My Op-Ed and your response

Hi everyone -

I would like to share with you an Op-Ed I wrote for the Stockton Record on Sunday. It addresses what we have accomplished together in the first 100 hours of Congress as well as what we can accomplish in the future to steer America and our district in a new direction.

As I write below, this is only the beginning. Your input -- whether it be on our blog, via email, or at various local events -- has helped inform and guide me through my first weeks in office.

I value your feedback very much and would like to hear from you again. By posting a comment below, please let me know your thoughts on this Op-Ed as well as what you think Congress should be doing -- and what you are willing to do -- to address our nation's most important priorities in the coming weeks and months.

STOCKTON RECORD
Op/Ed
'A new direction' for the country

By Jerry McNerney
January 21, 2007

As I traveled around San Joaquin County and the 11th Congressional District during the 2006 election campaign, I heard from many members of our community.

Some expressed deep concern at the multitude of ethical scandals in Congress.

Some were frustrated by what they saw as an inability of elected representatives to work together to address important issues.

Many people felt let down, disheartened and ready for change.

That's one reason I ran for Congress. I stood up to say enough is enough.

I'm proud to report that in just the first few weeks, the 110th Congress has been able to address many of the concerns I heard during the campaign.

From Day One, we have worked together to deliver on an agenda that offers a new direction for our country.

This isn't a partisan agenda. It's an American agenda, with much bipartisan support.

The first order of business was the adoption of new ethics rules - the most sweeping since the post-Watergate era.

This is a first step in ending the pay-to-play link between lobbyists and legislation, by banning gifts and travel from lobbyists, and ending the abuses connected to privately-funded congressional travel.

During the campaign, I heard many times from people who said they simply wanted to be able to believe their representative and know their member of Congress was looking out for their constituents, not special interests.

I feel the same way and we acted on it.

We restored tough pay-as-you-go budget rules to stop passing on trillions in debt to our children and grandchildren - and voted to end the abuse of special interest pet projects.

Having passed rules to restore fiscal responsibility, ethical standards and civility in the House, we moved to focus on meeting the everyday needs of Americans.

We're making America safer, and passed a bill that implements unfulfilled recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 commission.

We voted to increase the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 an hour over the next two years.

That brings the federal minimum wage closer in line with California's, making our businesses more competitive nationwide.

By passing a revision of the Medicare prescription drug bill, we saved money for millions of seniors by allowing Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower drug prices.

Importantly, we gave millions with debilitating diseases a brighter future by expanding federal funding for life-saving embryonic stem cell research.

We also have worked to make college more affordable for over 5 million students and families by cutting in half the interest rate on subsidized student loans for undergraduates.

We set America on the path to energy independence by passing a bill that repeals $14 billion in corporate welfare for profit-rich oil companies and invests those funds in clean, renewable energy sources.

As someone who has spent 20 years working in new energy technology, I'm especially proud of that last accomplishment.

We must diversify our energy sources and end our dependence on foreign oil, which puts our economy and our national security at risk.

By investing in new energy technologies, we also will create an entire spectrum of good-paying jobs here in San Joaquin County and throughout the United States.

Some estimate this effort will produce nearly 1 million jobs in the next three years, generating $30 billion in new wages.

Last week, I also launched an energy and climate working group for all newly elected members, Democrats and Republicans, to discuss ways to promote our energy independence.

Many of my colleagues have good ideas about how to wean the U.S. off of foreign oil and encourage the use of sustainable energy.

We need to have an open and frank conversation about how to do it.

While it's been a whirlwind of activity, it's only the beginning.

I'm excited about the work that lies ahead and promise I'll continue to work every day to serve the people of California's 11th District.

McNerney, D-Pleasanton, represents the 11th Congressional District in the House of Representatives. He wrote this for The Record.

Thank you for taking the time to read my Op-Ed. If you have a minute, please post a comment below and let me know your thoughts. I read the comments and usually make time to post a response.

From Stockton to Pleasanton and Morgan Hill to Danville -- and all the way to Congress -- we're in this together. I am looking forward to hearing from you!

