Webb Questions and Answers

1. You served in the Reagan Administration and were a Republican for many years.  What are the main reasons you decided to switch to the Democratic Party?
"I've never run for office.  That tends to clarify the mind.  I identified myself most strongly with the Democratic Party until the end of the Vietnam War, then I went with the Republican Party on issues of national security.  I was not affiliated in any way with either of the Bush Administrations.  Events following 9/11, plus a lot of thought while I was writing Born Fighting, led me to decide that I best identify with the Democratic Party.  That being said, I have friends in both parties, and if I am elected I hope we can restore a measure of civility in the Congress that is now sorely lacking."

2. Which wing, if any, of the Democratic Party do you feel most comfortable with?  Would you describe yourself as a liberal, moderate, conservative, populist, or progressive Democrat?  Or something else entirely?
"I would describe myself as conservative on national defense, populist on economic issues, and a social moderate."

3. Why did you decide to run for U.S. Senate from Virginia?  Is your run fueled by any degree of anger towards the Bush Administration and "culture of corruption" Republican Congress?
"People who are looking for anger from me will be disappointed.  I was angry for many years following Vietnam because by virtue of my writings and government jobs I had inherited the responsibility of defending the wrongs done to those who had served in that war.  But I lost that anger after 9/11.  There are too many important issues to focus on, here in the present.

"To be sure, this Administration has been woefully inept in many areas, and the political culture in Washington has become corrupted due to a Congress that has lost its way.  I will focus on those areas, but more as leadership challenges than as the result of personal anger."
4. What differentiates you, if anything, from other politicians in America today?
"The major difference between me and most of them is that I am not a career politician and have never desired to be one.  I have strong experience as a committee counsel in the Congress and as a Defense Department leader.  But I have been extremely fortunate to be able to support myself and my family through a writing career that has given me independence and also insights that I would never have obtained if I had been running for office continuously.  Writing also allows one a measure of introspection that is rarely available in government."

5. What are your main criticisms of George Allen, who you would be running against if you win the Democratic nomination?  What is your main argument for replacing George Allen, and why do you believe you have the best chance to defeat him this year?
"If you like George W. Bush then you should love George Allen, who has supported this president 96 percent of the time."

6. You were an early opponent of invading Iraq -- speaking out on the issue in September 2002.  What were your reasons for caution on Iraq?
"Actually I spoke out on this before September 2002, although the Washington Post article I wrote in that month was one of the first major pieces warning that the real issue was not WMD's, but impending terrorism and the lack of an exit strategy.  It has been my strong position for many years that the US should not become an occupying power in that part of the world, with its constant, multi-polar turmoil."

7. Given that we're in Iraq now, what would be the essential elements of a sound strategy to extricate ourselves?
"We need to get out of Iraq, but we need to leave in a more responsible way than when we entered.  This does not mean that we should be there for a long period of time. We must pressure this Administration to say, unequivocally, that the US has no long term aspirations for occupying Iraq.  We should consult with the other countries in the region and bring them into the process - after all, they are going to be very much in the process once we leave."

8. Aside from the specific situation in Iraq, what would you say is your overall view on when it is appropriate to use U.S. military force?  What sorts of situations demand U.S. intervention, and what don't?
"The only time it is appropriate to use U.S. military force is when inaction poses a direct threat to the United States or our interests.

"I believe people in this country need to look very closely at the language this Administration has been using recently, on when it would be appropriate to use force. Last week they renewed their supposed doctrine of 'pre-emptive war.'  Pre-emptive war is a far different thing than a pre-emptive attack on, say, a terrorist cell that is preparing to attack us.  Iraq was a pre-emptive war - taking over a country by force when it was not threatening us.  This is not the way the United States should be exporting its values."

