CELEBRATING FREEDOM
by
Maryann Miller

 

On Saturday, December 15, quite a few people took time out of their busy schedules to attend a Citizens Forum held at Winnsboro Reformed Church. The event, coordinated by Karl and Nancy Falster who dressed in period costumes, was part patriotic, part religious, part entertainment and part history, but the parts came together as an interesting and enjoyable whole.

The Reverend Dan Hubble opened with a prayer, and the colors were posted by Cub Scout Pack392. Jarret Whorf carried the American Flag and Connor Whorf led the Pledge of Allegiance. With them was Bryce McGovern, Sherry McGovern, and Lorie Whorf, Assistant Scout Master. The Pack then led the people in singing "My Country Tis of Thee."

The Cary Ramsey Family, a popular local singing group that is quickly gaining prominence, was there to entertain with several numbers, including "This Land is My Land", "Amazing Grace" and "America". The fiddle playing of the youngest Sarah Ramsey was a real gift.

After the entertainment, Karl Falster, assisted by Nancy, gave a brief history of colonial America prior to the Revolution as well as the reasons for the Bill of Rights. Even though it was brief, it was comprehensive and had some information seldom presented in history classes.

That was followed by a lively Citizens Forum, with six representatives reporting on issues important to all Americans. Each representative was responsible for contacting the campaign headquarters of some of the presidential candidates to get their response to these issues. Most of the representatives had difficulty making personal contact with candidates or individuals at campaign headquarters and had to rely on information gathered from Web sites and Internet research. Nancy Falster reported for Sen. Hillary Clinton. Robert Watters represented Mike Huckabee. Rudolph Giuliani was represented by Ivan Berry. Bryce King represented Barak Obama. Ken Masat spoke for Dr. Ron Paul, and Leo Sykes represented Mitt Romney. (L-R: Ken Masat, Robert Watters, Bryce King, Nancy Falster, Leo Sykes, Ivan Berry)

The first question asked was in regard to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Candidates were asked if the were currently, or had ever been, a member of the CFR, and if elected, would they work to eliminate the CFR's influence on government policy and how would they go about doing that?

Romney's Web site indicated he is not a member of the CFR. Clinton camp had no comment, but she is listed as a member. A representative at the Obama headquarters said he would not be publicizing his involvement, but research shows he has given a speech to the CFR, as had Huckabee. A person at the Ron Paul headquarters said he does not support the CFR because he sees it as unconstitutional.

The second question: As president, would you insist that Congress formally declare war before sending American troops into battle, or would you continue the habit of empire building by deploying our troops without their Constitutionally required authorization?

Most of the candidates did not answer the question directly. Representatives were referred to information on Web sites that deal with the war in Iraq. Romney said there will be no withdrawal from Iraq and also said the U.S. must continue pressure on Iran. In the domestic war, he said the U.S. must secure borders by better Immigration law. Clinton's Web site indicates she would work toward bringing troops home, as did Obama's Web site. A statement on Huckabee's site said he will "fight terrorists at all costs." He will focus on renewed diplomacy. He would fight war hard, but also fight smart. He also indicates he would increase the defense budget. Ron Paul states he would "not go to war carelessly" and reminds people that he did not vote for the war in Iraq, which he considers a war on terror based on emotionalism. Giuliani supports the current efforts in Iraq war.

The fourth question was about gun control and the right of the people to bear arms. As president, would you eliminate the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and put an end to the nearly one billion dollars of federal money currently spent each year to deprive citizens of an unalienable right explicitly enumerated in the Second Amendment?

A statement on Clinton's Web site says she supports the Second Amendment, "But I also believe strongly in laws that keep guns out of the hands of terrorists and criminals." Obama's stand is very similar and he says he will continue to work for effective gun laws. Huckabee and Paul both support the Second Amendment and keeping "Our fundamental freedoms." Giuliani was for the Brady Bill and the ban on assault weapons and supports limits on gun ownership. Romney supports the Second Amendment as a basic right for all citizens, but also supports a ban on assault weapons.

The fourth question dealt with the hot topic of Immigration. As president, would you openly support and provide federal funding to organizations such as the Minuteman Project that are desperately trying to protect our country from insurrection and invasion?

While Obama has voted on numerous immigration bills, he has also voted against the English-Only Amendment. He is also in favor of sweeping amnesty. Huckabee sees immigration as a National Security issue. He opposes amnesty and will never allow an amnesty bill to pass. Ron Paul is also against amnesty and believes the U.S. must secure its borders. He says, "It makes no sense to fight terrorism abroad when the door is open here."

Giuliani supports a path to citizenship for immigrants and supports social services for families of illegals. Romney also supports services for the immigrants, but also believes the immigrants should be required to work to earn those services. Clinton's statement on her Web site says she "is proud of an America that welcomes people," but she also says the immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed. She supports efforts to help immigrants, especially in areas of education.

The evening was well attended, including a visit by our District 5 State Representative, Bryan Hughes. And, hopefully, this will not be the last Forum as citizens attempt to sift through the rhetoric and make informed choices in government.

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