish you a clean bill of health for the rest of your days. Sincerely, Don Conoscenti / Chicago IL  12-21-05