9. You've spoken of the distinction between "free trade" and "fair trade."  What sort of policy initiatives would you like the see the U.S. pursue in order to promote fair trade?
"I'm not an economist, but I'm a frequent traveler, especially in Asia, and I did bring American businesses into Vietnam for more than two years.  This gives me an appreciation of how some of these imbalances occur.  In my view, free trade only exists when two countries that have comparative economic and governmental systems are involved - as, for the most part, we can see in our practices with western Europe.  For the rest of it, adjustments should be made, unless there are other trade-offs (forgive the pun) that occur elsewhere in a relationship.  We are in a situation where workers are losing jobs because of unfair trade practices from foreign governments, and we cannot and should not allow these practices to continue.  The first place I would look would be the protections available to our industries in our existing trade laws.  We should make it clear to foreign governments that we will not allow them to operate outside of established international trade law to gain an advantage over U.S. companies.  Beyond that, I believe it would be fair to re-examine NAFTA and other acts to try and rebalance the playing field."

10. What ideas do you have regarding social security and medicare? Given the Republicans unpopular attempt to convince people to support privitization of Social Security will you go after your opponent on that issue?
"I don't agree with this concept.  I worked for four years on the Veterans Affairs committee in the US House of Representatives.  Much of this work related to disability compensation and pension programs.  Pension programs are designed to guarantee a "floor" for a standard of living.  Social Security was also designed as a 'floor' so that people who worked all of their lives and had little or no private-sector retirement income could count on protecting their basic needs.  It doesn't make sense to 'bet' this 'floor' on the stock market or other such speculative programs."

11.  You wrote an article where you said, +óGé¼+ôIn fact, the greatest realignment in modern politics would take place rather quickly if the right national leader found a way to bring the Scots-Irish and African Americans to the same table, and so to redefine a formula that has consciously set them apart for the past two centuries.+óGé¼-¥  I am wondering if you have a plan or a vision as to how such a coming together could happen?
"The story of the South has never been simply white vs. black.  It has always been a small veneer of well-off whites, manipulating white against blacks.  As I write in Born Fighting, only 5 percent of the whites in the South actually owned slaves at the height of slavery, and by 1936, of the 1.8 million share-croppers in the South, 71 percent were white.

"I learned from the conduct of my grandfather, who stood up to this system in East Arkansas (from the bottom, looking up), that the two cultures which began in the South (and are now widely scattered) have far more in common, in their historical journey, than almost any other two cultures.  If you look at Virginia, the rural whites along the mountains and in southside Virginia are similarly-situated in economic terms with urban blacks.  We need to stop fussing with each other and realize that we have common goals.
This will be one of my strongest priorities if I am elected to the Senate."

12. What do you think the US should do about Iran?
"The greatest successes we've had over the past six decades have been the result of firmness, patience, sticking to our national values but working with other countries to define and control serious threats.  That was exactly how we won the Cold War: demonstrating that we had military resolve, but more importantly, demonstrating that we believed in ideals, and that we had allies who agreed with those ideals.  You cannot export values at the point of a gun -- this is what the Soviet Union was attempting to do.

"Iran is an emerging power.  I warned in 1990 that the greatest danger if we invaded Iraq after Kuwait would be the empowerment of Iran.  I warned again after the 9/11 attacks that Iran -- and its relationship with China -- was the greatest long-term threat in that region.

Right now it is important that we face the situation in Iran with firmness, but with the participation of other countries and without irresponsible threats that simply "up the ante" and invite counter-threats.  We need to make it clear to China and Russia that their relationships with us hinge on their responsible support re: Iran and its nuclear ambitions.

If we simply attacked Iran right now, we would face the reality that there are 135,000 Americans sitting in Iraq who could absorb a counter-blow.  Iran also could shut down the Straits of Hormuz very quickly, which would have serious impact, especially on Japan.

Common sense.  Multilateral negotiations.  Firmness but not stupidity or false bravado."

13.  What do you think about +óGé¼+ôoutsourcing+óGé¼-¥ of American jobs?
+óGé¼+ôI have very strong feelings about that.+óGé¼-¥  The United States is +óGé¼+ôstarting to look like the Philippines," and "outsourcing is a big part of that+óGé¼-ªthere's got to be a formula that protects American workers."

Also, according to the Webb campaign, "In the Senate, Jim Webb will fight to refocus America+óGé¼Gäós foreign policy and traditions, and will be the leader of the anti-outsourcing movement."

