[MARCH 24, 2006]
Congressman
Ray LaHood was in town to speak with the people he represents.
He wanted to let them know just what has come up in Congress and
that when he is there he is thinking of the people he represents. He
said, "I think about the farmer."
Following his overview he took considerable time fielding questions
and hearing the opinions from the crowd, which was composed mostly
of community leaders and some students.
Issues raised were
diverse: redirected state retirement funds; Iraq war; presence in
Afghanistan; dependency on other countries' oil, fuel; Illinois'
road, railway and air transportation system; illegal immigration;
and the Social Security system.
He was asked about his take on the Bradley Braves and replied
that he didn't support challenging the name, because of
inconsistency in challenging other sports team names across the
nation, such as the Florida Seminoles.
Comment was made by an audience member in support of embryonic
stem cell research, saying that as long as abortion is legal, make
it purposeful. The congressman said no one really knows if these
cells would cure the diseases people say they would. "They talk as
if they know," he said.
He said his job is to pay attention and listen to the people he
represents, assist people to do what they want to get done, and do
what is good for the country.