P.S. Thank you so much for your generous support last week in reaction to the attack mailers from the National Republican Congressional Committee. I am heartened to know that your commitment to my campaign for change continues to be so strong and so deep. Again you have shown that the grassroots and netroots are fundamentally shifting the political landscape and our district is ground zero for that change. (If you are unfamiliar with the NRCC attack mailers, please click here to read more about it).

Comments

[Todd]

Great job, Jerry!

What I will I do? I will do everything in my power to support you over the next two years and beyond!

Your candidacy has restored my hope in our democracy. Whether it's my money or my time, I'll do what it takes to keep you in DC -- god knows we need more congressmen like you.

[Chris Joy]

It is great to see something finally getting done in Washington D.C. The issues now being addressed by the Congress are, to me, not controversial, and dealing with these issues is abolutely essential to California's and the Nation's future. Bipartinship is the only way we can get any of these meritorious and necessary programs passed and all elected officials of whatever party should realize it is the only way to work for the American people.

[Ormond Otvos]

Jerry, you managed, like Hillary, to get through your entire editorial without mentioning single payer.

NOT subsidies for insurance companies so they can cherry pick us to death.

SINGLE PAYER. I you can't say it, and work for it specifically, you don't understand your voters, and you will last one term exactly.

Not kidding. The go/no go issue.

If congress doesn't act, not wiggle, on single payer, the congress goes back to the Republicans. Guaranteed.

My bona fides? I donated to 13 candidates. Every one won. Including you.

Ormond

[W R Evans]

Great start Jerry,
I am very pleased that you are working to restore ethics in DC and will work for a congressional agenda that will better our great nation. I am VERY concerned about global temperature changes and hope that you and other leaders will make this issue paramount to the 110th congress. Congratulations on your election.
W R Evans

[Tricia Spiegel]

GREAT letter. District 11 is so lucky to have someone who has demonstrated integrity and concerns about everyday citizens. God speed in Congress!!!

[Ralph Occhipinti [Morgan Hill]]

Jerry, here's a good news story:

After parking my car in the supermarket lot, a guy came running after me. I thought, "what now"? Well he saw my McNerney bumper sticker and my Yosemite Volunteer license plate bracket. With a big smile he said, "now I know why you voted for McNerney"!

Jerry, the park service is doing some exciting things with respect to energy conservation in Yosemite. The new Curry Village employee housing is using state of the art geothermal equipment for heating and cooling. Along those lines you need to see what's going on first hand. Visit Yosemite, meet the Park Superintendent, Mike Tollefson, you'll like him and know more about what dedicated public service is all about.

Jerry, you're one of us, keep up the good work!

[Alec Bash]

Superb Op-Ed piece, an impressive list of accomplishments, a tremendous start for the new Congress and a wonderful new Congressman. A great beginning, living up to all the work, hope and promises of your campaign and supporters.

[Barbara Fukumoto]

Thank you so much for launching the energy and climate working group.

I have just watched "An Inconvenient Truth" for the second time and I am scared for our children and myself. Information developed since the movie was made and included on the DVD makes the case stronger still.

We need strong and urgent action on global warming. Thank you for being just the leader we need at this time.

[Wayne Moore]

Thanks Jerry, all good things.

However as Nancy Pelosi mentioned the 800 pound gorilla in the room is still Iraq (and unfortunatly Iran). I know congress can't simply wave a magic wand and have it be gone but the congress does have a role.

Please make your voice heard.

Wayne

[Peter Petroski]

I am disappointed that the college loan reform did NOT include all college students. The ones receiving the unsubsidized loans are already paying the most- to cut the interest rate % to the students already being subsidized is a slap in the face to those who are already trying their hardest to achieve the most with the LEAST amount of assistence.

[Dr. James Barker]

Dear Congressman McNerney,
An increase in the minimum wage is long overdue. One item that needs to be urgently addressed is a healthcare safety net for those who have lost health insurance because they have retired, changed jobs or lost jobs (and for the millions who simply do not have health care insurance). The Bush proposal is inadequate and does not address this.

I and told that over 50% of all bankruptcy filings are by people who have lost their health insurance and then have a catastrophic and costly health issue in their family. Americans need to be protected in the event of such occurances.