"They've wholesaled entire industries such as furniture and textiles to other countries, and outsourced stacks of other jobs as well. These actions by greedy international corporations that claim on paper to be American are amoral, if not immoral. If you give me the chance, I will become the leader of those who oppose the outsourcing of American jobs. Some say the train has left the station on that issue. I say to you, the corporations who want to betray the American worker need to pay a higher price for a ticket on that train."

13a. Senate should eliminate outsourcing tax credit
"America is in the midst of one of the most serious economic transitions since the industrial age. The dual forces of technology and globalization are shrinking the globe and taking their toll on middle- and working-class Americans."

"America is increasingly divided into three parts, those at the top have never had it better, while the middle class is squeezed by the rising cost of health care, energy and college tuition. Those at the bottom risk becoming part of a permanent underclass, stuck forever in the cycle of poverty."

"Even though many of the economic forces responsible for this transition are irreversible, the damaging policies maintained by our government, which accelerate these forces and hurt American workers, are not. Since 2000, more than 450,000 jobs have been sent overseas. Because of a perverse part of our tax code, moving manufacturing plants overseas is actually a profitable exercise for companies that wish to avoid paying corporate taxes."

"This is not an abstract phenomenon; we are feeling the effects right here in Virginia. Earlier this year, Ford announced its intention to close its plant in Norfolk, a move that will mean 2,200 Virginians will lose their jobs. This decision by Ford was made in the context of a larger reorganization effort in which Ford has increased its purchases of parts for automobiles from auto parts suppliers operating overseas."

"This process is being repeated in countless other industries. A recent study estimates that three million jobs will be lost to outsourcing by 2015. These lost jobs mean a loss of $176 billion in wages for American workers. And while workers suffer, corporations celebrate."

"As a percentage of gross domestic product, corporate profits are at a record high and growing, while wages are at a record low and falling. These trends are no coincidence. Our economic system, which privileges stock value over all else, rewards CEOs with huge bonuses as they squeeze worker salaries to expand profits."

"Many senators are doing their part to reverse these trends. The Senate has twice voted on measures that would eliminate provisions in the corporate tax code that encourage companies to keep profits overseas by exempting such profits from taxation. Two times Sen. George Allen voted against the elimination of these tax breaks for outsourcing."

"Outsourcing is one of the most significant forces threatening jobs in America today. The first step in fighting this battle must be the elimination of measures in place today that encourage businesses to engage in outsourcing."

14.  Comments on your opponent, Harris Miller?
+óGé¼+ôHarris Miller is running a very traditional campaign,+óGé¼-¥ which is all about +óGé¼+ôparty endorsements and fealty to party structure."  In contrast, +óGé¼+ôI am trying to demonstrate that I can bring people back to the Democratic Party."

15.  What about earmarks and lobbying reform?
+óGé¼+ôCongress is in total disarray" today, with an "incredible increase in the number of lobbyists" and the +óGé¼+ôincessant need to raise money.+óGé¼-¥  The bottom line, in Webb's view, is that "the system is going to break" if it's not fixed, adding "I really don't like earmarks."

16. What was your position [on women in the military]?
"When I was secretary of the Navy, I opened up more billets to women than any secretary of the Navy in history. But we did it the right way. I got my warfare chiefs, the three warfare chiefs, to go down and examine inside their own specialties where women should be absorbed. I had them then report to the chief of naval operations. And then the chief of naval operations reported to me. I had the uniform side make the decisions, the recommendations, and then bring them to me. This wasn't me standing up there pontificating because I was a civilian official. So when this has been done in a rational way where it works, I fully support it. When it's an intrusion from the outside, I think that not only I but other people should have questions. So where it is now? I think that from what I can see from a distance it's working well."

