I attended the debate on Saturday and Congressman Souder's talk and question period on Monday. Both provided significant opportunities to meet the candidates.
Saturday's debate was composed of short speeches and answers to posed questions while Monday's talk was more informative. The Congressman gave us a good look at his background and explained in detail the problems he, as a representative, has in impacting legislation. I now better understand the feelings and frustrations many have regarding how our representative's vote. But what became clear is how little effect the Republicans and Conservatives are having in this Democratic-controlled congress. The congressman spoke of working on 30 bills at one time and the difficulty of researching them thoroughly. He gave an example of following one bill through Social Security to agriculture and then finding it was a give-away to a Gallo winery.
Many of us set our heels and say so-and-so didn't vote the way I wanted for a particular bill, so I won't vote for him at election time. It is not always in our best interest to take a fixed position on legislation without knowing all the effects it will have on your state and federal government.
These men are not alone in the Congress and the Democrats will not work with them unless they receive something in return. Congressman Souder exhibited the skills needed to help the electorate understand the political climate and the problems he faced in voting for TARP as well as the present difficulties in Congress. His analysis of the goals of the Democrats to increase government jobs by 500,000 and their wish to control every aspect of our lives was most interesting.
He spoke generally about healthcare legislation and answered some of the questions about a board which would determine what services would be permitted. He said no specific board was specified, but the goal of controlling costs was included.
I am glad we have Congressman Souder representing us and we are grateful for his service.
