War on Terror Makes Us Less Safe

England, Indonesia, Israel, Russia and Spain have all suffered a terrorist attack since the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in the United States. And yet, not one of these countries have declared a “War on Terror” as a Result. Apparently, American administrations enjoy using the concept of a “war” because we have had a “War on Aids,” a “War on Drugs,” a “War on Poverty” and now a so-called “War on Terror which the administration says will last for our lifetime. Of course, the so-called “War on Terror” serves a number of purposes for the Bush Administration. It enables it to listen to our telephone calls, check on which books we have borrowed from our libraries, monitor our Google inquiries, and accuse critics of “undermining the war effort.” Regrettably, the Bush administrations so-called “War on Terror” has actually made Americans less safe because it has prevented the development of a comprehensive cooperative international strategy to understand the roots of terrorism and to confront terrorists with all of the economic, military, and political resources available to the civilized world.

DR. HAROLD A. CLARK, Ph.D.

Egg Harbor Township

Letter published in Press of Atlantic City, February 23, 2006

LoBiondo Does Not Represent Us

Rep. LoBiondo has been good at snowing the public and the press about his true record. I cannot recall how many times I see the word “moderate” misused to describe him. And I cannot think of anything farther from the truth when one considers his voting record. A recent AC Press reader got stuck on a throwaway line about the Congressman living in a million dollar house and contends we should focus instead on issues such as health care, social security, and education. I could not agree more. LoBiondo has taken PAC money in the past from Jack Abramoff, Michael Scanlan, and Tom DeLay. He voted in lock step with the Bush/DeLay agenda more than 90% of the time. He voted for cuts in education: Head Start, vocational/technical training, and college assistance programs for disadvantaged students. He voted for cuts in child support collection programs. He voted for the new bankruptcy act but against exemptions for catastrophic illness or for our Reserve or National Guard soldiers serving overseas. He voted for cuts to Medicaid. He voted without exception against women’s rights to privacy. He voted to intrude in the Terri Schiavo case. He voted against an amendment to extend the child tax credit to low-income families. He voted against an amendment to eliminate tax breaks for companies that move overseas to avoid paying U.S. income tax. He voted against additional assistance to veterans and individuals whose jobs have been outsourced to other countries. He was lauded at a dinner attended by “labor leaders, politicians, casino representatives and business organizations from throughout southern New Jersey” (Press article, February 14, 2006,) and a couple of days later in his State of the District Speech said that he was seeking to secure federal funds to help expand the Atlantic City casinos. Is that a quintessential pork project or a quid pro quo for his endorsements? And oh yeah, he voted for and continues to support tax cuts for the wealthy. LoBiondo does not work “for the people, all the people, no matter what their affiliation is.” He stays in power because he has the financial support of the Republican Party, because he has managed to keep his record from being scrutinized, and because the Democrats have failed to mount a serious challenge in years. It’s about time they did so that the rest of us can believe we have a Representative in the 2d District who looks out for all of us, even if we are not Republican or wealthy.

Letter to the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard

February 21, 2006

Public Affairs Office

400 Langley Rd.

Egg Harbor Twp., NJ 08234

An article in the Press of Atlantic City reported the deployment Sunday morning of approximately 150 members of the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard. A soldier, disheartened by the waning public backing of the conflict stated that she was upset “as people in the nation are supporting soldiers less and less in this war.” She affirmed anyone’s right to be against the war but was opposed to them being against the people who go over there and fight for their lives so our children can be safe. If I had been able to talk to her before their departure, I would have told her that I am one of a growing number of Americans who do not support this war and that I attend many peace vigils in Atlantic, Cape May, Salem, and Cumberland Counties. She should never believe those in our government who equate our lack of support for the war with a lack of support for our military men and women. We are resolute in our support; even more so than some in positions of power who do not properly fund or outfit our troops so that they are adequately protected. We are angry that our military are expected to do their job while little more than rhetoric issues from Washington along with cuts in funding and benefits for not only active duty personnel but also for Veterans. We check bills being considered and contact those in Congress who we feel are not voting in your best interests. We don't just listen to political spin. When I carry a sign in a protest it may say “Give Peace a Chance” or “Honk for Peace” or “Bush Lied, 2276 Died” or “Bring our National Guard Home” or any other of a number of phrases. In none of them do we disrespect or disparage our men or women fighting on foreign soil. The politicians in control have been very successful in their attempt to paint anyone who differs with them as unpatriotic, a traitor, or opposed to our soldiers, but that is just not so. We are devastated by each report of another death or injury and are aware that the real costs of this war will not be known until we can fully assess the psychological damage to the minds of the people who return apparently unharmed. And what of the long-term effects on those who have been exposed to depleted uranium? We fear that this will be another “agent orange” issue where our government will deny that a problem even exists. Please forward this message to the 177th, the Jersey Devils. We are all extremely proud of them and they will be in our hearts and minds, until they return, hopefully safe and sound in both mind and body. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to those they leave behind, who are more than deserving of our appreciation.