17. How can we reduce our dependency on imported oil?
Webb supports investing in "alternative energy sources, particularly solar power."  Also, Webb supports "properly constructed nuclear power as they've got in Japan." Webb opposes drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

18. What makes a leader?
"People look for affirmative leaders," not just "vague optimism."  "People don't just want [their leaders] to say everything is wrong," but instead want "real, strong leadership that's affirmative."  In contrast, "ultra-conservatives talk about God, guns, gays, abortion and the flag to get everybody riled up" instead of "sitting down and saying, this is where it's broke and this is what we can do [to fix it]."

19. Would you have supported Senator Russ Feingold in his call to censure President Bush?
"I have a great respect for Senator Feingold.  I view him as one of the few people in the Senate who are focusing on issues that are debilitating to the process of government (campaign finance, e.g.).  I'm not sure I would support a censure over the NSA surveillance issue, but I do believe that people need to keep connecting the dots on the widespread abuse of power in this Presidency.  Too many people in the Congress want to "kiss that issue" as it goes by.  I do not understand what it is that the Administration wishes to conceal in the NSA issue, because it was a simple matter for them to file the appropriate notice at the time.
I'm not saying that I would not support a censure.  This is a new proposal and one of my reservations would be that it is aimed at only one element of Presidential abuse."

20. Comments on health care, education, and income inequality in America?
"...the reasons that finally compelled me to run for the Senate came from the worry that I have about a growing unfairness in our society.

The country is breaking into three different groups, and is becoming defined by class far more than at any time in my memory.  The people at the top have never had it so good.  You only have to look at the ratios of corporate executive compensation compared to the average factory worker to see this.

"The middle class is stagnating.  Jobs are being sent overseas, public education is spotty.  Health care is being denied to many people who actually do have jobs -- it's not a 'welfare' problem.

"And we are in danger of developing a permanent underclass, without true hope of advancement."

21. The deadline to sign up for Medicare Part D, federally subsidized prescription drug coverage is May 15.  After that,  seniors will incur a 1 percent penalty per month on their premiums.  Reportedly, millions of seniors are still weighing the decision.  What is your opinion of this situation?
"Part D is a complicated program for any person. It's a step in the right direction, but seniors need more time to figure out what joining the program means. I support the Democratic effort to extend the deadline, because seniors should not be penalized for sorting through the complexities.

22. What do you think is the cause of high oil prices? What can be done to alleviate the situation?"
"While increased global demand from places like China and India have had some effect on the price of oil, these changes are not drastic enough to explain why the price of a barrel of oil has tripled since 2001. After 9/11 but before the War in Iraq, the price of oil was still $24 per barrel. It is only since we invaded Iraq that the price of oil has become historically high. The instability our government created in the Middle East by occupying Iraq has unquestionably had a large effect on our gas prices.

"Oil companies have taken advantage of this instability, continually reporting new record profits. It is unacceptable for our government to continue to offer tax breaks to these oil companies while they profit off of the War in Iraq. As a Senator, I will stand against the oil profiteering and fight for windfall tax on oil companies."

23. Can you register your opinion about the tax plan that is nearing approval in Congress, the one that will give millionaires an average of $41,000 in tax cuts every year and the one that will give middle class families under $100?
"I have a number of reservations about the current tax reconciliation bill.  I'm told that it takes out extensions of tax credits for middle class families, and that a $5 billion tax break for big oil was put back in, after being eliminated in an earlier bill.  I would oppose those.
"I would also favor some sort of windfall tax on oil company profits.  I do not believe this would be "inappropriate government behavior," as these profits -- upwards of $80 billion in the last year -- took place because of world-wide conditions and not because of any larger effort or innovation by oil companies."

24. What [is] your position is on using offshore outsourcing for private DoD government contracts?
"As someone who is extremely concerned about the impact of outsourcing on our workers, I would oppose these kinds of contracts.  In my view there is clear precedent to oppose them -- as when DOD was required to buy American-made vehicles, etc."

25. Today we got to read in the paper how Americans phone conversations are being recorded and given to the government. I would like to know at this point if you would support censuring the President as Feingold as introduced in a resolution(I know your earlier view was that it was too soon)? I am also interested in hearing if you would be willing to talk to Harry Reid and some of the other moderate Democrats that support your candidacy about this issue?
"I believe the time has come for a panel of highly qualified, politically neutral individuals who possess the right security clearances to take a clear look at this issue.  There are too many seeming irregularities for this or any other Congress to sit still and do nothing.

