Posted on 12/05/2004 9:36:05 AM PST by NormsRevenge
FREMONT -- In his first town meeting since being re-elected in November, Democratic Rep. Pete Stark wasted no time in decrying the partisan enviroment that prevails over Congress. Stark said that House Speaker Dennis Hastert has made it clear that Democrats would not be invited to help craft legislation.
"It makes our job one of a constant critic," he said.
About 50 people came to Saturday morning's meeting at the Senior Center, to hear what the Fremont Democrat had to say about the upcoming congressional session. It will be Stark's 17th term in the House, since first being elected in 1972.
Stark said he will continue to push for immediate withdrawal from Iraq, though admitting he doesn't have much support on this issue, even from his fellow Democrats.
"I see us gaining nothing (in Iraq)," he said, pointing out the thousands of American soldiers who lost their lives or have been seriously wounded in the conflict.
He said he also will continue to push for mandatory, two-year national service for all youth turning 18 years old. Stark's vote in October was one of only two House votes in favor of the proposal, saying it would put decision-makers more in touch with the realities of war.
"We should all have some skin in the game. Then you wouldn't have so many votes for war," he said.
Stark also addressed domestic issues, including Social Security privatization, school vouchers and further tax cuts. He said that all would have damaging effects, while providing the least help to those who most need it.
When asked what one could do to make prescription drugs affordable, Stark crisply responded, "Go to Canada."
Stark said buying prescription drugs from Canada could cut the cost in half. He also took a jab at those who cite safety concerns in fighting to keep the importation of Canadian drugs illegal.
"They're talking about safety from Canada? What about Vioxx?," he said, referring to the recently recalled drug made by U.S. manufacturer Merck
Boo hoo hoo.
Translation: "If we sign up a bunch of unwilling amateurs, including young women, and send them over to get killed, that will help get us back into power. Plus we can float rumors that the Republicans want to draft everyone's sons and daughters. It's win-win, except for those poor suckers who get killed. Needless to say, I'm exempt, because I'm too important to go."
Yeah, and he was a California Assemblyman for years before 1972. I grew up with him as our "representative". Yuck. He's a jerk. Ooh, that feels good to say publically.
" "It makes our job one of a constant critic," he said. "
Well, you'd better get started. Everyone knows you haven't been critical enough so far. :^)
""It makes our job one of a constant critic," he said. "
This is news?
He can't even get more than a handful of his OWN party to go along with his loopy ideas.
Hey Pete, the bus is leaving. Either get on board or run along behind barking!
Oh. Would that be "Pete" Fortney Stark, the one who blasted his constituent for writing to him and disagreeing, and accused him of having someone else write his letter because he wasn't smart enough to do it himself? THAT Fortney Stark?
" Stark said buying prescription drugs from Canada could cut the cost in half. "
Until the price of Canadian drugs goes up because of more demand and the price of American drugs goes done because of less demand, then the price will be the same in Canada and the United States. I guess he doesn't believe in the law of supply and demand.
Congress is partisan. Big news.
..we need the Democratic Party Seal here...crying. 8^)
Honestly, you can kind of understand that anyone stuck with a first name like Fortney would be a ballistic nincompoop.
ol' hoghead
You have Tauscher in your district, huh? Trade ya. lol
Fotney also called a (reporter?) a faggot two years ago.
Fremont has the largest Afghan population outside of Kabul.
Congress is partisan. Big news.
Uhhh, Fortney, this drug was approved by the FDA. Part of the US government. Aren't you the one who wants to give the government responsibility over more of the economy?
It's called politics. I think this guy is in the wrong job.
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