As a Gold Star Family, (our son, Sgt. David W. Johnson, Oregon National Guard, KIA September 25, 2004, near Baghdad, Iraq) we find it more than just  interesting that Senator Gordon Smith has chosen now, a month after the Republican Party has lost control of the senate, to “loosen” his ties with the Bush administration. 

We met with Senator Smith in his Washington DC office, on September 23, 2005.  During our brief “conversation” with the senator, we spoke of the many reasons we were against the war with Iraq even before the invasion.  We talked about the fact that the war was based on lies about weapons of mass destruction.  We told Senator Smith how we supported David during his time in Iraq and how we continue to support the rest of the troops still in Iraq and those now back home.  After telling Senator Smith the details of our son’s death in Iraq he looked at us and said, “I hope that someday your pain will be lessened when you realize that President Bush was right about the reasons we went to war.” 

I remember vividly my wife’s response to his statement, to our pleas for his help to end the war and bring our troops home now.  Michelle looked at him and stated, “Senator, you are out of touch with reality.”  At that point our conversation was at an end and we left feeling empty and hurt.  What we learned was that Senator Smith did not really care about us or our children. 

Now Senator Smith is trying to reposition himself for the 2008 election by claiming he has finally seen the light about the true cost of the war against Iraq and the waste of American lives.  Senator Smith is seemingly trying to distance himself from the Bush administration at this time in hopes that the voters in Oregon won’t remember how often he voted with the Bush Administration.  The only voters being duped by Senator Smith will be those who vote for him in 2008.  Senator Smith, in my opinion, knew exactly what the Bush administration was doing and backed it totally.  To try and excuse himself now, after his party has lost control of congress, and when he is up for election, shows us the real Mr. Smith; say whatever you have to in order to stay in power.  A lesson learned from the Bush administration.  Senator Smith your time is up.  It’s too late for 2,932 American families.  It’s too late for you.

STEVE De FORD, Salem