National Security Begins at Home
Submitted by Joe Sestak on September 21, 2006 - 4:05pm.
Joe Sestak | Pennsylvania | Call to Action | Democratic politics | Fundraising
UPDATE: Support Joe, Carol, Eric, and Bruce by contributing before the end of quarter deadline to WesPAC's September Slate to Take the Hill!
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National Security Begins at Home "Our future is brightest when we invest in our citizens..." Featured Guest Joe Sestak |
First off, I would like to take a moment to thank General Clark and the team at the Clark Community Network for making it possible for me to be here today. For those who aren't familiar with me or my race, my name is Joe Sestak and I am running against Rep. Curt Weldon in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District.
I was born and raised in Delaware County in the Philadelphia suburbs, then spent 31 years in the U.S. Navy, rising to the rank of three-star Admiral. I decided to run for Congress as a Democrat because the policies of George W. Bush and the Republicans in Congress are not working and it is time for change.
When I was younger, I followed in the footsteps of my father – an immigrant, a World War II veteran and a Navy Captain – and entered the U.S. Naval Academy where I graduated second in my class. My wonderful wife, Susan, and I have a beautiful five-year-old daughter named Alexandra. It is for her and for the future of her generation that I entered this race.
When I attended the Naval Academy, I learned from its honor code: don't lie, steal, or cheat. In the military I learned: duty, honor, courage. So I do not run for Congress as a career politician; I run as a career naval officer. In the Navy, when you sleep 40 yards away from a nuclear reactor on an aircraft carrier, you learn that fixing problems is what matters. That is why I am not running on the left or on the right – I am running to move this country forward to fix problems.
During my time in the Navy, I attained the rank of Vice Admiral after successfully leading a series of operational commands. As Commander of the George Washington aircraft carrier battle group, I was responsible for 30 U.S. and allied ships, 15,000 sailors, and nearly 100 aircraft. I oversaw combat operations in Afghanistan as well as precursor operations to the war in Iraq. I served on the National Security Council in the White House, as President Clinton's Director for Defense Policy.
After 9/11, I served as the first Director of "Deep Blue," the Navy's anti-terrorism group responsible for establishing the strategies to fight the Global War on Terror. Between my tours of duty at sea, the Navy sent me to Harvard University, where I earned my Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Ph.D. in Political Economy and Government.
My time in the Navy taught me that national security begins at home in the health, education, and economic promise of our people. Our future is brightest when we invest in our citizens, empowering them to give back to our country. I saw this model work in the military, and I know it can work for our nation as a whole.
Finally, I believe we must do more than just invest in people; we must hold our government accountable and take responsibility for our actions. It is time that my opponent, Curt Weldon, is held accountable for voting against the interests of his constituents. Too often, Curt Weldon has gone along with the Republicans in Congress and President Bush, with whom he has voted more than four out of every five times. Curt Weldon has become part of the problem in Washington, and it is time for a change.
I believe I can make a difference in reversing the erosion of our country’s four key pillars of national security — economic security, health security, educational security and defense security. With your support, I will provide the Congress with the steady, and independent-minded leadership that will stand up for your interests. Whether it is making sure we have the quality jobs to enable home ownership, having affordable health care, providing the best education for our children, securing a comfortable retirement, or providing a strong defense.
Our country is badly off-track, with the misguided priorities and failed policies of the Bush Administration, Curt Weldon and the Republican Congress. I am running for Congress to help move our great country in a new direction, and I need your help.
I encourage you to join the almost 1500 volunteers who have signed up to help us win this race! Visit my website to volunteer today:
I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider donating to help my campaign. Facing an entrenched incumbent in the expensive Philadelphia media market, financial support from thousands of people like you – no matter the size of the donation – will make the difference and help us fight the coming Republican attacks.
I would be extremely grateful if you would consider donating today either through Wes Clark's Act Blue page at http://actblue.com/page/wespac or directly at my website at http://www.sestakforcongress.com/take-action/contribute/
Now, I would love to hear your thoughts and answer your questions!
