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RPCV Sam Farr says U.S. cannot simply "leave" Iraq, as some people have suggested. "We're going to have to show the people there how to empower themselves so that they can take care of themselves when we are gone," Farr said, comparing it to his time in the Peace Corps
RPCV Sam Farr says U.S. cannot simply "leave" Iraq, as some people have suggested. "We're going to have to show the people there how to empower themselves so that they can take care of themselves when we are gone," Farr said, comparing it to his time in the Peace Corps
Rep. Farr holds town hall meeting
Jul 2 2004 12:00AM By
By KATHERINE MORRIS
OF THE REGISTER-PAJARONIAN
Iraq, the economy, the Patriot Act, the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, in addition to local issues such as the struggle to create a community radio station, were among the topics of discussion Wednesday at a town hall meeting in Watsonville hosted by U.S. Rep. Sam Farr.
The meeting drew a diverse, all-ages crowd to the City Council Chambers - from Cabrillo College students and local activists to Watsonville City Council members and concerned area residents.
Farr began the night by criticizing the Bush administration's tax cuts for the wealthy, in addition to its handling of the situation in Iraq, emphasizing the squeeze it's putting on the federal government's finances.
"We're having a lot of problems now," Farr said. "We're spending a lot of money, we're losing a lot of lives over there and we're losing the world's respect for our country."
However, he said that the U.S. cannot simply "leave" Iraq, as some people have suggested.
"We're going to have to show the people there how to empower themselves so that they can take care of themselves when we are gone," Farr said, comparing it to his time in the Peace Corps. "We've got to work ourselves out of a job. We also have to reassure the world that we're a compassionate country that wants to listen and work with others to solve problems."
Just as Farr voted in opposition to the first Patriot Act, he said he would not support the second version when it comes to the House for approval. He said the acts are "overzealous" and do not do enough to "protect the rights of individuals."
Along the same lines, Farr said he favored the recent Supreme Court ruling that those detained as part of the Bush administration's "war on terror" at a U.S. base in Cuba or in U.S. territory have the right to challenge their detention in federal court.
"We have to practice what we're preaching," Farr said. "How can we go around and tell people to use us a model for democracy and freedom and rights, and then go and violate those same rules?"
Some audience members asked for Farr's stance on the ongoing gay marriage debate and the proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
"I'm not supporting (the amendment)," Farr said. "I think the issue of marriage should be left up to the states."
As for local issues, the major topic of discussion was the need for a community radio station in Watsonville. Several members of the audience discussed problems obtaining licensing through the FCC, in addition to local hurdles they are facing.
Though Farr said he was unsure of what he could do, he pledged to petition the FCC to allow for more licenses for small, low-power stations and to aid the community in any way he could.
Farr also expressed concern for public education, particularly with budget cuts to higher education within the state.
"I believe we're going to see a crescendo in the number of eligible students who are denied acceptance to colleges and universities because of the lack of funding," he said. "We've got to invest in (education)."
Again, he pointed to the spending in Iraq as a reason why other parts of the economy are suffering.
"Denying education is one of our biggest problems," he said. "Democracy depends on an informed electorate. We need to educate people so they can participate in democracy, and this should be one of our highest priorities."
©Register-Pajaronian 2004