Ron Cantoni

World War II Memorial on Staten Island

Outdoor Photos

Check out the pictures in the Share folders Link To Outdoor picture folder   Link to  Our Pictures on the Kodak site

This email was sent to Speaker Pelosi and my representative from Georgia. Below it is the response from my congressman. I've not yet heard from Speaker Pelosi ...

Speaker Pelosi...

April 4, 2008

Ron Cantoni

305 Hidden Lake Drive

Fayetteville, GA 30215-8187

Dear Friend,

Thank you for contacting me regarding Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent comments concerning China-Tibet relations.  I sincerely appreciate the benefit of your views.

           In 1789, President George Washington realized that it would be necessary to create an Executive Branch department in charge of managing the country's foreign affairs.  Congress quickly approved the Department of State, making it the first federal agency.  President Washington then named Thomas Jefferson as the first Secretary of State, and charged him with the duty of leading the United States' foreign affairs.  Today, the Department of State is still in charge of negotiating foreign policy with other countries, under the direction of President George W. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.  The volatile situation in China has been a focus on this administration, particularly with the 2008 Olympics fast approaching.

In March 2008, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, of San Francisco, took a trip to Tibet where she met with the Dalai Lama, and bemoaned the "oppression" of the Chinese.  I believe this trip supersedes the authority given to the Speaker of the House.  Speaker Pelosi is not a diplomat, nor is she the Ambassador to China.  The Speaker is not authorized to set foreign policy, and she certainly should not undermine the Department of State's sensitive negotiations with such a volatile foreign government.  I find her actions appalling, and I will do whatever I can to keep Speaker Pelosi from undercutting Department of State negotiations.

I support the Department of State's ability to set United States foreign policy, and believe that President Bush and Secretary of State Rice are dealing with China properly.  Members of Congress should not undermine the President's foreign policy just to score cheap political points.  I believe Speaker Pelosi's comments will hurt our relations with China, in a time when diplomatic negotiations are strained.

Hearing the views of all Georgians gives me the opportunity to better understand how important issues could impact the people of Georgia and the future interests of the nation.  In that regard, your input is most helpful. 

For additional information regarding current legislation and my representation of the Third District, I invite you to visit my website at http://www.house.gov/westmoreland

Sincerely,

Lynn A Westmoreland

Member of Congress

Wonderful time at the racetrack all weekend. Lucked out with the weather and all three races we able to get in from Friday night on to the big event on Sunday.

  Quick view of a great race day at Atlanta Motor SpeedwayMarch 2008

Please see pictures in picture folder

Open NASA video link

Pat and I traveled up to Nashville to attend the annual Sound and Speed meet and greet and concert. The event was held on Saturday January 12th.

We had a chance to meet and get autographs from Richard and Kyle Petty as well as Wayne Taylor, the driver of the SunTrust # 10 GP car.

The Petty's started a camp for kids with healthcare needs called Victory Junction. All of the concert proceeds were donated to this charity.

The evening itself was topped by a concert by Alan Jackson. After the concert, Pat and I walked over to the night club BB Kings for a little live Jazz music. I recommend a visit to Nashville to all!

Victory Junction

Nashville sound and speed