What I am most impressed by is the response of the constituents of this District, and I believe across America, to a message of both change and hope. There is a better way - a better way, from the tragic misadventure in Iraq, to universal healthcare coverage, and affordable education that is accessible to all... in an economy that returns to fiscal prudence.
First off, I'd just like to welcome you here. Thanks for joining us tonight. Welcome to our community.
I echo OHIO in wishing you the best of luck.
Although I live in NYC now, I grew up in PA and so I watch those races closely. My home state and this country could sure use someone like you representing us.
Hello everyone!
I'm looking forward to introducing myself and discussing the issues in what is a great campaign to help return the House to the Democratic party!
Thank you for blogging here and thank you for stepping up to be my next congressman!
We've been getting about a mailer every other day about you and they are terrific. Keep up the good work. You're going to win this.
Oh, and I can't stand that RNCC ad that they're running about you and taxes. I don't think anyone is buying it though. The days of that working are over. And I think the days of the effectiveness of the smear attack, like they're currently running against Brian Lentz, are over too.
The Philadelphia Inquirer took them on, and showed an analysis about how we had shown about a week before that we are for tax cuts for working middle class families, from tax credits for education to family assistance, but not a give-away tax credit for the most fortunate.
I would also like to thank General Clark and his great staff for making this possible. I am proud to stand with him to try to take this country in a new direction.
You're welcome! We're excited to have you here at CCN. Folks, don't forget to give to Adm. Sestak's campaign here.
and there's no doubt about that.
Shortie has been tellin us how much she's been looking forward to you blogging here tonight.
All he can do is run a typical bash and smear campaign and tired old points about raising taxes. For the life of me I can't imagine what positives the Weldon campaign could even run on.
Your ads have remained positive and I think folks will warm to you as they learn more about you and your experience.
Good luck and thanks for stepping up!
Wish you were from Montgomery County!
Thanks for your comments on the ads. I intend to continue to talk about the issues, but I also want to hold Curt Weldon's vote accountable in this district, where he has gone four out of five times in lockstep with President Bush.
I want to ensure everyone understands there is a difference. President Bush's / Curt Weldon's way, or a future that believes in investing in people, which is our greatest strength.
I've heard you speak at a house party and that is really coming across. Weldon has really made himself look stupid, but that's not enough. He's the guy people have been voting for and they're not going to just decide they've been voting for a nutcase. You need to do what you're doing which is talk about a positive change. It really comes out loud and clear when you talk.
As far as I'm concerned, Curt Weldon is a stale politician that cares only about getting elected. It's interesting to have heard his name practically my entire adult life yet have no idea what accomplishments he could be credited with.
I'd read over at the Washington Monthly that he had planned to go to Iraq to personally look for WMDs.....
According to Gaubatz, Weldon was seriously planning to take a secret trip to Nasiriyah and attempt to dig up the alleged WMD himself. As he told Tom Ferrick of the Philadelphia Inquirer, "They even worked out how it would go. If there was nothing there, nothing would be said. If the site had been [scavenged], nothing would be said. But, if it was still there, they would bring the press corps out....It was treated as an election issue that would get votes."
Did you get that? He was going to take a little jaunt to Nasiriyah, break out his shovel, and start digging around himself — without telling the military what he was doing. Then, when the glorious shells were found, he was going to call in the press and declare himself Weldon of Arabia, Discoverer of WMD.
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2006_06/009093.php
Is he as disconnected from reality on other issues?
The papers sort of made fun of him for it, but it was too early in the campaign, I think, for it to have really stuck. Personally, I was flabbergasted. Before that, I had no clue how much of a nut was representing me. Boy, did I learn my lesson about paying closer attention.
I think Curt Weldon's conspiracy theories have gone on too long, in too many areas. I find him constantly looking at the wake of the ship. There is no vision... certainly not in where true national security begins: the strength of our people in there health security, education security, and economic security. Do I believe in defense security? You betcha... But our defense security is going down the longer we stay in Iraq and fail to focus on other global challenges, from N. Korea to Iran, as well as homeland defense.