James Barker

[Steve Geller]

No more pay-to-play? Good.
Will grassroots political contributions replace corporate and PAC funds? We'll see.

Reduce oil dependence? Good, but Bush can and does say this too. Who really means what they say? We need to resurrect the electric car, reduce parking, get more people riding the bus, stop spewing greenhouse gases.

And yes, WE NEED SINGLE-PAYER NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE. If the new Congress is going to continue to stall on that one, then we're little better than under the Republicans.

[Thomas W Lamb]

I just stopped at the Toyota dealer in Stockton. The salesman informed me that an engineer found that adding additional standard battery to the car would boost the mileage of a Prius to over 100 MPG! If so, why can't the technology be mandated for all domestic autos?

[Thomas W Lamb]

I just stopped at the Toyota dealer in Stockton. The salesman informed me that an engineer found that adding additional standard battery to the car would boost the mileage of a Prius to over 100 MPG! If so, why can't the technology be mandated for all domestic autos?

[Lise Pearlman]

I am so proud to have walked precincts for you and helped restore Congress to its rightful role. As a new board member of the Democratic Lawyers Club of Alameda County, I have recommended that they invite you to be one of our speakers this year. I hope we can make that happen. Best wishes. Lise Pearlman

[Juliette Anthony]

Wonderful beginning. Now you have to help stop the Bush Administration from pushing CORN ethanol, since the dairy and cattle ranches can no longer easily afford their feed because the demand for corn from ethanol has raised the price from $2.00 to $4.00 a bushel in just six months. Our agriculture in California is threatened by this over demand for corn, and the SF Chronicle noted that poorer Mexicans can no longer afford their tortillas either. Archer Daniels Midland and friends have pushed this ethanol agenda. We have to stop it!!! Many thanks for your hard work.

[George Bajor]

Great job, I agree with everything you said, especially making alternative energy a top priority. Regarding health care, which is becoming a topic we can finally discuss, I urge you to oppose the President's tax deduction approach and ask that you support and co-sponsor HR 676, the single party payer universal health coverage bill. Although I do not live in your district, I am a great fan of yours because you were able to defeat your anti-environment opponent in the last election.

[iwantcleanair]

Dear Jerry -

Great work! Thank you, and thanks to all the hard-working Members of Congress who are taking on the tough issues that we face as a democracy.

I pledge to continue my support for progressive, honest and effective leaders like yourself.

I pledge to continue to work for cleaner air through my website... www.iwantcleanair.com.

Our region has some of the worst air. Year-round, our children and our elderly have their health undermined by pollution in the air.

We must face this fact, and move toward cleaner fuels so that our children can see a day where the outdoors does not pose a health threat.

Thanks again for your hard work on these issues.

[Art Goldberg]

I thought the Op-Ed was very good but covered too many subjects. I know you wanted to show an agenda was adopted, but future Op-Eds would be more effective is devoted to one or two issues only, like Medicare and Social Security, or stem-cell research.

[Melanie Speir]

Jerry, you're a modern day hero. You restore faith in the potential for wise & ethical leadership in this country. That alone is a major accomplishment. People feel very disenfranchised and helpless about how to make a difference right now. I don't live in your district, but you can count on my support indefinitely.

[Ken]

Yes, the House has moved forward well on these items and so quickly it shows the pent up demand for something to happen. You are such a wonderful change from the anti-environment, actually, dare I say, Anti-American representative we had before you. Keep up the great work. But you neglected to mention that Congress is still confronted by an Executive Branch that somehow imagines it is above the Constitution, and, in addition, above the will of the people in its pursuit of a totally failed foreign policy and occupation of Iraq. This is the main reason we all worked so hard for you and others like you, to change this NOW. Please let us know what you are going to do about these elephants in the room.

[Ann Pfaff-Doss]

Congratulations to you and the rest of the Democratic majority in Congress who were able to complete this commitment to the American people.

While it is pleasant to savor this accomplishment, it is also important to keep a watchful eye on the President and his plans. I hope to read that you are one of those who vote to oppose funding of the surge plan for Iraq. Also, that we begin to hear the flaws of the health care plan proposed by President Bush in the State of the Union speech. It is another case of trying to pass inadequate legislation instead of facing the realities of the problem.

