Senator Chambliss, from Georgia, is on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and Vice Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He is retiring at the end of 2014. What do these facts have to do with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities( CRPD)? Several things come to mind.
First, Senator Chambliss' work in the area of intelligence both in the House and Senate give him a sense of the importance of credibility, accuracy, cooperation, and timeliness when dealing with partners on intelligence. He understands the importance of connections among facts and among nations. Could not the ratification of the CRPD help in these matters? Ratification would clearly help our standing on the world stage in many arenas including those impacted by intelligence. It would surely not harm, but likely enhance, our collaboration with others. If we were to not ratify the CRPD other nations would question our true position on disability and human rights. And, who's to say this would not extend to how other nations view our position on intelligence gathering? Perhaps they would anticipate and expect that we would put limits on our cooperation and intelligence gathering simply for political reasons.
Second, Senator Chambliss has spent a lot of time with military personnel and their families. He knows the sacrifices they make and he knows the help they need. He also most likely knows that many veterans organizations strongly support the ratification of the CRPD. He clearly knows that there is an easier path for military personnel and veterans who go overseas if the country they are visiting or stationed in is on the same footing with regard to disability related issues as the U.S. This common footing will be more likely once we ratify the CRPD. Senator Chambliss' positions and votes with regard to military personnel and veterans have been based on a strong commitment to them, not to some political position.
Third, since Senator Chambliss is retiring this year he is reflecting on what will shape his legacy. Surely he wants to be remembered as a thoughtful statesman, a results-oriented legislator, and a man committed to helping his constituents access opportunities that strengthen them, their communities, and the broader economy. Ratification of the CRPD will make the world a better place far into the future. New opportunities will open up for businesses and people with disabilities, including veterans, across the world.
We need Senator Saxby Chambliss on the side of ratification of the CRPD. His record would suggest that is where he should be. Please contact him, especially if you are from Georgia, and ask him to join in support of the ratification of the CRPD. If you are a veteran or member of the military please contact him and ask him to support the ratification of the CRPD. He cares. Help bring him to our side.
Here are his telephone numbers:
Washington D.C. Office: 202-224-3521
North Georgia Office: 770-763-9090
East Georgia Office: 706-650-1555
Middle Georgia Office: 478-741-1417
Toll free: 800-234-4208
South Georgia Office: 229-985-2112
Like him on Facebook and leave him a message (Saxby Chambliss).
Send him an email by going to www.chambliss.senate.gov and hit the "contact me" link.
Thank you.
Common Grounder
