Grimm seemed quite clear — And it was something very close to this: “Just say ‘No!’ to Obama when it comes to Syria; and by the way, Buddy, can you spare me a dime...”

But, then his spox said something like this: “Oops !  That’s not what we meant at all....”

So here’s the deal. You read it; and then you can tell me  —  

 
“Today, I decided to withdraw my support from President Obama’s proposal for a military strike against Syria. I have heard from many of you in Staten Island and Brooklyn, and it is clear to me that their is strong opposition to the strike. As your voice in Washington, I will continue to listen and take a stand for you.

Will you stand with me in opposing President Obama’s plan with a donation of $25 or more right now?

When President Obama first announced his plan for strikes against the Syrian government for its alleged use of chemical weapons,  my first reaction as a Marine combat veteran was to support immediate, targeted strikes. I now believe that the opportunity for such action has passed.
President Obama has failed to show strength at this critical moment in time. While the debate in Congress continues, our nation’s credibility grows weaker and weaker. After much deliberation and prayer, I have decided to withdraw my support. I do not feel that our country has enough to gain by moving forward with this attack.

Stand with me today with a donation of $25 or more to strongly oppose military action in Syria. 

Thank you for your support,

Michael Grimm”

—   From Congressman Michael Grimm Email

The Grimm camp has unequivocally stated that the email was intended to be sent out only to inform the congressman’s supporters of the Grimm’s  change of heart, but that a third party vendor/contractor, which also handles Grimm’s fund raising, added the fundraising link on its own ( See “Grimm Email Raises Money Off Syria Opposition” by Michael Scotto, 9/6/13, YNN State of Politics [http://nystateofpolitics.com/2013/09/grimm-email-raises-money-off-syria-opposition/]).

According to the report, “ 'An email blast that went out to supporters of Rep. Michael Grimm last night sought to raise money off the Congressman’s decision to change his mind and oppose military action in Syria.... [However, t]he email was intended to be a message to supporters informing them of the congressman’s withdrawal of support for a strike on Syria,' said Grimm spokeswoman Carol Danko. 'The dollar ask was included automatically by the vendor, and was never approved by the congressman. He is furious over this inappropriate inclusion and has taken appropriate actions to ensure that this careless error never happens again.' ”

So what do you think ?