Curt Weldon and President Bush have their priorities all wrong - from the waste of our national treasure in Iraq, to the borrow and spend economy they are pursuing.
wonderful and refreshing to hear you articulate the democratic party platform built on the premise that people are a national resource and the strength of a nation; and about the defense security - that you can school us about as much as you wish - we are willing students at CCN; best regards and best wishes in taking this country back in the right direction
It is time for a national oil change and is apparent to anyone who has looked at our national dipstick. Dependence on oil endangers our national security and economic security. - Al Gore 9/18/2006
Can I ask what do you think is the first issue you will address when you are elected?
Proud to be an American.
While working to balance our budget, I want to pursue universal health coverage. 46 million Americans have no health insurance, 6 million of them added in the last 6 years. In addition, those who have health insurance are concerned about being able to afford it.
Joe, what do you think will be the main issue that will decide the election in your district...or do you think there are a number of them with none specifically standing out from the others?
The number 1 issue is still the concern with stagnant and decreasing wages with rising healthcare costs... but inches behind it -- and at times even ahead of it -- is the tragic misadventure in Iraq.
I moved away from Media to Northeastern PA about two years ago- so unfortunately I won't get to have you as my Congressman-
What are the ingredients that make Delaware County- which is SUCH a great place- such a tipping point for the state in terms of Democratic vs. Republican power?
In the recent Time magazine article I liked this quote of yours: “Every military officer is a Democrat because he or she believes in investing in people."
Have you had enough?
This is a tipping point because Delaware County (and other parts of the district) represent the working family... those that are ready to sacrifice for a higher cause, a common purpose than their individual pursuits.
The problem, however, is that their individual securities - in health, educational, and economic security -- are being eroded by this Republican Congress and President Bush's policies - and they know it.
What is at stake in this election is a new direction, rather than neglecting the working family, and having a fair opportunity to continue to have what we all want: to raise our children well, to own a decent home, to educate our children, to provide for a secure retirement, and to live a healthy life in a safe and prosperous America.
Wes has a concept he calls "the virtuous circle" - it's probably a known thing if one has some background in economics (I don't) - or maybe it is his idea. I'm not sure- but if runs for higher office I hope it is his actual platform! Anyway, it involves making the right kinds of investments- investments in people, in technology & showing how that investment is returned & magnified, lifing all the boats sort of thing.
I hear this very much in your words too- I love how you are taking pains to illustrate exactly how the investment cycle of the military is one in your thinking & your vision, I have a feeling doing so will take you far- because you are correct: good, strong national security being so much more than a far-flung & unsustainable military action.
Have you had enough?
Best wishes in your election! We need leaders like you in Congress desperately.
If I may ask a few questions:
How can we restore America's credibility in the eyes of the world?
What can be done to prevent a run-up to war in Iran?
We need to return to a national security strategy of engagement in this world. We have outsourced the leadership -- for example in N. Korea, to China; and outsourced our leadership in addressing Iran these past years to the European Union; and I can't tell you to whom we let the leadership for addressing the challenges in the Middle East fall to... as this absence of our positive engagement led over the years to the most recent conflict in Lebanon.
President Bush, with the lack of oversight by Curt Weldon and the Republican Congress, have pursued go-it-alone policies that have both hurt our security and the admiration for our ideals.
I believe that the United States must return to a leadership role in addressing challenges early, primarily with others, as diplomacy leads our efforts, and alone if we must -- but early, sustained commitment is what is needed to help to secure a safer America by pursuing peace, prosperity, and universal values throughout the world.
I profoundly hope you can get to Congress to make this a reality. The lack of leadership this administration has shown on just about every front is a scandal.
Traumatic Brain Injury... its been called the signature injury of this war.
How might we begin to deal both with the (thousands now) that have been estimated to suffer from TBI? And how can we refocus the budget priorities to honor our obligations to vets?
This is one of the uncounted costs of this tragic war. Our VA hospitals, which have come a long way under President Clinton, still need to be funded for proper addressal of the issue you bring up.
