Centenary College – Hackettstown – November 1
What a great campus. It actually reminded me a lot of where I went to college. I had the opportunity to talk with a class about why I’m in the race, how things work being an independent, and a wide range of issues including Garrett’s vote against the Voting Rights Act, ethics and the impending reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act. It was early and I appreciated the students’ questions, interest, and their ability to stay awake.
I still hold the belief Garrett’s vote against the Voting Rights Act is the most deplorable action he’s taken as our Representative. Too many people fought and died for the equal rights and protections afforded in the Voting Rights Act, and Garrett’s regressive vote on our behalf is very troubling. I will never support a candidate who would seek to impede a person’s right to vote or flat out take it away, as was the case with Aronsohn being agreeable to skipping the Democratic primary. Voting is one of the bedrock principles our nation is founded upon, and a right that should never be infringed upon.
Ethics was a large part of the conversation. We covered my belief that both parties, when given the chance, are corruptible. We spoke about the Abramoff scandal, as well as the banner year for corruption charges we’re having at the State level. I reiterated that I believe it can be cleaned up, but that it will take the voters holding politicians accountable to do it.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is up for reauthorization next year, and you hear exactly nothing about it in any campaign ads I’ve seen. Very little mention is even given in my opponents’ press. This is a massive issue before the next session of Congress, and no one is talking about it. I stated that it needs to be fixed before reauthorization, that the funding and penalty model needs to be reformed, and that I believe forcing teachers to teach to the test hurts kids.
Overall, I’d say it was a great presentation.