I would favor a panel at this point because it could operate relatively quickly, and would possess the expertise to evaluate the information.  This would not be a '9/11 Commission," but rather a small group of experts who could go in, ask the right questions, and evaluate the facts.  They should be looking at who, exactly, has been listened to, and what, exactly, is being done to the data base.  They should also report as to what, exactly, President Bush means when he says that no actions were taken without court approval.

"The difficulty of a censure movement at this point, or of impeachment, is that it would tie up the Congress and keep it from doing its daily business.  One of the strongest arguments now being made against voting for Democrats in 06 is that a Democratic Congress would slow the country down by engaging in lengthy retaliations.

"The NSA issue is serious -- and fair -- game for congressional action, but let's try to get some specific facts.  Of course, if they won't cooperate in providing the facts, that's a different story."

26. What are the forms of corporate welfare are you most focused on attacking in the Senate?
"I believe that the internationalization of our economy, plus out-sourcing, has caused a situation where the health of the financial sector no longer is an indication of the health of the economy.  Along with this, such things as Corporate CEO compensation packages are totally out of control, and often are based on how badly the average worker has been ripped off.

I saw a set of charts about a week ago which show a startling reality.  The first chart showed "after-tax corporate profits" as a percentage of our GDP, which are at an all-time historic high.  The second showed wages and salaries as a percentage of GDP, which are at an all-time low.  And in the middle, as we all know, are the good jobs that have gone overseas.

We must try to correct this very dangerous bifurcation in our society."

27.  Wiretapping, checks and balances, etc.
"The danger of the abuse of centralized power is an historical constant.  Americans should indeed worry about a centralized government that has the power to listen in and monitor the conduct of average citizens, as well as the power to listen in and monitor the conduct of their political opposition.  Those powers (and that conduct) are a staple of authoritarian and totalitarian societies.  I'll never forget my visit 10 years ago to the defunct HQ of STASI in East Germany, which had kept informant files on millions of East Germans.

"I am not making any allegations against this Administration.  What I am saying is that the Constitution deliberately built in checks and balances among the three branches of government in order to prevent such conduct.  If the executive branch is not sharing the information it has collected from NSA wire taps, what gives it the authority to keep it to itself, and why is it so skittish?"

28. BRAC Commission+óGé¼Gäós decision to close the Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia Beach.
+óGé¼+ôThis facility belongs in Virginia,+óGé¼-¥ said Webb, a former U.S. Secretary of the Navy.  +óGé¼+ôAs a U.S. Senator, I will not allow political considerations to play a role in decisions that negatively impact the military+óGé¼Gäós presence in Virginia.+óGé¼-¥  +óGé¼+ôI am confident that Commonwealth and area officials made every effort to effectively resolve any concerns involving encroachment put forth by the Commission,+óGé¼-¥ said Webb.
+óGé¼+ôI can not help but to ask if political favoritism played a role in this decision.+óGé¼-¥

29. Net Neutrality
Webb said that he's not very familiar with this subject, but that he definitely believes the internet and blogs represent democracy in action and must be protected.
29a. More on Net Neutrality
"The internet represents democracy in action and must be protected.  More than perhaps any other medium, the internet provides an open and free marketplace of ideas and speech, as our founding fathers intended in the first amendment to our Constitution.  The internet has been open and free since its inception, and it should remain open and free moving forward.  Just as importantly, the blogosphere provides strong checks and balances on the corporate media and on governmental power.  This is particularly crucial at at time of serious overreach by the executive branch, as we now are experiencing.  Finally, there is a fundamental fairness issue at stake here.  Given that the internet is increasingly indispensible to educational and career advancement in today's economy, it is essential that we keep it accessible and affordable to all Americans - not just to the wealthiest corporations and citizens.  Allowing big telecom companies to provide preferential service to large content providers over the "little guy" is both wrong and undemocratic.  For all these reasons, I strongly support net neutrality."

