Personal attacks not necessary; policy disagreements welcome

11 November 2004

Dear Fellow American:

I respect and honor your right to disagree with Sen. Graham on policy matters, especially contentious ones like Social Security. However, the personal attack including name calling and swearing is unnecessary. I feel I must defend him because I believe he is an outstanding American. He exemplifies our sense of national honor and sets an example of what it means to serve our country with pride.

Sen. Graham chose to serve in public office because he places a high value on service to country, although he is intelligent and could be successful in the private sector. He maintained a successful private law pratice in Oconee County from 1988-1994. Graham earned his law degree in 1982 with honors from the University of South Carolina Law School and a place in the Order of the Wig and Robe because he was in the top 15f his class.

Graham, in his tireless service to community and country has held both hired and elected positions in government. The first such positions were as the city attorney for the Central, SC and the assistant attorney for Oconee County. He served two years in the South Carolina State House and eight in the U.S. House.

Graham has a record of service to his community. He serves as the fundraising chairman for the Oconee chapter of the American Cancer Society and a board member of the Rosa Clark Free Medical Center.

Graham has served in the military for 22 years, ever since he earned his law degree. Begining with six years in the actice duty Air Force, including a tour of duty in Europe. Then he served for six years until election to the U.S. House in the South Carolina Air National Guard. He was called into service during the Gulf War as a Staff Judge Advocate at McEntire Air National Guard Station. Currently he is the only sitting U.S. Senator in the Air Force Force Reserve. He has been a Reservist for the last 10 years and has attained the rank of colonel. He is a Reserve Judge on the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals.

On the matter of pensions. Sen. Graham is working toward a full retirement from the Air Force in eight years. This would give him a military pension which is equal to the congressional system. He can only opt for one, not both. He does not draw pay when he serves his yearly commitment.

Sen. Graham is personally familiar with the benefits of a well funded Social Security system because his sister received survivors benefits after their parents passed away when she was 13 and he was 22. He would not do anything to put Social Security in peril. I believe he is the only one of the current crop in Washington the we can trust to reform Social Security.

Sen. Graham's proposal would give those putting money into Social Security the option of investing in a Thrift Savings Plan-type of account, which is like the federal employees and military personnel have. It would also increase survivors benefits and keep the current recipients in the current-law system.

I will close by saying I think that Sen. Graham is one of the best examples of what America is all about. He has sacrificed. He has served this country honorably and still does. He is intelligent and thoughtful. I would once again ask that you not insult either Sen. Graham or the great state of South Carolina.