Congressman Eric Swalwell sent out an email last month that tested the waters for various Democrat themes for the 2016 election.
The one-question survey asked: What is the highest priority issue for voters in Swalwell's Congressional District: protect Social Security; relieve student loan debt; strengthen our economy; ensure equal pay; solve the water shortage crisis; or something else?
When I did not respond to the first email, I got a reminder email so I responded with "the economy." That answer—as would any answer—opened up a plea for funding in tiny single digits—starting with a campaign contribution of $5.
Pleas for financial aid earlier in the month pointed out just how extreme doctrinaire Democrat positions can be when it comes to abortion. Eric's two missives asked for voters to sign a petition because "House Republicans will hold a vote to limit a woman's right to choose by banning late term abortions.
"That's simply unacceptable. Women should be in charge of their own decisions—not ring-wing ideologues in Congress?
"?.If this legislation passes Roe v. Wade will be undermined yet again by extreme members of Congress."
I guess one man's extreme is another person's position to protect an unborn baby. When asked about late term abortions—called partial birth because a viable baby is killed —more than 80 percent of respondents in a Marist poll early this year favored restricting this procedure. That would not include the occupant of the White House.
For abortion rights advocates, they would likely stress the camel's nose under the tent argument—any restriction will lead to others.
The unheard voice is, of course, that of the baby that can be seen as either the accident of unplanned pregnancy or a son or daughter of the Creator of the universe. The perspectives cannot be further apart.
A more recent fundraising missive from the Swalwell campaign declared, "Eric has our backs?"He's fighting to relieve student-loan debt. He's fighting to ensure seniors can retire securely. And he's fighting to find a solution to California's water wars."
Just how a member of Congress is going to allow students to write off debt they incurred knowingly (the emphasis should be on greater competition between institutions and less federal loan guarantees. Since the feds got into the student loan business, the cost of college has increased faster than both the cost of health care and inflation. The magic touch of Uncle Sugar).
How he ensures secure retirement when Social Insecurity will be on life-support and, by no means can cover retirement for most people (if you want to get really sick, look at the stats for retirement savings for Baby Boomers).
On water, there is a reasonable federal role given what happens in the Delta concerns both federal and state water projects. I review many news clips on water issues in my role as a consultant for Zone 7 and I cannot recall seeing Eric's name a single time on a water issue coming out of Washington D.C. With all of the House Republicans down the Central Valley clamoring for action, it is an opportunity for Swalwell to walk across the aisle and see what he can work out.
Incidentally, Eric has recruited his former teacher, Tim Sbranti, to join his office staff. Tim, who came up short last year in the 16th Assembly race against Catharine Baker, last week concluded a 17-year teaching career to join Swalwell's staff. He is a former mayor and councilman in Dublin.