30. Health Care
"First by growing up in a military family and then as a consequence of having been wounded in Vietnam Jim has had the privilege of using the military health care system his whole life. The care and service the military provides is top notch. Jim believes that all Americans deserve access to some form of quality health care. Health care legislation should focus on providing people access to health care, not simply on corporate profits."

31. Prescription Drugs
"The Republican Senate has rubber-stamped this administration's bad ideas for six years. They've busted the budget so badly that the Republican-controlled Senate-including my opponent- has to keep voting to raise the debt limit so they can spend, spend, spend. They've let drug company lobbyists write a prescription drug plan for our seniors - and the drug companies are going to make billions from this law."

32. Education
"Education is the only way to level the playing field and provide all Americans with the opportunity to succeed. Jim is a product of public schools. Jim's children attended public schools. So Jim has first hand knowledge of the wonderful job our teachers do, and the challenges they face. Testing and accountability are a good first step, but they are not enough to ensure a good education for all Americans. It is vital that we take the crucial next steps to improve academic achievement in American schools."

33. Abortion
Jim Webb is pro-choice.  He has said "I+óGé¼Gäóm with Roe v. Wade" and "I am pro-choice."

34. What specific projects in Northern Virginia would you seek to federally fund?
Virginia needs more money to reduce traffic congestion. Federal funding is crucial to ensure that Virginia can effectively combat its transportation problem. The commonwealth's leaders in Richmond will decide the particular projects that should receive the most resources. As Virginia's junior Senator I will work with Gov. Tim Kaine (D) and the legislature to implement their transportation priorities by fighting for greater federal funding.

35.  What should be done about the 45 million Americans who are living without health insurance?
First by growing up in a military family and then as a consequence of having been wounded in Vietnam I have had the privilege of using the military health care system my whole life. The care and service the military provides is top notch. All Americans deserve access to some form of quality health care. Health care legislation should focus on providing people access to health care, not simply on corporate profits.
Reforming the Medicare prescription drug benefit would be a priority. The plan is a step in the right direction, but the benefit is confusing to consumers. By preventing Medicare from negotiating a discount the cost of the program is excessively high.

36. What changes, if any, should be made to the federal No Child Left Behind, the Bush Administration's education law that mandates high-stakes standardized testing in all public schools?
Education is the only way to level the playing field and provide all Americans with the opportunity to succeed. The testing and accountability included in No Child Left Behind are a good first step. Teachers and school districts must have access to the resources that are needed to implement the mandates placed on states by the No Child Left Behind law. It is vital that Congress fully fund the mandates of No Child Left Behind.

37. What is your favorite place to visit in Northern Virginia?
My favorite place to visit in Northern Virginia is Arlington National Cemetery. I can reflect upon the sacrifices and leadership shown by so many great Americans who died in service to America. The serene environment is an ideal place to collect my thoughts and take a break from my hectic daily schedule.

38. Stem cell research?
"Once again, we find George Allen trailing alongside George Bush, who he has voted with 97% of the time, instead of standing up for Virginians,+óGé¼-¥ said Webb spokesperson Kristian Denny Todd. +óGé¼+ôStem cell research is an important, potentially life-saving science supported by a wide array of leaders, including Nancy Reagan and John Warner, as well as a vast majority Americans.+óGé¼-¥

[...]

"As Nancy Reagan has so eloquently reminded us, we cannot turn our back on this issue,+óGé¼-¥ said Jim Webb. +óGé¼+ôResponsible stem cell research holds too much potential for too many people to be obstructed by politicians. The President should immediately sign this legislation into law and give new hope to the victims of disease and their families."

39. "War on terror?"

The news of a terror plot uncovered and foiled in England today highlights the continuing need to stay committed and strong in our fight against global terrorism.  This fight cannot be won by simple intimidation. America must continue to make funding and executing the war on terror a priority.  British authorities should be commended for their excellent work in foiling this terrorist plot.

