Dear
Friends,
Good morning. A few weeks before
Charlie Dent, 44, and
First,
their backgrounds. Dent is married with three children. Before his entrance
into government, he was a development officer for Lehigh University. A
Presbyterian, Dent spent eight years as a state representative and four years
as a state senator. Fitzpatrick is married with six children. A Roman Catholic,
he is an attorney and served 10 years as a Bucks County Commissioner.
I began with this question: do you believe in
balanced budgets and how high should the national debt go? "I am very
concerned about our national debt and I believe that Congress must demonstrate
fiscal discipline and continue to promote sustained economic growth,” Dent
began. “But I will not compromise in supporting our troops in fighting the war
against terrorism and protecting our homeland.” Fitzpatrick agreed.
Should the tax cuts be made permanent? “I support
repealing the death tax, eliminating the marriage penalty, expanding the child
tax credit and permanently reducing the tax rate for the lowest income
taxpayers to 10 percent,” Dent continued. Ditto says Fitzpatrick.
Both believe that a national sales tax would not be
better than the present income tax method. Will they follow the Republican
leadership? Yes, unless the leadership disagrees with issues related to their
district’s priorities.
Both oppose legalizing marijuana, even for medical
purposes. And they would not ban the sale of tobacco. Nor would they legalize
prostitution. Each would favor tax money being spent on family planning but
Fitzpatrick opposes support for Planned Parenthood.
Both oppose same sex marriage. Dent would support a
Constitutional Amendment banning same sex marriage if necessary. Would they
continue Title IX? “I am opposed to gender discrimination in academics or
athletics,” Fitzpatrick replied. “I believe that decisions regarding athletic
programs and academic curriculum should be made by local school officials and
parents, not as a result of federal mandates or inflexible government
policies.” Dent agreed.
How about affirmative action? “I support policies
that eliminate past or present discrimination based on race, gender or
religion,” Fitzpatrick continued. “I firmly believe that the cornerstone of a
free society is equality of opportunity. All Americans have the right to be
judged on their individual talents, skills and achievements. I am opposed to
policies that would create a quota system.” Ditto for Dent.
Would you bring back the draft? Are you in favor of
compulsory service for every young man and woman age 18? Would you give young
adults the option of serving in the military (at a higher pay) or in a non-combative
service…hospitals or park service, etc? “As far as compulsory service, there is
no need at this time,” Dent responded. “The house considered legislation last
year which would have required that all young men and women provide a mandatory
two year military service. The bill failed by a vote of 2 to 402.” Fitzpatrick
agreed.
Should we permit school vouchers? Fitzpatrick says
yes. “No child should be trapped in a failing or underachieving school,” he
replied. “As a demonstration, I would support an educational choice program to
assist the parents of children in the public schools of the District of
Columbia.” Dent agreed.
The Dent-Fitzpatrick questions and answers will
conclude next week.
Sincerely,
Charles Meredith