Sincerely,

Bettie J. Reina

Milmay, NJ

P.S. I have never had such a fast response as when I asked if anyone wanted to add their name to this letter.

Nick Reina Brian Moore Charles A. Andrade Norm Cohen Janet L. Fayter Michael St. Amour Janet Brenner Paula Dunn Sharon Gray Mildred Kish Ed Hall Alisa Cooper, Freeholder Eileen Faucey Mary Slomine John Brigandi Joe Gabisch, Dasabled Vet Beth Schroeder Mariam d’Eustachio Brian Moore Lisa Gabisch Charlotte MacNiece Dan MacNiece Ron Ruff James McCarthy, Cdr jfm, USN/Ret. Sally McInerney Robin Birth George Rementer Richard Neill Robert Salsburg Dan Campbell Jerry Crawford, Loc # 19, Phil Steve Padmore Karen Padmore

Labor, LoBiondo Shouldn't Mix

Regarding the Feb. 14 story “Despite protest, labor warms up to LoBiondo”: The story states that the AFL-CIO reception for Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, at Angelo's Fairmount Tavern was warm and cozy. Cozy is a good word for their relationship. Union leaders presume to tell the people of southern New Jersey that no one can win without their money or support. I know how angry my father, involved in the United Auto Workers since the 1930s, would be with their support of a man who has helped Congress do so much damage to working people.LoBiondo throws a few crumbs to local unions, smiles for photo ops and they think they've received a whole cake. Then he goes to Washington and votes against the interests of their families and the neediest of this country. Until the unions take a good look at LoBiondo's whole voting record, they will continue to be his unwitting lapdogs. Thankfully, not everyone is taken in by his tactics. I have faith in the average American worker and know that when they have the facts they will make up their own minds and not allow union bureaucrats to tell them how to use their right to vote.

Bettie J. Reina

Milmay

Letter published in Press of Atlantic City, February 22, 2006

LoBiondo's State of the District Speech

On Friday Febraury 17th, Frank LoBiondo, our representative in the US Congress gave his State of the District speech to the Vineland Chamber of Commerce. He outlined the mistakes of the Bush administration in Washington like the FEMA response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the rules changes that cut funding to rehabilitation hospitals that hurt patients and lay off workers, and the proposed selling of control of six of our major ports to a company owned by the United Arab Emirates. Strangely, he didn't say he would work to stop the sale of port control but, rather, that he would ensure that safeguards be in place before giving his stamp of approval. It is amazing that he would even consider a measure that most Americans perceive as a threat to our national security. However, some good things happened like the opening of a wing in Kessler Hospital to provide medical services to our veterans. He failed to say that he voted against diminishing the size of tax cuts for the wealthy in order to provide health care for veterans and their families. One has to wonder why in an election year where the media have reported that Mr LoBiondo's seat in Congress is in jeopardy, the federal government suddenly gives us money to fund local veterans' services after fighting it for five years. Could it be because Mr LoBiondo is a valuable ally of the Bush administration which does not want to lose him? A review of his record shows that Mr LoBiondo consistently supports the Bush agenda like pushing the Medicare Drug Plan, Social Security Private Accounts and this year's Health Care Savings Accounts. All these programs stand to benefit some special interest a whole lot more than working Americans. I think people would do themselves a lot of good by going on the internet or visiting the local library to look up Mr LoBiondo's voting record. They might learn that Mr LoBiondo is not as good for us as he says and decide to hire someone else this November.