Congratulations again, keep up the good work.

[Martha]

You're an inspiration Jerry! I'm looking forward to watching our energized new Congress take on global warming, and hoping to see more conservation in the next Farm Bill. You and the other Democrats are definitely putting our country back on the right track!

[Greg Katz]

Dear Jerry,

This seems like a crucial time for you to take a leadership role on alternative energy/energy independence/climate change, and I urge you to do so to the greatest extent possible. (I realize there may be one or two other issues kicking around DC.)The ground is clearly shifting on these issues, with some big corporations and investors coming on board as well as green evangelicals and conservatives concerned about the national security implications of our dependence on imported oil. Sadly, that doesn't mean that we'll end up with a good policy that helps us move forward towards a clean, economical and secure energy infrastructure.

This moment of apparent unity masks deep differences regarding the nature of the problem (is it carbon emissions? prolific spending on oil? insecurity of energy supplies? funding of terrorism?) and the viability and desireability of various solutions (nuclear plants? coal-to-liquids and oil shale? domestic drilling? energy efficiency efforts? renewable sources like solar, wind and wave?). We need a strong voice for a new energy policy that is smart, not just new. Not all solutions are equally viable, and they have very different positives and negatives. Efficiency is the cheapest way to "make" energy, and has no negatives that I can think of until you really begin to get down to the bone and cut into it, which we are far from now -- plenty of fat left to trim! Coal-to-liquids will emit huge amounts of CO2 and cost US taxpayers a ton of money -- there's a reason only Nazi Germany and apartheid-era South Africa ever got into this technology in a major way. Corn-based ethanol is a useful platform from which we may be able to develop an industrial-scale ethanol industry that is environmentally benign and economically rational -- but it is neither of those yet, and needs R+D funding right now more than it needs subsidies and scaling-up. Nuke plants only produce cheap power if you ask taxpayers to shoulder all the costs associated with security and waste disposal -- which is what would happen eventually regardless of what prospective nuke operators may promise us now.

To my mind, we need to focus on wind and solar as new energy sources, along with a big push on efficiency, both in cars and buildings. I'd like to see a new gas and non-renewable-generated electricity tax that would funnel monies into the slush fund created by the new bill to take back $14bb in royalties and taxes from the oil companies (nice work on that one) -- for gas, how about 1 cent per gallon in the first year, rising to 5 cents over the course of 5 years. That would generate roughly $4mm per day in the first year alone, which would help keep the energy transformation slush fund healthy as Congress begins to spend the funds. I'd like to see the first chunk of money go to NREL, since they already have programs and infrastructure in place and are in dire need of funds. Other steps would require more study and consensus-building, but I'd like to see stricter building codes, CAFE standards and appliance standards, as well as a giant push for effiency by the fed gov itself. Wind and solar subsidies should be locked in at gradually rising rates so that investors can be confident about longer term returns, and grid upgrades to make intermittent energy sources more economically viable would help these technologies maximize their contribution to our energy supply. I'd also love to see a DARPA-like agency created for energy tech, using grants and contests as DARPA has done very successfully.

Anyway, those are just some of my ideas and I'm sure you have plenty of your own. My point in this post is merely that I've supported you because I believed that you would help bring a rational and informed mind to bear on this fascinating mess of problems and solutions, and help guide our country towards a better energy future. I do realize that you're a freshman and that there is a war going on, but as a scientist and businessman with experience in this field, you may have enough credibility in DC to have a real impact on this area. I hope that you focus on it as much as you can. Thanks for your fine work so far, and good luck out there!

Sincerely,
Greg Katz

[Fran Moon]

I am delighted to see congress tackling much needed ethics reform. However if they are really serious about reform they will also create an independent ethics watchdog group to ensure the enforcement of these rules.

Thanks for all you're doing for us.

[Ronald Bruinius]

Dear Honorable Representative of California,

I am encouraged to see that you and other democrats are staying true to your political promises. I encourage you now to aggressively pursue your goals while at the same time watching for problems on the horizon.

I found some troubling statistics that I would like to share with you. These are both nationwide and state wide issues that need to be addressed before they explode into a unbarable mess.

