Coffee, Part 2

Coffee and Conversation with the Congresswoman, Part 2

Moving on to Q and A.

Question 1.  Wouldn’t congress be more motivated to fix Social Security if they were actually part of it?  The implication being that the sweet deal that congress gets keeps them from fixing the “problems”.

Answer 1.  Long story about how Jean is actually in PERS and that she is getting shortchanged because of it.  Followed by general comments about SS included, “stop raiding the trust fund” and “The president was on the right track, but the media (not local) twisted his words.”  She said that “I’m pretty courageous” so she would not be afraid to deal with this issue.  She shared her concern that if the social security system fails that the “perversion” of euthanasia may become a reality in America.


Q2.  Dealt with lobbyist and the “petty politics and corruption” in Washington

A2.  “I hope Abramoff goes to jail.” And she “never met him.”  Went on to say that is not how she, her predecessor functions.  She indicated most of her money comes from real people in the district.


Q3.  Drilling in Alaska and ethanol.

A3.  We need a “broader policy for energy security.”  Drilling in ANWAR is “off the table for the moment”.  There are “15 reasons” to change policy.  Congress should look at hybrids, Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards and nuclear power.  The problem is in refining and new refiners are not being built because of the government.  Why should oil companies build refiners, when they can’t make a buck.  When asked about a plan to fix the problem, she said she is hopeful that a committee will be formed to look at the problem.


Q4.  Why can’t we “profit from ideas”?  Why is there too much regulation?

A4.  At this point Jean talked about her frustration at being forced to deal with frivolous issues in Congress.  Thing like the “Hamburger Bill” that keeps citizens from suing fast food and legislation to exempt gun manufacturers from lawsuits.



I will pause again here with 7 or 8 questions left to go.  I just realized why I would rather be a candidate than blogger.  I just can’t type fast enough to be a good blogger.  More later, including my personal reaction.