Schiff In Power
October 24, 2008
Congressman Adam Schiff
Today, I attended Q &A lunch meeting with Congressman Adam Schiff where he talked briefly about the presidential election, energy dependence, and the economic disaster.
The congressman talked a lot about Senator Obama’s policies including one about community college. I’ve heard Obama speak of adding more funds into the school system, especially colleges. According to Schiff, Obama plans to give a $4,000 refundable credit to students. Also, 2/3 of your college tuition will be paid for and community college students will get to go to school for FREE. That’s much better than that $15 a unit proposition last year. Here’s the Catch 22. Recipients must do 100 hours of community service. Honestly, that’s easy as pie for a free tuition (or close to free). After my stint last year, 100 hours of community service isn’t that bad. Take a summer off to do a little community work here and there and never worry about paying for college again.
Now apparently there were some concerns about a certain legislative house becoming “filibuster-proof” which I haven’t heard of yet. Schiff was quick to explain that such a thing is not likely. Democrats from red states will more often cast their votes in reflection of their states rather than their own agenda. Also, the houses are always fluctuating.
Other issues include that fact that we use 25% of the world’s oil but can only produce 3% at most so the idea to “drill, baby, drill” has no substance; it is a completely hollow pursuit.
Schiff was careful to warn of Bernanke and Paulson. It was a stupid idea for them to be comparing the Great Depression to our recession when it started going downhill two months ago, causing widespread panic which makes you wonder why they would so blatantly throw in scare tactics like that. When Alan Greenspan was chairman of the Federal Reserve, he was extremely careful with is word. If he hinted at any nervousness, you can be sure that the market was going to drop that day. The idea to buy up bad mortgage assets may not work as well as planned and also that tax payers may not get their money back. It is because of Democrats in Congress that equity and oversight was implemented in the bill. Schiff understood that it was time for us to realize that laissez-faire policies just doesn’t work and a re-regulation of Wall Street was required.
After the meeting, I was able to catch up with him and ask him some questions about immigration policies that he and Senator Obama have in the works. My questions were more specifically about illegal immigrant students, like myself, who have no way out. Apparently, he was a co-sponsor for the DREAM Act here in California that was unfortunately shot down by Governer Schwarzeneggar (sp). He was quick to assure me that an immigration reform will be in the works whether or not Obama gets to the White House. Families getting separated, children sent back to an unfamiliar world, and the oppression of young immigrants will soon be fought against and overturned.
The House of Representatives is up for election so when November 4th comes up, be sure to vote Schiff.
