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Perriello the "right person" for troubled times in Virginia
Tuesday, October 7, 2008 2:32 PM EDT
After watching two political ads that were in stark contrast with each other, we feel that they reflect the candidates who sponsored them.
First, Virgil Goode painted a false, demonizing ad about candidate Tom Perriello. Then Perriello's ad showed his commitment to service and challenged us to do the same. Truly there is a significant difference in this year's Fifth District Congressional election.
We've met both Goode and Perriello. We visited Rep. Goode as constituents and as representatives for Bread for the World. We had been part of a hunger study group and learned that many residents of our district were at or near the poverty level. We met with Rep. Goode to solicit his support for the Farm Bill as it addressed the food stamp provision, provided economic incentives to farmers and small businesses and expanded Internet access that will help our rural area be more competitive internationally.
We came away with three impressions from that meeting.
First, when compared with other members of Congress Rep. Goode did not seem to work as hard as his Virginia colleagues. He seems to prefer earmarks as "how you get things done." In bringing legislation to a floor vote Rep. Goode is the least effective among representatives with ten or more years in office. (Source: Govtrack.us)
Second, he had a callous attitude toward many of his constituents. At the time, Congress had been challenged to see if they could live on the value of food stamps for a week. Mr. Goode said that he would have "no problem" living on $.95 per meal per day. All he would have to do is "eat oatmeal and beans every meal" for the week. It's hard to believe, but it's true!
Finally, when we asked him if he would support the bill, as it would significantly benefit the residents of the Fifth, he said he would have to speak with Mr. Goodlatte to see how he would vote.
These are hard times. We are in a financial crisis. We need a new vision for economic stability & stimulus. We have serious international problems. We are fighting an enemy that knows no borders. We need someone with both international and national experience.
We have met Perriello many times and have gotten to know him as a young man committed to the ideals of his country and faith. Tom Perriello has worked as a National Security Analyst in Afghanistan. He has helped to found non-profit organizations that bring people of different faiths together to address some of our country's most urgent needs. He will reach out to other members in Congress not to find out how he should vote along party lines, but to talk with people on both sides of the aisle and find solutions for our problems. He is someone who will offer more then "Let them eat oatmeal" as an answer to constituents in need.
It is time for a change in this country and time for a change in the 5th District.
We believe Tom Perriello is the right person for these times.
Pat and Mike Carr
Moneta
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