NICK REINA

Milmay

Bush's 2007 Budget

A few days ago, President Bush submitted his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, 2007. There is no pretense in this budget, it clearly reflects a self-perception of "Wartime President." The budget contains an increase of discretionary dollars for the military and homeland denfense. Add another $70 billion requested outside the budget for conducting the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and our expenditures for continuing our aggressive policies will total somewhere between $700 billion and $1 trillion. That is a big chunk out of a budget that totals $2.77 trillion. Pushing the concepts of democracy, freedom and peace at the point of a gun is not cheap. And, as history has taught us, most often just does not work. To pay for his adventures, Mr Bush cuts or eliminates some 140 programs that impact America's needy, medical research, infrastructure maintenance, the environment, and workplace safety. He sells government lands to special interests here in the US and permits the oil and gas industries to extract valuable resources from other government lands without paying royalties. We taxpayers will wind up footing the bill for Mr Bush's largesse. The president also proposes to sell control of six of America's major ports to a company in the United Arab Emirates. Four of those ports are in our back yard; New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Baltimore. Mr Bush likes to count it as a success when a Middle Eastern country has an election but, even with elections, Afghanistan has become the world's largest poppy producer, Iraqi resistance to our occupation becomes fiercer and more deadly every day and, worst of all, the Palestinians elect a party into power that vows to continue killing Americans and to eradicate Israel from the face of the earth. It is difficult to believe that we or anyone who sympathizes with us is safer in the world created by this administration's policies. Therefore, it is time that we citizens ask our representatives in Congress to convince Mr Bush that our very presence in the holy lands of Islam is offensive and trying to gain control of their oil assets is greatly resented. A long term occupation to control a finite resouce is not as good for us in the long term as investing that money into renewable sources of energy. So if our representatives want to continue supporting Mr Bush, we have a duty to hire somebody else this November who will better represent our interests.

NICK REINA

Milmay

Unions Shouldn't Support LoBiondo

How can the AFL-CIO support Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd? LoBiondo is one of the working man's worst enemies. Just look how he voted in Congress, everything for big business and the Republican Party and nothing for the working man.No wonder the unions are losing membership when union leaders support guys like LoBiondo. Wake up, union officials, and read the papers and listen to the news. Look what the Republicans have done to veterans; they use them then throw them aside (by cutting their budget). Look what the Republicans have done to the United States in five short years.LoBiondo and Rep. James Saxton, R-3rd, are President Bush's puppets. Bush opens his mouth and Lobiondo's and Saxton's lips move. They are anti-union and anti-working man.

JOHN REMY

Egg Harbor Township

Letter published in Press of Atlantic City, February 18, 2006

Bush Falls Short on Energy

In his Feb. 6 column, “At least Bush didn't push wind power,” Eric Peters didn't address the nation's top security and economic priority: rapidly approaching oil-energy shortages. Instead, Peters denigrated conservation and environmentalism, while congratulating President Bush for his State of the Union “plan” to reduce U.S. dependence on oil produced by unstable Middle Eastern regimes. “We also should be thankful that (Bush) didn't seek to buy green votes by overhyping the benefits of inefficient wind power,” Peters said.Wind is free. Thus wind power is a highly efficient alternative energy, which today produces 1 percent of the nation's electricity (2.4 million homes) and is approaching 60,000 megawatts worldwide. Alternative energies, such as wind power, increasingly compare favorably to oil, a commodity that is being depleted over the entire planet. But Bush's $2.77 trillion budget does not plan an Apollo-type energy program to reduce U.S. dependence on oil or to conserve remaining oil.

CHARLES A. ANDRADE

Galloway

Letter published in Press of Atlantic City, February 17, 2006

Tax Breaks Benefit Rich

Where are the big tax breaks for windmill energy or solar-panel energy? Alas, once again the big tax breaks benefit the rich oil companies. I wonder why that is? Could it be because two millionaire oilmen are running the country?Let's tax the poor and give to the rich. What a novel idea! The masses are so busy trying to survive that they will be powerless to persuade Congress not to vote for these big tax breaks. Wake up, America. We elect these officials. Tell them enough is enough.