Overall, in America, we need to pursue mental parity in our healthcare plans. We can and must ensure that those with mental issues, whether born or by traumatic war injury, are helped to the most productive of lives -- both for their quality of life and for the good of a productive America.
We're having our mailboxes stuffed full of negative mailings from the NRCC about Patrick Murphy. Is the same thing happening in PA-7?
Blue State of Mind
They go right into the recycling bin after I send Letters to the Editor and cease and desist requests to Mr. Fitzpatrick!
Blue State of Mind
Near Kutztown Gerlach is after Lois Murphy with ridiculous, over the top mailings every other day- "Nancy Pelosi is a San Franciso liberal...?" just crazy over the top stuff.
Maybe Patrick Murphy, Lois Murphy & the Admiral can band together with some brilliant ads & cable ad buys in the region!
Have you had enough?
I would be interested in hearing from you!
I think the #1 issue is that the voting public has forgotten how to think. We're in a sound-bite mentality. If we could get people to just THINK again, everything would just fall into place. How can people STILL spout nonsense about 9/11 and Iraq?
In the short-term, ensuring fair, verifiable elections and paper trails.
Mid-term, repairing/restoring faith in Amercian government, both at home and abroad.
Long-term, energy independence and sustainability
(I'm sorry I can't keep it to just one!)
I haven't found average citizens to be polarized the way our leaders are. We need uniters to help us out of our current situation.
Proud to be an American.
My parents came here from Vietnam, and when I take a step back and put it in perspective, I am amazed how my parents were able to raise 5 kids who all graduated college. I mean, we lived on welfare. We were a part of the free lunch program growing up. All these "entitlement" programs Republicans want to get rid of. Without them, my parents couldn't have made it, and they wouldn't have raised 5 (well 4, if you exclude me) great kids.
I just think we need to continue to take care of the less fortunate and ensure we all have the chance to succeed.
BTW, I like this: " the four key pillars of national security — economic security, health security, educational security and defense security."
That sums it up quite nicely. How nice it would be to have a government full of people who understand that these issues are all interrelated.
And I'm glad to see you focus on health care. It's such a big, important issue that really needs to be addressed.
I hope that once you get elected you will also work with others in Congress to do something about the damage we are doing to our environment. At some point...and some point soon....we've got to get serious about addressing global warming too. As you say, you're in this for your precious daughter and the future of her generation. They are the ones who will have to live with the effects of our carelessness and abuse.
Goodness, there are just so many messes to clean up after this President and those who go along with him.
I have thought what should be a fifth pillar - and will be when I go to Congress - is an energy and environmental policy approach that pursues energy that is environmentally sound with tenets in it from the Kyoto Treaty and beyond to renewables and alternatives -- but most, we need a process of oversight that adheres on a daily basis to the goals established, and is not dependent on periodic fluctuations in energy costs to make us refocus on the #1 livable issue for this world.
Let me respond again on the environment. I did not find it a tough sell. In fact, I found them making sure that the issue remains at the forefront of the campaign.
I am very glad to hear you say this. The more I learn about the damage we are doing to our environment...a lot of it irreversible...the more concerned I get.
And, yes, focus on the oversight and established goals will be key.
None of these can be uncoupled, and our future depends on leaders who understand that interdependence.
This is very good to hear Admiral Sestak. Excellent.
You have not converted a man because you have silenced him.--J. V. Marley
"I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider donating to help my campaign"
...than just consider contibuting to your campaign. We'll actually do it ($44.08 - code cypher for Clark [4 stars] in 2008).
From deep in heart of occupied Texas (when you get elected, please pay us a visit - I know some people who could give you a ride in F-35/F-22 simulators)
Thank you, and that's a pretty stealthy ride.
I have learned how important it is to have the financial logistical fuel to put into "the aircraft" to conduct this "war" campaign. There must be a better approach... that said, I will go by the rules of the present game to ensure that we can win.
