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This is the text of an e-mail I just sent to Senator Reid:

Hon. Senator Reid,

I just heard moments ago that you indiscreetly spoke in a public statement that there were concerns in the confidential FBI files of one of the President's nominees for a federal judgeship.

I can't begin to say how appalled I am. I have been consistently disappointed in your changing of positions on "up or down" votes for judges which you previously supported. I have been concerned about your calling the President a "loser."

At the news of your public defamation of an individual in such manner that he cannot publicly defend himself and inviting media scrutiny of what must obviously be a private and embarrassing matter, I am simply livid.

I am not one of your constituents. However, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I understand that you are a member of the church and that you have held positions of lay leadership and authority within the Church. Surely anyone with such a background should understand the sensitivity of confidential information and the harm it could do. Surely any Church member should understand their obligation to be honest, to respect authority, to sustain duly elected officers of civil government.

I would be embarrassed to admit to anyone that you are a member of the Church. Which is more important, your party or your covenants? Your political clout or your priesthood? It is apparent that you covet your leadership position sufficiently to lie, defame, and slander. Shame on you.

I would not mind that you would have different political opinions. That is understandable. I am ashamed that you would use dishonesty, deception, and calumny to political advantage. I pray that you might muster sufficient loyalty to your religion that you would refrain from such activity. Jesus asked, "what will a man give in exchange for his soul." What have you given for yours? What have you received in return? Is it worth it?

Sincerely,

Greg West