LUCY MORGANO

Ventnor

Letter published in Press of Atlantic City, February 16, 2006

Long Branch Land Grab Shameful

I was outraged when I read in the Feb. 6 Press that Ms Anna DeFaria was in danger of losing her home in Long Branch because city developers want her land. Does this mean that no one is safe from losing their property if rich developers crave it? I came to this country in 1947, and I believed my husband, who said that if you worked hard and built or bought a house, you would have every right to enjoy the fruits of your labor. It seems to me that if Ms DeFaria does not wish to sell her house, she has every right not to do so. She should not have to be pressured by land-gobbling builders. Shame on New Jersey if she has been put in this position, and shame on the US Supreme Court for aiding and abetting this dishonest action. Shame for scaring her to give up her rights. Shame for having property seized to make room for more and more developments. Same for getting rid of more and more trees that make the couintryside look so beautiful. Don't we all want that? Ms DeFaria should not have to lose her property because the rich want to get richer. Good luck to her.

DAHLIA ANDREW FAYTER

Egg Harbor Township

Letter published in Press of Atlantic City, February 16, 2006

Bettie Reina Responds to the Union

The Press article (Feb. 14) states that the AFL-CIO reception for Frank LoBiondo at Angelo's was warm and cozy. Cozy is a good word for their relationship with Rep. LoBiondo. Comments by the union leadership in that room show that their group is as exclusive and arrogant as our leadership in Washington. They presume to tell the people of South Jersey that no one can win without their money or support. I know how angry my father, involved in the United Auto Workers from the late thirties, would be with the union's support of a man who has helped Congress do so much damage to working people.Our group, made up of Democrats, Greens, Independents, and even disillusioned Republicans, standing out in that cold, are not disheartened, in fact just the opposite. Mr. Wowkanech, Pres. of the New Jersey AFL-CIO, has thrown down the gauntlet. He said we were outside and that we were going to stay "Outside". Obviously, to him, those with differing opinions are to be excluded. Although, many people contacted him after the article announcing this event to say how appalled they were with his decision, none that we know of received any response.Mr. LoBiondo throws a few crumbs to local unions, smiles for photo ops, and they think they've received a whole cake. Then he goes back to Washington and votes against the interests of their families, the elderly, the youngest and the neediest of this country. Until the unions take a good look at the whole voting record of the man they will continue to be his unwitting lapdogs. Thankfully, not everyone is taken in by his tactics. I have faith in the average American worker and know that when they have the facts they will make up their own minds and not allow some entrenched union bureaucrats to tell them how to use their constitutional right to vote.

BETTIE J. REINA

Milmay

Dahlia Andrew Fayter Responds to the Union

I was one of the protesters, trying to pass out leaflets to those entering the ALF-CIO's "Praise Party" for Rep. LoBiondo. Some people were rude; many in expensive suits would not even read the facts about LoBiondo's voting record as it affects unions and working people. Is this why the unions are in such big trouble in this country? They are more interested in supporting political incumbents than in protecting the needs of their membership. It does not matter whether they support Republicans or Democrats, but they should endorse only elected officials who are responsive to the needs of workers and middle class families, and that is not Frank LoBiondo.

