Statements of fact

Dear editor:

I have to respond to the letters criticizing the letter penned by Tom Cotton and signed by 47 U.S. senators.

While I completely understand why some might be upset by this, it is not unprecedented to have sitting members of Congress meet with or communicate with foreign leaders. Every time it happens, whoever is president complains loudly. This is no different. Furthermore, the letter merely presents statements of fact.

Many writers to The Sentinel-Record either ignore or don't understand the difference between an executive agreement and a treaty. If one president can create an agreement with only his signature, than the next president can also vacate it just as easily. Only an agreement receiving approval by both houses of Congress becomes a treaty. Treaties are binding to future presidents and Congresses.

Several writers point to a violation of the "Logan Act," passed in 1799 that forbids unauthorized citizens from negotiating with foreign governments. First, sending a letter isn't negotiating, so no violation happened, and secondly, it appears that Congress exempted itself in 1980 when Sens. John Sparkman and George McGovern visited Cuba.

This isn't a simple trade negotiation over farm imports. It involves nuclear weapons and is with an enemy who is the a major (if not the leading) sponsor of terrorism worldwide. If our president were to include Congress, rather than making it clear that he intends to bypass it, none of this would be happening. But that would require leadership.

Dave Hulett

Hot Springs