Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to the editor of the Baltimore Sun, February 8, 2000

ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR. Congress, of tfte Uniteb States $ougt ot Eepresentattoeu COMMERCE COMMITTEE ASSISTANT DEPUTY MAJORITY WHIP Letter-to-the-Editor The Washington Post 1150 15th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20071 Magfjmgton, BC 20515-2002 February 8, 2000 Dear Editor: Recently, I read Washington Wizards’ owner Abe Pollin’s comments first captured by News Channel 8, at a rally for a Montgomery County candidate for Congress. Mr. Pollin exclaimed, "We’ve got to get those [expletive] Republicans out." The First Amendment certainly protects speech by a professional sports team owner, though, a few observations come to mind. First is the irony of Mr. Pollin’s choice of venues; his attack came in the context of a campaign against Representative Conpie Morelia, the well-respected, centrist Republican with proven bipartisan appeal from Montgomery County. Fortunately for Mrs. Morelia, Mr. Pollin speaks only for himself. Apparently, not nearly enough of his fellow partisans share his belief that this popular lady be kicked out of office. Secondly, I am reminded of another statement by Michael Jordan, Mr. Pollin’s partner and President of the Wizards’ basketball operations. Asked why he would not endorse a Democrat, Mr. Jordan replied, "Republicans buy shoes, too." I remind Mr. Pollin that many of his past and present season ticket holders may well be those evil Republicans he so despises. Those who have supported his team would appreciate a bit more discretion in his future remarks. Lastly, this town works when community leaders, elected and appointed officials, business leaders, and the media cooperate and work together. Painting any group with a single brush - in Mr. Pollin’s case, [expletive] Republicans - is destructive and happens too often. Washington needs more people who understand this and fewer who choose blind partisan assaults. Whatever happened to Washington’s famous decorum? Sincerely, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress I RECYCLED PAPER