March 1, 2007

“I believe there is nothing more important to the strength of our democracy

 than telling citizens the truth. The more important the issue, the more critical it is that the government be open and honest.

We’re in a time when people have lost faith on the integrity of government. For me it’s a matter of conscience and honor. When we know our top official —our leader— has hidden the truth about the reasons he took our country to war, about illegal wire taps of American citizens, about torture and about putting people in prison forever without a trial – then we the people naturally question what happened to the constitutional notions of equal treatment and justice.

The state House and Senate routinely send resolutions to Congress about other issues like health care, education, and the economy. I believe the question of whether the administration failed its people by lying is just as important. Citizens deserve the truth.

I took an oath to uphold the Constitution and as a legislator, it is my duty to show leadership on issues of such great importance to our people. So I believe that we must pursue the truth and demand accountability from our leaders.”

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Contact:

Rep. Bob Hasegawa, (360) 786-7862

Downloadable photo: http://www1.leg.wa.gov/documents/house/members/photos/Hasegawa.jpg

Staff: Lilia P. Nieto, (360) 786-7375, nieto-torres.lilia@leg.wa.gov

Radio and TV News Directors:  To obtain broadcast-quality audio on these issues, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact House Democratic Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov  or (360) 786-7208.