ARMENPAC Blog

In our system of government, the differences in responsibilities between the legislative and executive branch are clear. Legislators are elected by their constituents, to best represent their interests in Congress and administration officials (including ranking military leaders) are appointed by the President and serve at his pleasure.

It is not only understandable, but frankly it is expected, that appointed military leaders will carry out the orders of their particular Commander-in-Chief, especially during times of war. This type of dutiful service, however, should extend to that persons direct responsibilities and, should not put that person in a position to advocate or lobby for the President’s policies with legislators.

If this all sounds a little confusing I apologize but there was a recent example that illustrates my point exactly and may clarify things for you.

Republican Congressman Doug Lamborn from Colorado’s 5th district was elected to the House in 2006 and seemed to be a friend of the Armenian Community. As a matter of practice, ARMENPAC sent him a survey to determine the level of support the Congressman had for important Armenian issues such as the Armenian Genocide Resolution. At first, Congressman Lamborn expressed his support for the resolution and in a year when he is facing a tough primary campaign, Armenians were poised to support his re-election efforts.

But somewhere along the way, Lamborn lost his nerve and withdrew his support for this resolution. Lamborn, a member of the Armed Services Committee, was directly lobbied by none other than General David Petraeus, commander of the Multi-National Force in Iraq.

While Mr. Petraeus deserves respect for his leadership in Iraq and is entitled to his own opinion about foreign policy issues, he should not be used as an in-house lobbyist for the Bush administration on such issues as the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. It is a disservice to his position, his rank and his charge, to use him to pressure Members on their support of a resolution that acknowledges the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians.

We all have read stories about the well funded Turkish lobbying effort that uses heavy handed tactics to influence legislators into not supporting the Genocide Resolution. Now we are seeing high ranking military commanders who serve under the direction of our President doing the exact same thing.

I hope the friends and supporters of ARMENPAC and other pro-Armenian groups living in Colorado’s 5th congressional district remember Mr. Lamborn’s flip-flop on the recognition issue when they cast their vote in the primary election this month.