-The prison population has quadrupled since the 1980s

-incarceration if more expensive than a private college.

-While 16% of prisoner's a mental condition, only 1/3 prisoners recieve substance abuse or mental health treatment in prison.

-18% of inmates are affected with hepatitis C

-4% of inmates are infected with tuberculosis

-between 2% and 3% of state and federal prisoners have HIV

-200,000 parolees are coming out of prison each year who remain unsupervised.

Mr. McNerney, I am concerned that prisons are creating more criminals and are placing them on the streets without reforming them. A person can go into jail for a low level crime, come out disturbed, and mentally unable to funtion in society.

I am concerned.
I am concerned for the safety of my family, my neighbors, my city, the State of California, and my country.

Mr. McNerney, how can we get more fund for rehabilitating criminals into productive, functioning adults? Have you considered these statistics and does it trouble you?

Mr. McNerney, please start studying these issues and gain a vision to addess this problem.

[Fred Glass]

Jerry: I am pleased at the beginning you have made. I would like to add two comments. First, I concur with Juliette in her request that you support HR676. A single payer approach to health care is the only sane approach. If the Clintons had gone this way in the early 90s we wouldn't be in the mess we're in now. Speak truth to power, the power in this case being the parasitic health insurance industry, which sucks at least 25% of our health care dollars away from delivery of care into administrative waste and profit-taking. Second, I'm delighted you supported the federal minimum wage raise. It's long overdue for hardworking Americans. But the reason you gave--that it makes California's businesses more competitive, since they already pay a higher minimum wage--is fine, but not enough. The real point is that people who work hard deserve to be paid a living wage, period.

[Vicki Madrid]

It was very heartening to see the House move those mountains the first hundred hours. Now, all your good work is being drowned by the Republican Senators. How do we get past them?

I am outraged at the Republican tactics being used in the Senate this week on the minimum wage bill.

I know you're in the House and I love seeing how you voted on all the bills. Instead of seeing Pombo's votes that were directly opposite, I now get to see a man with outstanding qualities represent me and all those living in his district the way we need him to.

It's kind of frustrating to see them pass in the House and get killed in the Senate. Even if we get these bills through the Senate, I fear the President will whip out his veto pen the first chance he gets.

[Terry Olson]

You are doing a great job! In fact, the "freshmen" are in many cases doing what the others will need to follow in both the House and Senate. We need to get out of Iraq. I just don't know how those poor Iraqis live in this nightmare, and with the "surge, wait augmentation" how are our kids going to make it in the middle of Baghdad? I hope this hairbrained idea can be contained.

[Lawrence J. Blus]

Jerry,
The Democrats are off to a great start; you have given many of us hope for the future. As someone who has worked on environmental issues in the federal government, I will be happy to see the resource agencies return to work protecting the environment and our natural resources rather than the administration's plan of "protecting businesses".
Also, I am very pleased to see some civility return to the Congress--some of the Republicans were absolutely horrible in their relations with Democrats.
Keep up the good work.

[Jennifer Hosterman, Mayor of Pleasanton]

Great Op-ed piece, Jerry! Have your staff send it to all the other newspapers in the 11th Congressional, including Pleasanton - The Herald, The Times, The Pleasanton Weekly. Everyone should have the opportunity to read what our new, progressive Congressman is doing on our behalf! Keep up the good work, my friend.

Jennifer

[John Schaefer]

Jerry,
I stand in awe of the effort it must take to get up to speed on all that’s going on in the Congress. Thanks, and keep up the good work.

With regard to energy, we’re using too much fossil fuel because it’s cheap. The way to make renewables and efficiency work is to charge more for fossil fuel, with a fee on carbon content. As it happens, government at all levels is spending more money than it collects, so that such a fee could support the underfunded services that government should provide while encouraging us all to make the right decisions about fuel usage.

Of course it’ll be difficult; while campaigning for you I came across a vocal oil company worker, whose employer will surely oppose any such idea. But nothing of value will be easy.

We’re counting on you!