The war on terror is global and we must confront it wherever necessary, with the full array of military options available.  Winning this war will make America more secure.  A victory requires a mobile fighting force, one that is capable of responding to threats wherever they emerge.  The occupation of Iraq keeps our military locked down in a civil war in the Middle East, and consumes resources that can better be used in the larger fight against global terrorism.

As recently as yesterday, George Allen conflated my long-held warnings against invading and occupying Iraq with being `against ... the war on terror.'  Mr. Allen knows full well that he is misrepresenting my views in order to protect himself politically from his blind support of the Bush Administration's failed strategy in Iraq.

Beginning more than a year before the invasion of Iraq, I consistently stated that the Administration's misguided effort to drag our country into an ill-advised occupation of Iraq would hurt, not help, in the war against international terror.  I am deeply disappointed that Mr. Allen is now so clearly and deliberately misrepresenting my views. He knows exactly how I felt about this because I personally explained my views to him in September 2002, five months before the Iraq invasion.

As the events of this morning demonstrate, the stakes in the war on terror are too high for people such as Mr. Allen to be using them as cheap political props.

40. Minimum Wage?
"We also do need to raise the minimum wage -- it has not been raised since 1997 ($5.15 an hour)."

41. African American / Rural American issues

I believe strongly that these two cultures have far more in common than they sometimes realize.  In fact, I've often referred to them as cantankerous siblings.  The story of the South has never been black vs. white.  It's been a small veneer at the top, manipulating black vs. white.  In 1936 there were 1.8 million share croppers in the South (including my grandfather), and 1.2 million were white.  The legacy of those generations of poverty still affects both cultures.

We can get these folks to the table, along with others who are similarly situated.  And we can demand that the health of our society should be measured not by Wall Street, but by what is happening to the working people who are carrying the load of the country.

42. Racists vs. Mountain People

In my book Born Fighting I take a lot of time talking about the often-misunderstood Scots-Irish who became the dominant culture of the mountain and rural South.  They are vastly misunderstood.  They are "clan" oriented (family) and have been for thousands of years.  But they are very inclusive -- if you're in the family, you're in.  My great-great grandmother was Cherokee.  My wife is Vietnamese.  She is as welcome in Alley Valley (north of Gate City) as I myself -- and sometimes more welcome, since she can skin and filet a catfish faster than anyone else.

People who play to their baser instincts are not respecting them.

43. Teddy Roosevelt
"Teddy Roosevelt's lasting impact on me comes from the fact that he had the courage to stand up to the robber barons of his day..."

44. Lamont/GOP Scare Tactics

Never forget that the principle strategy of Rove and his subalterns (such as Wadhams) is to take their own weakness and make it their strength, and to take your strength and make it your weakness.

Since the Lamont victory demonstrated that people are indeed sick of both the Iraq war and the Bush administration, the best tactic of the Rove folks is to try and make Iraq (their weakness) the "principle battleground in the war against terrorism."  This is decidely illogical, and I will be saying so at every opportunity.

45. Al Qaeda
"Al Qaeda is stronger today than 5 years ago," in large part "as a result of our occupation of Iraq."  ""National security policy under the Bush-Cheney Administration is in total disarray."

46. Russia
Our policy towards Russia has failed.  "Looking into Putin's eyes and seeing his soul" is not a policy.

47. Latin America
We need to make sure that Latin America doesn't "backslide towards authoritarianism and illiberal economies."

48. Bipartisanship
Webb has had "many, many friends on both sides of the aisle," people like Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE). He's "not looking at focus groups" and not just "going to implement talking points" sent down to him, like George Allen.

49. Israel-Hezbollah
"...if a country can not or will not control terrorism in its borders, the threatened country has a right to defend itself." However, "the issue is proportionality."  Also, "you're not going to take out Hezbollah militarily."

50. Fraud and Abuse in Iraq Contracts
The level of "fraud and abuse in Iraq is astounding," and that "this is an American problem" due in large part to "one party government" in the United States.  Endorses Tammy Duckworth's call for a bipartisan, "modern day Truman Commission" to "bring accountability to how contracts are let" in Iraq and elsewhere.

