Guest Commentary-Loebsack Votes Present on House Resolution

In today’s world we sorely need leadership. Unfortunately, Iowa’s Second Congressional District is being left with very little, if any. A real leader is not afraid to take a stand on the issues whether said stand is popular with the public or not. A real leader will not sit on the fence, or stick a toe in to test the waters, before making a decision. A real leader makes decisions based on convictions, principles and confidence, rather than looking to others before making a decision.

With the current state of world politics, we cannot afford leaders without conviction and without direction. Recent events in Iran and North Korea have shown that ours is a President without conviction and lacking the fortitude to be a world leader. A complete inability to make a decision while the world is watching not only makes us look weak, but also leaves the world wondering just where the United States stands.

Recently, the United States House of Representatives took up a vote to support Iranian freedom strugglers. The resolution passed overwhelmingly and almost unanimously. In fact, only 3 Representatives voted against the majority. Iowa’s Second District Congressman Dave Loebsack was part of that minority. It was with this vote that Mr. Loebsack demonstrated that he is one of those leaders without conviction and lacking fortitude. Mr Loebsack does not have the courage of his conviction enough to make a vote on this issue. He is so afraid to vote in any manner that President Obama will not approve, he decided to vote “Present” on this matter.

In today’s world we need true leaders. Mr. Loebsack demonstrated late last week that he is not the leader we need in these times of not only economic turmoil but also world geo-political strife. A vote of “Present” on this issue tells Iowan’s that Mr. Loebsack either doesn’t care about Iranian’s who are seeking fair elections or he is afraid to upset his President who was also unable to make any decisions on the matter.

Today, Iowa needs a leader in Washington that will lead with conviction and principles. Iowa needs a leader from its second Congressional District that does not have to test the waters before making decisions. I am confident that this leader will emerge soon and allow the voters of Iowa’s Second District a real difference and finally give this district the leadership it is currently lacking. It will be up to the voters of this district to decide if a lack of leadership and constant votes for fiscal blunders is “good enough”. I am sure the informed voters of this district will rather have a disciplined and principled leader who will give them fiscal responsibility, sound ideas on defending this country and getting us back on our feet with jobs and a stable economy.

Christopher Reed

Marion, Iowa