Best regards,
John

[Stella Lopez]

I read your article in the Stockton Record. My daughter and i were very proud of your comments and what you have accomplished so far as our new congressmen. Especially the passing of the adoption of the new ethics rules, that is very powerful. All of the six bills that have been passed in the first one-hundred days are amazing!!
Dont forget to make health care affordable for seniors whenever you have the time. This would be very much appreciated by me and my friends. See you soon you are doing a wonderful job.

Stella

[Robert Kellman]

Hi Jerry, There's not much I can add to what's already been posted. But I got a email from MoveOn saying that they would be descending on you to make sure you toe the line. Although I am a loyal and long time supporter of MoveOn I would like you to resist that type of pressure from any group. I refused to sign their blurb to you. We elected you to be you, not a mouthpiece for MoveOn or any other group. UBU and you'll be fine. Obviously listen to what they have to say, but don't be cowed even if they should huff and puff. You are on of the most progressive memebers of congress. They will support you. We will support you. All the best, Rob Kellman, San Ramon

[larry taylor]

good job jerry!!!!!!!

[Richard Spotts]

Jerry,
I strongly support and applaud everything that you and other Democrats have accomplished thus far in the new Congress. It is so refreshing to now see the House conducting the people's business, instead of the previous pattern of catering solely to special corporate interests and the wealthiest Americans. Of course, more work will be needed, including to see that what the House passes gets through the U.S. Senate and past Bush's veto pen. For me, I'll continue to do all that I can to keep us moving forward, whether sending letters or donation checks. I'm proud to be one of your many supporters. Please keep up your great work!

[jane]

A wonderful start to the year-your op-ed piece is very good. Is there any way to address the lack of information(or at least lack of truthful information) that we are receiving regarding events in Iraq? A full and frank discussion is the only way to make any progress. Thanks-

[Joan Brownstein]

I would not like to wait until 2009 to get $7.25hr. It is just a start and should not be the end for this congress. I agree with others that there is too much deference given to the health insurance companies that have discovered a gold mine endorsed by the Fed gov't. Fix Soc Sec by raising the limit over $92K. Take care of health care by putting all of us under the Congressional plan, Medicare (with better reimbursements for mds so they will take medicare) and the va.

There is so much to do, but first of all watch the foxes who are used to raiding the hen house!!! Good luck, I am so glad you are there!!

[Laura Deal]

I remember precinct walking for a write in candidate in '04. Everyone, including me, felt he had very little chance of winning that election against the incumbent, Richard Pombo I told people who thought I was wasting my time that tilting at windmills may look foolish, but it can spur the winds of change. Thanks for proving me right. I will not only continue to work to keep you in office, but I will never let anyone talk me out of working for a good candidate even if they have no chance of winning, because you've proven that eventually there's a chance we will win and it will be soooooo worth it.

You are making all of us who volunteered for you so proud. Keep up the good work!

[Florence Vincent]

Jerry you are doing a great job.
We need to work on Media Reform, otherwise the American people aren't going to hear the real facts about anything.
On Single-Payer Healthcare.
Averaged out, the cost of healthcare per person in the
US = $7129
Canada = $3002
Germany = $2800
Japan = $3002
The only difference is that the other countries have single payer healthcare. Meaning that everyone is covered. They all have lower childhood mortality rates and high life expectancy. We have been told that we have the best healthcare in the world. The numbers tell a different story but Americans may never hear them if we don't reform the media.
There's lots of info at Physicians for a National Health Program is 14,000 physicians, medical students and health professionals who support single-payer national health insurance. www.pnhp.org.

[Barbara Horning]

Please don't forget those of us who live in the Morgan Hill and parts of Gilroy area. We worked really hard to get you nominated.

[Rick Downey]

Dear Jerry,
You are doing a fantastic job, and I knew you would when I donated more to your campaign than in my entire 50 year life for anyone else.

I'd like to see you address two things;

1) Can there be a public report on exactly how the $14 Billion in recovered oil royalties is going to be spent rather than it going into some kind of general fund with no direction?

2) Exactly how did your camp respond to the slanderous Republican ads, and please answer the questions they threw out - Is there support for illegal immagrants receiving Social Security benefits, and if so, who is supporting that?

Keep up the fantastic work! I'm with you for round two in 2008!

