DDear Friend:
On July 26, 2017, we will mark the ninety-fifth anniversary of the de jure recognition of the three Baltic nations by the United States. Each of the Baltic countries were free, democratic and sovereign nations. They were full members of the League of Nations and had signed non-aggression treaties with the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, they were attacked and forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union.
Today, they are once again free and sovereign nations, fully integrated into NATO, the European Union, the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, the United Nations and other international organizations. Side by side with American soldiers, Balts serve in military missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. They are true and loyal friends of America, dedicated to democracy, the rule of law and human rights. They demonstrate to the world how countries can emerge from a half century of brutal oppression to become thriving democracies.
However, President Putin refuses accept the fact that the Baltic countries are no longer under his thumb. Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania need support of the United States. Americans share the just aspirations of the Baltic people to stay free and independent. The United States upholds the right of every nation to be free and sovereign and it cannot remain silent in the face of continued Russian harassment and military threats to the Baltic nations.
The House of Representatives Baltic Caucus stands beside the Baltic nations. It works diligently to protect the freedom and democracy of the Baltic nations. But we need more members. The larger the Caucus, the more members the Caucus has, the greater the political influence on legislation and the government.
I urge you to commemorate the historically significant event of July 26 by contacting your congressperson to convince him or her to join the BALTIC CAUCUS. By joining the Baltic Caucus, your congress person will send a strong and clear message to Putin that America stands by the Baltic nations.
Your Representative will be home for the entire month of August. Contact him or her to meet with you. If you cannot meet with your Representative, write a letter and make phone calls. If you need guidance on how to contact your congresspersons, go to www.BAFL.com. Click Call to Action, then click Communicating with Congress. I am enclosing a sample letter to Representative Bass (D-CA). Your letter need not be as long as the sample letter. To join the Caucus your Representative should contact one of the Caucus Cochairmen, Representative John Shimkus (R-IL) or Adam Schiff (D-CA).
Thank you.
Valdis Pavlovskis, President