DAHLIA ANDREW FAYTER

Egg Harbor Township

CPR PROTESTS LOBIONDO & AFL-CIO

It was warm and comfortable in the upstairs room at Angelo's Fairmount Tavern here Monday night.It got even more cozy as labor leaders, politicians, casino representatives and business organizations from throughout southern New Jersey gave U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, what amounted to an endorsement of his re-election bid.Across the street, about 15 protesters bundled in coats, hats and gloves to hold off the cold tried to turn up the heat on LoBiondo: Members of Citizens for Progressive Representation, or CPR, held up signs and called out to those entering the restaurant that LoBiondo's congressional voting record is the opposite of what his supporters inside were celebrating.“The Bush administration has been one of the most anti-worker, anti-union administrations on record, yet LoBiondo has voted with Bush almost all of the time on labor matters,” said CPR Chairwoman Janet Fayter.Those inside took note of the protest, but not the way CPR would have wanted: Labor officials said LoBiondo has always been there to strengthen the city's gaming industry, fight for more jobs and stand up for the working man.“The people who are outside, that's where they're going to stay,” said state AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech. “Outside.”LoBiondo told supporters the protest was an example of a political climate in which people “choose to ignore reality and real facts.”Another reality that was clear from Monday night's event was that organized labor, traditionally considered a supporter of Democrats, was sending a message to any Democrat considering a challenge to LoBiondo: Don't do it.Roy Foster, president of the Atlantic-Cape May Central Labor Council, said there “won't be no money” from labor for any Democratic congressional candidate in the 2nd District. Democrats in the district may think they're automatically entitled to labor's support, but they are “guests in our house,” he said.LoBiondo said the event sent a “very clear message” to any potential Democratic challenger.That creates something of a bigger problem for southern New Jersey Democrats.LoBiondo had originally pledged to serve only six terms. That would mean LoBiondo should now be serving his last year in Congress.LoBiondo broke the pledge, saying he gave in to pressure from supporters.Now, Democrats who hoped to win the seat this year are again faced with the prospect of running a candidate against the popular Republican, who usually wins his elections by wide margins.Labor officials said they held Monday's event because of concern that the National Democratic Committee is targeting LoBiondo's seat in this year's election.While admitting that labor is traditionally thought of as a Democratic ally, Wowkanech said it decided to stand by LoBiondo because he's worked well with labor over the year.“We want to say thank you to a friend who has been with us for years,” Wowkanech told the more than 100 people gathered for Monday's event.Outside, Fayter said CPR, a new organization with as many as 100 members, is upset that labor's decision to back LoBiondo now will stifle something necessary for Democracy — a strong challenge by an opponent and a differing point of view for voters to consider.CPR is also upset that LoBiondo broke his term-limit pledge, she said.“It's time for a change,” Fayter said.

By THOMAS BARLASStaff Writer, Press of Atlantic City (609) 272-7201

Published: Tuesday, February 14, 2006

More photos on CPR website http://www.cpr4nj.org/id34.html

Rep. Frank LoBiondo and the AFL-CIO

The AFL-CIO Working Families advised me, as a retired member of the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 322, to urge U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo to vote no on federal budget cuts. The AFL-CIO Alliance for Retired Americans advised me to urge LoBiondo to vote no on the bill.LoBiondo voted yes for cuts that will put the war on poverty in a nosedive. His vote will force the senior citizens to pay for the billionaire tax cuts.Not all union members are in agreement with the local well-heeled union leaders who support LoBiondo. We will protest their action.

RICHARD D. NEILL

Cape May Court House

Letter published in Press of Atlantic City, February 12, 2006

Another View of Frank LoBiondo and the AFL-CIO

I am retired but was a member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for 32 years. I supported unions and what they have done for the working class of this country. Even people who do not belong to unions have benefited because of the organized labor movements that resulted in unions.Having said that, I was surprised and shocked to see that the AFL-CIO is holding a party in Atlantic City for Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd. It's hard for me to believe the rank and file of theunion support this in view of LoBiondo's voting record. The Bush administration has been the biggest union buster in history, and LoBiondo votes with it 90 percent of the time. The other 10 percent he votes against it is to pacify us, since he knows his vote isn't needed and will not affect the outcome.I know unions think that supporting those in office may result in jobs for their members, but it is time, in my opinion, for union leaders to stand up and do the right thing for the union workers of America. Supporting representatives such as LoBiondo, who support President Bush's anti-labor agenda, is against the best long-term interest of the working class.But then, it is not unusual to see people voting against their own best interests, as witnessed in the last presidential election.

WILLIAM FAUSEY

Swainton

Letter published in Press of Atlantic City, February 12, 2006

Budget Cuts, LoBiondo, and the AFL-CIO

The House of Representatives recently approved a measure that cuts $39 billion from programs that help Americans improve their lives — programs such as Medicare, welfare, student loans and enforcement of child support.The measure passed by a vote of 216 to 214. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, had a real chance to represent the interests of us, his constituents, because if he had voted against it, the vote would have been tied and this measure would have failed. Instead, he voted with his party leadership, as he has 88 percent of the time since he was first elected to Congress. When he has not voted with his party, those votes were safe anyway, and he could claim he was breaking ranks and standing up for his constituents.The truth is that he has no trouble giving tax breaks to the wealthy, while cutting programs that help children and families. Furthermore, I am shocked by the endorsement of the AFL-CIO for his re-election, considering that over his tenure in office, he has only supported labor about 43 percent of the time. I cannot believe the union leadership would support LoBiondo, against its own interests.The only way we can stop the scandals, stop the reverse Robin Hood policies of Bush and the congressional Republicans and begin to move our country in the right direction again is to elect progressive and forward-thinking candidates, such as potential LoBiondo challenger Robin Weinstein.

