Coffee, Part 3

Coffee and Conversation with the Congresswoman, Part 3

Continuing with Q and A.

Question 5.  Iraq

Answer 5.  Explained the 3 groups involved in Iraq (Shiite, Sunni and Kurds) including subgroups that mostly involve the crazy and sane half of the above groups.  Very quickly invoked 9/11 and terrorism, at which point there was some pushback from the crowd.  She mentioned that she was reading Natan Sharansky's book The Case for Democracy.  She was pushed on the issue of the Iraq constitution and if she supported it.  She said that while the constitution had problems the key was that it recognized freedom of thought and expression and she “supports their attempt at Democracy.”


Q6.  What about China and shipping our jobs their?

A6.  The jobs going to China are not the jobs that are critical to us.  The real problem is the brain drain.  And we need to “incentivize education”, especially math and science.


Q7.  Another question about oil dependence and refineries.

A7.  She hopes something will be done soon and maybe things are happening “behind the scenes that I don’t know about”.


Q8.  A Vietnam vet asked about VA funding.

A8.  The Congresswoman said she was as “serious as a toothache” about the VA and was working on hiring a staff person for vet issues.  She mentioned working with the parents of Matt Maupin and helping their other son who was injured on duty.  She said the VA hospitals need more staff and equipment.  She suggested a liaison officer be assigned to the family of every injured soldier.


Q9.  Tom O. a marine vet and MD expressed support for the Patriot act and for Jean’s comments to Rep. Murtha.

A9.  Thanks.


I need another break.  Two questions left to go.  This is a real pain.  When I get elected I will record these events and stream the audio on my web site.  More later, including my personal reaction.