51. Illegal Immigration
"The immigration debate is divided into three separate issues. How can we secure our border? What should we do about the 11 million undocumented workers? And, lastly there is the guest worker question. It is necessary to separate out the 3 issues. The primary concern must be securing the border. Immediate action is needed to stem the flow of illegal border crossings. Approaching the issue using an omnibus bill that attempts to solve all three issues simultaneously creates a political stalemate that delays the border security solution. There is a consensus that our border security must be improved and we should act on that consensus as soon as possible. Once the border is secure we can develop a fair solution to other immigration issues."

52. Tax Credits for Veterans:
According to the Washington Post:

Webb proposed a 5 percent income tax break for veterans who have served honorably, although he couldn't say exactly how the plan would work or how much it would cost. But he said it would be an important symbol of how the country values those who volunteer for military service.

"In earlier days, military service in this country was viewed by many to be an obligation. . . . Or to put it another way, military service was viewed as a tax that many in the country were called upon to pay for the good of national security," said Webb, a former Marine whose son is scheduled to be deployed to Iraq this summer. A tax break would be a reward for such service, he said, and perhaps entice others to join the military.

53: What role should the federal government play in advancing research and development in both businesses and institutions of higher education?:
"The driving force of the most important technological advances in the last century has been government investment in research. This is especially true in areas that relate to national defense, where many private-sector spin-offs have benefited the nationGÇÖs economy."

"I support investment in business and research at institutions of higher education. The use of tax and fiscal policies can assist businesses in achieving their goals and forwarding scientific and technological development. That is why I support the extension of tax cuts, including the Research and Development Tax Credit and others that benefit small business."

54. What is your position on Small Business Health Plans?:
"Providing small businesses access to health insurance risk pooling is one of the most significant steps that can be taken to help alleviate the burden of high health care costs. I support programs modeled on the current Federal Employees Health Benefit Program.
This program provides our elected officials and federal employees with access to high quality affordable health care. I would support legislation that has been introduced that uses this program as a guide for a Small Employers Health Benefit Program. Such a program would allow employers to reap the benefits of group purchasing power and streamlined administrative costs, as well as access to more plan choices."

55. What proactive steps should the U.S. Senate take to help ease Northern VirginiaGÇÖs congested roadways?:
"I support the transportation plan developed by Governor Kaine. I think the federal government needs to play an active and involved role in facilitating the implementation of VirginiaGÇÖs transportation plan by increasing funding and grant opportunities for the Commonwealth. Virginia gets back the lowest rate of return, ninety-one cents of every dollar we pay in gas taxes. We need to do better, especially given the extensive congestion created by the federal government facilities in Northern Virginia."

56. As a member of the U.S. Senate, what steps will you take to improve AmericaGÇÖs Homeland Security?:
"In the aftermath of 9/11, America was faced with a great challenge GÇô containing and eventually destroying the international terrorist movement. Our leaders have largely failed to meet that challenge."

"Rather than fighting terrorism where it existed, the Bush Administration invaded Iraq and unnecessarily opened a new front in the war against international terrorism."

"Now our military is bogged down in Iraq, fighting sectarian violence that does not threaten American security. As recent events demonstrate, the war against international terrorism requires a mobile fighting force, able to respond to threats worldwide. We must fight terrorism effectively abroad, to adequately secure our homeland."

"In the aftermath of Katrina, we witnessed the same lack of foresight and judgment. FEMA and the Bush administration were warned of the dangers of Hurricane Katrina. Their response was slow and ineffectual. Thousands of Gulf Coast residents died and many suffered more than was necessary."

"When securing America we cannot cut corners or waste time. Whether the danger is from terrorists or natural disaster we must anticipate and prepare for every possibility. Here in Virginia we are at a high level of risk to attack. Government and military facilities throughout the state are prime targets, along with our port facilities and population centers. Funding for protecting Northern Virginia is declining and programs are being neglected. The recommendations of the 9/11 Commission are not being implemented and as a result America is less safe. Ignorance should no longer be an excuse for lack of preparation."

Comments