BRIAN MOORE

Bridgeton

Letter published in Press of Atlantic City, February 12, 2006

Rep. Frank LoBiondo Votes on Health Care

I attended Rep. Frank LoBiondo's recent meeting in Cape May Court House to give seniors more information about the new prescription drug program. During that meeting, he was asked about why he voted for that program.He was asked if a program that was misrepresented as costing $500 billion but will actionally cost much more would affect Medicare. He emphatically answered he would see that Medicare would always be available.Two days later. LoBiondo's vote was critical in cutting billions from Medicare, Medicaid and education.Isn't it time that the constant shifting of income taxes away from social programs be stopped? Instead of buying more guns, planes and bombs, let's invest our income taxes in health care, environmental protection and education.

ED POWICK

Cape May

Letter published in Press of Altantic City, February 12, 2006

Rep. Frank LoBiondo

Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, can no longer be considered a representative of all southern New Jersey voters. He and Rep. James Saxton, R-3rd, voted to pass a $39 billion budget-cutting bill that will cut Medicaid benefits and student loans. The bill passed in a close vote of 216-214.Once again, those affected by the budget cuts are middle-class families whose children will need student loans and those on limited income who need Medicaid benefits. You might want to remember this when you go to the polls in November.

MARIE LAWRENCE

North Cape May

Letter published in Press of Atlantic City, February 12, 2006

Commentary on LoBiondo and the AFL-CIO

Our Challenge

The entrenched Union leaders of the State of New Jersey have hurled a warning at the Democratic Party: Don't you dare run a candidate against our >beloved LoBiondo. Sure! They say! We know he always votes the full loaf of bread to the millionaires and billionaires. But they say: Lobiondo always manages to throw a few crumbs to the working class and that's what we like most about LoBiondo. By definition, Democracy means the people rule. With over a million Union members in New Jersey, how many voted for Wowkanech, President of the NJ State AFL-CIO. Or should I ask how many Union workers even heard of him? I did not vote for this guy. He does not speak for me. I do not know about your county, but in Cape May County there is no voice for Labor. What we need to do is to organize a Rank & File Central Labor Council. A council that is not an adjunct to the Republican Party. We have to take the power away from these right-wingers. With a Rank&File set-up they>would have no say about it. Remember this. The workers have a right to form any Union they want. Something to think about anyway. Also. Remember how the AFL-CIO supported Solidarity in Poland.

In solidarity,

Richard Neill

Bush Undermines U.S. Mine Safety

A Jan. 31 story, “Canada miners rescued, healthy,” noted that 72 miners trapped by fire were saved by safety rooms stocked with oxygen, food, water and sleeping accommodations. Similar provisions had been instituted late in President Clinton's administration for U.S. mines, only to be eliminated by President Bush.Bush values the lives of American workers so little that he has reduced the Mine Safety and Health Administration budget every year since taking office. This has resulted in a reduction of more than 100 inspectors and an increase in the number of mine-owner violations with few penalties. And while the current force of inspectors is expected to be reduced by about 40 percent by retirement over the next five years, you can be sure Bush doesn't plan to hire many replacements.It is extremely difficult to take Bush at his word that the safety of Americans is his first priority when he places such little value on workplace safety while everything he does smells of money for his friends.

DONALD CONNOLLY

Linwood

Letter published in Press of Atlantic City, February 11, 2006

JOIN US FEBRUARY 13 TO PROTEST UNION SUPPORT OF LOBIONDO

Date: 02/11/06 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; MEDIA ALERT Progressive Citizens to Protest AFL-CIO’s Endorsement of Congressman Lobiondo This Monday, members of CPR (www.cpr4nj.org) will be protesting the AFL-CIO’s early endorsement of Congressman Frank LoBiondo for re-election to Congress this fall. Lobiondo will be endorsed at a dinner at Angelo's Fairmount Tavern in Atlantic City. at 6:00 P.M. CPR protesters will gather peacefully across the street at that time.

CPR feels that the AFL-CIO should have withheld any endorsement until the Democrats pick their candidate. CPR argues that Congressman Lobiondo, by his “Tom Delay” voting record, has shown the antithesis of support for workers and unions during his years in Congress.

