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Find out more about Karen: Karen Harper's degree in Anthropology influences how she thinks and writes about current issues while trying to understand them in terms of human culture. BirminghamExaminer@gmail.com |
Democrat Parker Griffith won the open seat in the November election, winning over Republican opponent, Wayne Parker in Alabama's 5th District. It is one of the few districts in what used to be the Confederacy that has never been held by a Republican. Though the district has voted heavily Republican in the last few presidential elections, most local offices are held exclusively by Democrats.
Parker Griffith has been a teacher and is a retired oncologist as well as Alabama state senator. While serving the 7th district, Griffith sponsored bills that promote investment in alternative fuels, established a Statewide Trauma Care System and cut taxes. He has a history of working across the aisle to solve problems.
On the Issues:
Health Care:
For us to meet our full potential as a country, we must reduce the high cost of health care and make it more available to every American. As a doctor I had a rule that no patient would be turned away because they could not pay. In Congress it will by my goal to work across the aisle for real solutions so that all Americans can get the care they need when they need it most.
Education:
We must expand our early education programs to include pre-kindergarten instruction. The quality of instruction in the early grades is the key predictor of success later in school. If our children are not learning the basics of reading, reasoning, and mathematics early, then they will be left behind, never to catch up.
We must do everything we can to improve the math and science performance of our students. If not, we are in danger or falling behind the rest of the world in the development of new technology and basic research.
Bailout:
I would not have voted for the $700 billion bailout, nor will I support any plan that rewards businesses for bad practices at taxpayer expense. I believe any solution to this financial crisis must include more protections for taxpayers and not shift the burden of fixing Wall Street's problems to future generations. I am disgusted that we have found ourselves in this financial mess and that those that were in charge of monitoring these issues have let us down. We need to hold them accountable and ensure that we do not allow corporate executives who contributed to this problem to receive millions of dollars in compensation while shareholders lose everything.
I hope that Republicans and Democrats can come together to develop a workable solution to this crisis and to the other serious problems that face our country.
Business Practices
For too long, speculators and oil companies have profited from our hardship. In Congress, I will crack down on speculators who continue to inflate oil prices. While we're penalizing those who are doing wrong, we need to reward those who are working for the same goal we are. I will work toward creating tax incentives for businesses that are involved in alternative fuel R&D. Additional tax credits will be extended to automakers that boost fuel efficiency in their vehicles.
Investment in Our Future
A serious and sustained investment is needed for a solution to our problem with energy dependence. We need to stop talking about this and take action that produces real results. It is going to take time, but, if we stick with it, it's something that will strengthen every part of American life. Making solar, wind, and nuclear power more accessible to our homes and businesses is the first step in a long-term solution. We must also research and develop biofuels to make our vehicles more efficient on the road. Fifty years ago, we were challenged in space when Sputnik was launched, and we met that challenge. With the right investment and the political will to do so, we will rise to meet this challenge too.
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