Thank you for understanding the practical demands of a campaign that is necessary to ensure the ideals we are fighting for can be achieved.
I'd like to ask what your thoughts are on public financing of elections.
Thank you and thank you for your service.
This is not a time for a candidate who will offend no one; it is time for a candidate who takes clear stands and kicks ass.....Molly Ivins
I believe that we need to move towards it, or some system that permits the candidates to focus on issues and on their constituents.
I also believe that ensuring candidates are on an equal footing in getting their ideas out permits their campaigns to be ones of issues and ideas, rather than invective.
I have been fortunate that the message we are pursuing has resonated among so many people in a grassroots effort. Over 6,000 have contributed, often in small donations that added together mean a lot -- unlike my opponent, who has reached out to a few, often PACs whose interests are not the same as the citizens of my district.
Nevertheless, I have learned to go by the rules in the game one enters, and I intend to win that game.
a career military officer running for office as a Democrat. Have you encountered much of that from the left? or do you find Democrats accepting of the notion and much relieved to have a candidate with such excellent insight and strong common sense?
(We all know the right doesn't want to talk about it?)
I think we find more of the latter (although your words are too kind). I remember, as I went to one of the train stations that I often do each morning at 530/600 AM to pass out brochures until 8AM, that as I went up to one young person, extended my hand, and said, "Hi, I'm a retired Navy Admiral... who's running as a Democrat for Congress," the young person looked at me for a second and said, "You've got to be kidding!" and then earnestly took the brochure.
I meant what I said when TIME Magazine quoted me about military officers being like Democrats because they believe in investing in people. The template I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful life in -- universal healthcare, educational opportunity, and economic growth -- is one that should be for my district, and for all of America.
But I also learned accountability in the military -- and somehow, this Republican Congress has forgotten the value that Republicans have in the past brought to the table, in terms of fiscal, and other, accountability. This Congress, and Curt Weldon, must now be held accountable for their vote that has mortgaged our investment in the future of our people from the War in Iraq, to the fiscal irresponsibility of the debt they have placed upon the back of our children.
As a single parent with a first-year college student, I was absolutely astounded by the Stafford Loan.
$2700 doesn't go too far when the tuition and fees are $27000.
Without the merit scholarships my son earned, there would have been no way he would be able to attend college and graduate with a manageable amount of debt. When a year of college costs more than a decent car, there is something terribly wrong.
Blue State of Mind
I watched the cost of a public university tuition go up 58% in the last 4 years while Curt Weldon has voted this year with President Bush for the largest college aid cut (12.7 billion) in the history of this nation.
I have proposed a single, refundable college tax credit of $3,000 per year, which combined with family investments in college savings accounts, is a start to being better able to cover the cost of tuition and fees. It's not enough. As I watch our own college savings plan for my Alex, who is five years old, grow toward a future exorbitant cost for college, I know we/I must do better in addressing affordable educational opportunities. It is the second major issue after healthcare that I intend to pursue. We cannot let this opportunity get beyond the reach of our citizens or our future economy, quality of life, and chance to "be all we can be" will not be the same for our children as it was for us.
As a small business woman, I can't afford presrciption drugs and can hardly afford insurance. What are your thoughts on this?
I believe that healthcare is a shared responsibility between government and the individual. I am watching the Massachussetts plan where a GOP Governor and a Democratic legislature came together for universal coverage that mandates participation by all so as the healthy participate, the premiums go down, and the burdens on small businesses is relieved because they come together as a large group to negotiate among the health plans.
With all covered with insurance, the uninsured do not show up at the emergency room, costing taxpayers, with some of the savings from the tax dollars currently used to cover those more unfortunate that are unable to afford the coverage.
There is a new GAO report and Larry Scott at vawatchdog.org is showing in detail,that the VA is short $3 Billion in its budget. What would you do to people like Nicholson who lie to Congress and make up fake budgets with the President?
Just a reminder that General Clark sent out a $$$ email including Admiral Sestak. Help Adm. Sestak "Take the Hill" and contribute here:
This is not a time for a candidate who will offend no one; it is time for a candidate who takes clear stands and kicks ass.....Molly Ivins
Thank you for stepping up to make this run for our country.