“The Bush Administration has been one of the most anti-worker, anti-union Administrations on the record, yet Lobiondo has voted with Bush almost all of the time on labor matters,“ said Janet Fayter, Chairperson of CPR.

Fayter continued, “This endorsement is nothing more than a political power play to try to force credible Democratic candidates, like Van Drew and Whalen, into not running in November. The voters of the 2nd Congressional District are weary of one-sided campaigns, and deserve a real choice this fall.”

To Join CPR's protest or for more information, contact info@cpr4nj.org.

Welfare for the Rich

The letter writer seems to think the Democrats should have stopped the tax cut for the wealthy that took effect on Jan. 1. He also seems to support the cuts in spending for Medicare, Medicaid, tuition loans and the enforcement of child-support programs.Surely he is aware that Republicans -- in control of the House, Senate and presidency -- determine the overall agenda, appoint committee heads, make the decisions about what will be discussed in committees and then what will be brought out of the committees for discussion on the floor of both houses. If you are not the party in control, you are virtually powerless to influence that schedule or have any input in the priorities set by the lawmakers. Minority party lawmakers usually lose when the votes are tabulated.Given the evidence now coming out of Washington, the people have little to no voice in our government, which is overwhelmingly controlled by the wishes of the lobbyists, who predominantly work with those in power, in this case, the Republicans. We all know the phrase "absolute power corrupts absolutely," especially now, as we are watching it in action.We should all remember this when we vote this fall. It's time we had a little give and take in our government.

BETTIE REINA

Milmay

Letter published in the Courier Post, February 7, 2006

Reader Questions "LoBiondo Math" Regarding Medicare Drug Benefit

Benjamin Disraeli said; "There are three kinds of lies, lies, damned lies and statistics." As an attendee at the recent workshop on Medicare's new prescription drug benefit sponsored by Frank LoBiondo and held in Atlantic County, I had questions about how this unfunded boondoggle giveaway to the drug industry added up. LoBiondo told the 70-plus in attendance that he as their representative had merely "dealt with the money issues." Thus, I felt questioning how the program would be paid for seemed appropriate, even though getting a straight answer from any politician is like trying to hold helium in your fist. The fact is that two years ago, responsibly fiscally conservative Republicans (not LoBiondo) had joined with Democrats to initially defeat 218-216 this plan. Democrats calling for a repeal of the tax cuts for the super rich to provide universal health coverage. The unfunded Medicare prescription program then only passed after Bush and Tom Delay twisted Republican arms based on phony cost estimates. After the vote, the bombshell fact slipped out that the White House Office of Management and Budget projected the cost at well over $500 billion, not the $400 billion the administration had represented. Further, with the unfunded cost of the war exceeding $300 billion, fiscally responsible members of both parties had suggested the expensive Medicare prescription drug plan be postponed. LoBiondo was not one of these members either. My question is how did "LoBiondo's Math" add up. LoBiondo's opening remarks were followed by a perky, peroxided presenter who explained the ins and outs of deciding which of the many plans to go with. She indicated that there were 44 different plans in New Jersey and expressed doubt that any of those in the room (70-plus) would decide on the same plan. The lady, was obviously a practitioner of "LoBiondo Math." The congressman at some point had slithered out of the room by the time the workshop was opened up to the public for questions and eventually I got to ask about where the money was coming from that would pay for the Medicare drug plan. And I asked how LoBiondo could just have voted to cut Medicare funding by some $12 billion. The question was never answered as LoBiondo's aide rushed over and yanked the microphone out of my hands, and declared that this was not the place to ask that kind of question. What is the place to get an answer if not there? The meager estimated prescription savings of some 25 percent for seniors still would mean that buying the very same drugs from the same manufacturer in Canada or Europe would actually be cheaper. Perhaps Homer Simpson said it best about those in Congress who passed this legislation: "Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large numbers." One has to wonder what kind of hallucinogenic drug LoBiondo is using to have morphed from a "Contract With America" balance-the-budget Republican into a "Voodoo Economics" snake oil salesman for Bush and Tom DeLay. The only hope is that the faulty "LoBiondo Math" will not add up when the votes are counted in his next election in 2006.

LARRY ANGEL

Mullica Township

Letter published in the Hammonton News, February 1, 2006