A Meeting with Republicans in Greene County
Sept. 2, 2008, RUCKERSVILLE Congressman Virgil Goode (R-VA, 5th District) spoke to an enthusiastic crowd at the Blue Ridge Café during a reception, hosted by the Republican Women’s Forum of Central Virginia. The 5th District is comprised of 17 counties and three cities, including Greene County, Albemarle County, and the Cities of Charlottesville, Danville and Martinsville.
Right off the bat, Goode gave an resounding endorsement to Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain’s running mate, Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin.
“She bring tremendous life experience to the ticket. She’s really grassroots America, someone that everyone can associate with,” said Goode. Palin is “not just talking the talk on pro-life but walking the walk,” he added.
Like Palin, Goode supports Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) Drilling. He supports increasing oil and natural gas production, using nuclear power, and developing renewable energy sources, as well. Goode has sponsored legislation funding a biofuel project at the Institute for Advanced learning and Research in Southern Virginia.
“A number of tobacco farmers have switched over and are growing canola,” said Goode. Canola oil, is an edible oil, a biofuel, extracted from rapeseed that can be used as a lubricant and in the creation of numerous products.
Congressman Goode next noted the similarities between the opponents whom he and Senator McCain face in this election.
“Senator Obama is a tax increaser. My opponent worked hard for Obama, against Hillary Clinton, in the primary. The guy running against me is very liberal. He doesn’t want you to think that,” said Goode. “He and Senator Obama are pro-tax increase.”
There is a sharp ideological difference on the issue of taxation between Republicans and Democrats said Goode.
“It’s huge differences on tax increases,” he said. “Most Republicans want to spend less and not tax more. Most Democrats want to spend more and tax more.”
Laughter and applause greeted the suggestion by Melanie Breeden that Goode change the “Sportsmen for Goode” bumper sticker to “Sports Lovers for Goode.” Breeden, like Sarah Palin, is an NRA member. She had taken time off from her job at Harris Teeter to attend the reception for Congressman Goode.
Several of the questions from the audience focused on issues before committees on which Goode serves. Goode sits on the House Appropriations Committee and the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development; the Subcommittee on Interior; and the Subcommittee on Financial Services.
A major concern among attendees was the need for drilling to increase domestic oil and natural gas production. This issue falls under the purview of the Subcommittee on Interior.
The Subcommittee on Interior has 15 members, explained Goode. Six Republicans voted to take the moratorium off drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), while nine Democrats voted against it.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi won’t even let it be brought up to the full committee Goode said, even though Democrats “know the public wants it.” Calls from the public are making a difference just like they did on the amnesty issue, he said.
Democrats are also holding back Appropriations, according to Congressman Goode.
“When Republicans were in charge we got through with 90% of Appropriations by the end of July. The Speaker has only let one Appropriations bill go through to avoid a vote on the drilling issue,” said Goode.
Pelosi avoids “issues that have grassroots and broad appeal with the public,” he added, urging more grassroots involvement. “It’s needed in the Senate. A nationwide push would help.”
Another questioner asked about the Fairness Doctrine, sometimes referred to as the Un-Fairness Doctrine. Goode called it a “get Rush [Limbaugh] off the radio” scheme.
The 1949 regulation, adopted by the Federal Communications Commission in the infancy of broadcasting, is considered by many to be an attack on freedom of speech. As the radio and television industry grew, the regulation became obsolete and, the Fairness Doctrine actually suppressed political debate.
Stations were effectively forced to keep politics off the air in order to avoid entanglement in government regulation and litigation. Attempts by Democrats to codify the regulations into law were vetoed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987.
However, the Fairness Doctrine has regained favor among Democrats and the Mainstream Media who view it as an opportunity to use the power of the government to turn off the flow of conservative ideas which dominate market-driven talk radio.
“The national liberal media support the Fairness Doctrine because they can’t stand the competition,” Goode said.
Goode did not foresee a major breakthrough in the Democrat energy blockade when Congress reconvenes on September 8th after a five week break.
“I wish I could tell you that as soon as we get back it’d be The American Energy Act on the floor but that won’t happen,” Goode said. “Some on the Democrat side really don’t want you to use gasoline and diesel fuel.“
“They want you to go green ASAP,” he said. “I’m all for the alternatives but I don’t want to see the U.S. going green while the rest of the world doesn’t, and cut our neck.”
“If you don’t save the USA, you’re not going to save the world,” said Goode to a cheering room.
Forum President Dot Mellot was also delighted with the selection of Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
“I think she was a fantastic choice,” said Mellot. “She’s a very real person. I think that the liberals are just really showing their colors. Keep her in your prayers.”
Delegate Rob Bell (R-58th District), called from the Republican National Convention to share the excitement in Minneapolis with his constituents.
“I wish everyone of you could be here,” said Bell, who was heard on a speakerphone. “It’s a great first night.”
When Bell asked, “Are you happy with the Vice Presidential pick?” the room erupted in loud applause and cheers. Before going back to the convention, Bell promised to bring back a big stack of McCain-Palin stickers and signs, which are in demand.
The web master for the Greene County Republican Committee announced the launch of their new web site and urged everyone to take a look at: www.gopgreene.org.
Committee members also invited everyone to attend their 29th Annual Greene County Pig Roast on October 4th, 3 PM. The free event will feature Congressman Virgil Goode and other notable Republican speakers.
The Roast is held 1 mile off Rt. 33 on Rt. 810, just West of the Town of Stanardsville. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the Wm. Monroe High School Cafeteria.
There are seven Republican Women’s clubs in the 5th District. The Republican Women’s Forum of Central Virginia is celebrating 15 years of encouraging leadership, and advocating for education and Virginia’s families.
Their next meeting will be held October 13th, 7 PM in Charlottesville. For information and directions, contact President Dot Mellot.
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