Beheading of American Journalist Touches Tiny Town of Washington, CT

Statement

Friend,

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of American Journalist Steven Sotloff during this horrible time. Mr. Sotloff was killed by terrorists in the most gruesome of ways for one reason and that was being an American. He was the second American beheaded by ISIS in the last two weeks and a 1999 graduate of Rumsey Hall in Washington, CT.

This disgraceful incident marks a critical time in our nation's foreign policy. Yet President Obama said last week he didn't have a strategy to deal with ISIS.

Nearly a month ago I said the airstrikes against ISIS represented a further deterioration of America's position in this crisis and a continuing failure of the President's policies, supported by Elizabeth Esty, which have again destabilized this country. Mr. Sotloff's murder represents an even further deterioration of our position and security. In June I called on the President to follow the recommendation of Senator McCain that retired Gen. David Petraeus should be put back in charge to address the crisis in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

I pointed out that Elizabeth Esty, remained quiet on this critical issue of national security until after the bombs started dropping. This has become a pattern for Congresswoman Esty who remained silent on the head of the VA, Eric Shinseki during the developing VA scandal until after he had resigned. On the other hand, I called on him to resign.

Once again, Elizabeth Esty was very late in addressing an issue of critical importance to Americans and American interests. While the Iraqi government's position was growing steadily weaker, while the insurgents were gaining strength, Esty was silent. Not until bombs were dropped did she weigh in, and then to say she "opposes intervention in this larger sectarian crisis."

Once again the 5th district has been affected by events occurring thousands of miles away, across the globe.

Just as the failure of Obama, Pelosi and Esty in dealing with the Southern border became an issue at the Southbury Training School, their lack of leadership in the Middle East has brought grief to the beautiful town of Washington, and to towns across America.

The residents of the 5th district deserve leaders in Congress who will tell them where they stand on important issues in real time- not after the issue has been decided by their party's leadership.

It is up to our elected leaders to tell us their positions and take a stand as these events unfold. Unfortunately, Congresswoman Esty continues to remain silent on tough issues, unless forced to comment. The residents of Connecticut's 5th district should expect- and will get answers- with a Congressman Greenberg.

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