2006.08.24: August 24, 2006: Headlines: Figures: COS - Fiji: Politics: Congress: Wilton Villager: Jerry Effren writes: "I think we need more moderates like Chris Shays who defy categorization, who will continue to stand up for stem-cell research, push for a fair minimum wage, energy reform, and environmental protection, whether they are consistent with the party platform or not"
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2006.08.24: August 24, 2006: Headlines: Figures: COS - Fiji: Politics: Congress: Wilton Villager: Jerry Effren writes: "I think we need more moderates like Chris Shays who defy categorization, who will continue to stand up for stem-cell research, push for a fair minimum wage, energy reform, and environmental protection, whether they are consistent with the party platform or not"
Jerry Effren writes: "I think we need more moderates like Chris Shays who defy categorization, who will continue to stand up for stem-cell research, push for a fair minimum wage, energy reform, and environmental protection, whether they are consistent with the party platform or not"
"The truth is that Chris voted against his party, according to the Congressional Quarterly Report, 33 percent of the time, more than all but one other Republican. And he opposes President Bush's position 43.5 percent of the time, fourth among Republicans. So whether you are for or against Bush and the Republican Party, my point is that Chris makes up his own mind, and his opponent makes up her own facts."
Jerry Effren writes: "I think we need more moderates like Chris Shays who defy categorization, who will continue to stand up for stem-cell research, push for a fair minimum wage, energy reform, and environmental protection, whether they are consistent with the party platform or not"
Political Commentary — Congressman Shays represents district courageously, honestly
By JERRY EFFREN
Congressman Chris Shays is consistently progressive on energy reform, environmental protection, and women's rights.
As you are aware, his opponent makes a big deal out of his being in "lockstep" with the Republican Party and President George Bush. Now, I don't agree with George Bush or the Republican Party on a number of issues, nor do I agree with the Democratic Party on most issues, but the point is that his opponent's criticisms are not based on fact.
The truth is that Chris voted against his party, according to the Congressional Quarterly Report, 33 percent of the time, more than all but one other Republican. And he opposes President Bush's position 43.5 percent of the time, fourth among Republicans. So whether you are for or against Bush and the Republican Party, my point is that Chris makes up his own mind, and his opponent makes up her own facts.
I think we need more moderates like Chris Shays who defy categorization, who will continue to stand up for stem-cell research, push for a fair minimum wage, energy reform, and environmental protection, whether they are consistent with the party platform or not.
If we elect representatives who are going to vote the party line, then the process ends on Election Day. There is no need to call or write or visit. We will know their position. If Chris' opponent is elected, she will vote the party line 100 percent. I'm not comfortable with Connecticut's unique set of circumstances being governed in that manner. I would like an intelligent, thoughtful, independent, person representing my interests.
As Bill Clinton said in Waterbury speaking on behalf of Joe Lieberman, I guess we need to talk about the pink elephant in the room — Iraq. I believed and still hope for a democracy where women and children can learn to be free; ideals that we take for granted. The potential upside in the region is enormous. And while I certainly recognize the human tragedy, I believed at the time, and I continue to believe, that it is worth the fight.
I recognize and appreciate those of you who feel differently about our reasons for having gone to war but implore you to consider the consequences of leaving, and I quote our venerable Chris Shays, "We basically abolished their police, their border control, and their army in a country the size of California with a population of 26 million people... and then we are going to leave?"
Because of his fact-finding trips to Iraq, he is perhaps the most credible critic of the Bush administration's execution of policy, yet he continues to be an avid supporter of the decision to go to war and to keep the troops in Iraq. I, for one, cannot thank Chris enough for taking 13 trips to Iraq at great peril to himself, traveling throughout the country without bodyguards, and virtually becoming a one-man inspector general for the war. On his first visit in April of 2003, even as fighting continued, he entered the war zone with Save the Children, even though Gen. Tommy Franks vigorously opposed his visit.
Chris learned that many mistakes were made because they lacked Arabic translators. He learned that non-government organizations like Save the Children were already well organized to handle humanitarian relief operations while the U.S. civilian reconstruction authorities were still back in Kuwait. He learned that soldiers did not have enough armor on the Humvees and other things that we later heard about in the press.
Chris is well aware of the consequences of his decision to support the war as he recently noted, "I don't believe that this would even be a close election if it wasn't for Iraq. I accept that. If I lost over Iraq, I would be unhappy; but I would live with the knowledge that I've taken what I believe to be the right stand. The war in Iraq is a noble effort we can't afford to lose."
No reasonable person prefers to be at war. To characterize someone as pro-war is somewhat misleading, especially someone like Chris Shays whose very roots are in the Peace Corps in the 1970s. I do not think this is about a preference for war. It is really about a means to achieve our security, and we can disagree about how to do that.
But what more could we ask from our representative than to visit the country, witness what is actually occurring, bring back firsthand information, criticize appropriately, and offer ways to improve the situation.
Whether for or against the war, we should continue to support our congressman who has tirelessly, courageously, and honestly represented the 4h District for nine terms.
Jerry Effren is a Norwalk resident.
When this story was posted in August 2006, this was on the front page of PCOL:
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Story Source: Wilton Villager
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