Your background is amazing. I'd move back to Pennsylvania to vote for you, but for now I'll be voting in Maine.
As a teacher, I would like to make a pitch....NCLB doesn't work. Actually, I've yet to meet an educator at any level who knows how it works. It is more than a matter of funding; funding cannot change a bad bill. Teachers need your help.
Nevertheless, all parts of national security; education, health, defense, the environment, and you name it, depend on funding which brings all conversations back to Iraq.
You're here so I'm sure that you want our troops to have a plan that includes an exit strategy. Any ideas?
You have not converted a man because you have silenced him.--J. V. Marley
One of my kids is without health care and is anxiously holding her breath until hubby's new job's policy kicks in. Health care costs are sky rocketing and I'm curious if you have any idea what behind this tremendous increase? Whatever it is doesn't seem to be affecting other countries as much as ours.
Why?
has provided some answers and solutions at:
http://securingamerica.com/ccn/node/8581
Worst Congress in history!
We need men like Eric and Joe - even if they were in the Navy :) (Army guy speaking.)
I must say that I more than dismayed that this 'torture bill' of Bush's has passed. Any thoughts you'd care to offer?
Mr. Sestak, just got back from dinner. I hope I didn't miss you. Contribution coming your way, and yes, please talk to us about this "Compromise" in the works. I'm so concerned. Thank you!
And come back! :)
Edit:
Contributor Information:
Date: 21 Sep 2006
Reference #: AB00117380
I just can't believe a compromise has even been discussed at all, which is why I worry about it no matter these GOPer JADs, POWs, etc. who supposedly are concerned about the "integrity of the document." I don't trust any of it.
So from this to what? Scares me.
While we are respected for the power of our economy and the power of our military, we are admired for the power of our ideals. What we have done in this area has hurt us in our future efforts to lead the world.
I am also concerned about how our own future military might be treated if captured in some distant war if we do not uphold fair human standards.
One would think that, even if all of the concerns about our moral standing and ideals and all were ignored, these guys would at least worry about what this could mean to our own soldiers captured, as you say, in some distant war.
I guess not. :(
"The mark of leadership is not to standup when everybody is standing, but rather to actually stand up when no one else is standing" - Pulitzer Prize winning author Samantha Power, introducing Gen Clark
Since I was allocated one hour, I should probably take just one more question and then thank you for taking the time to speak with me.
My contribution is on its way. Best wishes for a successful campaign and a HUGE victory!
(I can't offer you a simulator ride, unless you visit Boeing, but we have truly excellent coffee out here!)
With the likes of high profile candidates like you and Jim Webb and other vets like Eric Massa and Chris Carney, the Fighting Dems can be the vanguard of the New Democratic Party and on the front lines of the battle to put America back on course.
Noel Schutz
Publisher and Founder
http://www.fighting-dems.com
Did your career path ever cross General Clark's?
You have not converted a man because you have silenced him.--J. V. Marley
Tell us how we can help in addition to contributions. Are you setting up phone lists we can help you call?
I want to thank you all for your time this evening. Can I use your help? You betcha. From volunteering, to passing the word, to contributions if you want to.
I believe in a government that provides a helping hand to those who need it while recognizing the individual strength of our citizens who can make it on their own when they are ensured health, education, and economic security. I saw this every day in our military.
This war in Iraq is one where we must redeploy by the end of 2007 to better focus on our global security abroad as well as our security here at home, as we then refocus our priorities on ensuring the strength of our people.
There is a better way, and it is what is at stake in this election: a return to a civic life where everyone contributes and everyone benefits; where every American strives to achieve a common good within a community that is accountable for achieving it for both overall progress
and individual prosperity.
I have seen it work, and I would ask you to come with me and join me as you can to make it work in this district and throughout America.
I hope to have the enjoyment of speaking with you again.
We're all hoping you will be a part of the march to take back our country.