[Edward Syrett]

Ronald Bruinius put it beautifully: "If the Clintons had gone [for single-payer health care] in the early 90s we wouldn't be in the mess we're in now. Speak truth to power, the power in this case being the parasitic health insurance industry, which sucks at least 25% of our health care dollars away from delivery of care into administrative waste and profit-taking." The Republicans, with their illegal war, legacy of corruption, and continuing interference with any legislation smacking of public interest, are digging their own graves right now. What is less obvious is that triangulating Democrats like the Clintons are undermining public support for THEIR party as well. The time has come for a return to government doing those things that government can do best. If neither major party can do that, we may end this century with a Green president and congress, the Democrats a minority party, and the Republicans a sub-minority party like the Liberals in England.

[Sonja Romera]

Dear Jerry: I am so happy that I voted for you and that you won! I agree with all the points you made in your article. Especially that Medicare Drug Coverage for Seniors. I am a Kaiser Senior Advantage member and have had Kaiser for 40 years without a problem till last year. With the Medicare D thing, I had a limit of 2500. on drugs which ran out in August so that I was without drugs from then till December. Living on SS with this limit is unrealistic and my health greatly suffered during this period. Kaiser stated it is not them but Medicare that is causing the problem.

Please continue your good work for us and don't give in to the big money cats in D.C. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Sonja Romera

[Bill Perkins]

Hi Jerry, you're doing a great job. The letter in the Record was a brilliant idea, their editorials were very negative until your letter but they seem to have softened somewhat since the letter.
I read that you visited Lodi and talked to the City leaders, I hope a trip to Manteca is in your immediate future, people here want to get to know you.
BTW it was great to see Windy at the SOTU party in Stockton

[Dennis Sweatt]

How does raising the minimum wage make businesses "more" competitive nationwide?

http://gop-republican-washington.blogspot.com/

[Patricia L Dwyer]

I am pleased by the acts of the new democratic congress. I am grateful you were elected and I fervently hope you will fufill your promise.

I was struck by the concerns of Fran Moon. In 1965 I entered an intensive probation oficer training program in Los Angeles County that had world wide recognition. I was later assigned to a community orienteed youthful offenders program with the stated goal of avoiding state level commitment. There was adequate funding for my being assigned to a limited caseload with support from mental health professionals in order to individualize treatment, effectively plan for offender change and deter recidivism. It worked.

Unfortunately the pendulum swung away from community based treatment. Reduced state funding affected the county's budget and caseloads swelled. The goals of rehabilitation, retaining the offender in the community and contributing to changing and reducing the warehousing of offenders were abandoned.

I spent over thirty years in the probation system. My last seven were in making sentencing recommendations in high profile felony cases. For overtime I picked up cases that broke my heart. The typical scenario was that an indigent male addict was paroled without planning or resources to the skidrow area. Within days he was arrested for shoplifting a small item from a drugstore, buying a small amount of drugs or having some drug paraphernalia in his possession. His penalty was automatic, sixteen months state prison. It's scary. It's expensive. It's unnecessary in a civilized society.

[Ivan Espinosa]

I salute Congressman McNerney for his hard-work and dedication in the first few weeks of Congress.

Nevertheless, there is a critical issue that has not been properly or wholefully addressed by the Democrats. It is the most important issue currently facing the Congress and the reason the Democrats were elected to power. That issue is, without a doubt, the war in Iraq.

Congressman McNerney, I beg you to end the war in Iraq. I have an aunt and a brother-in-law stationed in Baghdad. I pray for them everyday and I wonder if they will arrive home with both limbs, or if they will even arrive at all. More than 3000 U.S. service men and women, and more than half a million Iraqis have died in the Iraq war so far. Tens of thousands of our troops have been seriously injured and suffered psychological trauma.

Congress MUST work to end the war. The war in Iraq is a complete disaster. It is an illegal and immoral war. George Bush rushed our country to war in Iraq and the way he misled our country into war was a disgrace to our democracy. The foreign policy of Bush and the Republicans has failed to secure our interests at home and abroad. All the Iraq War shows is a lack of leadership, a lack of strategy, and a lack of integrity.

I urge Congressman McNerney to support H.R. 508, otherwise known as the "Bring the Troops Home and Iraqi Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2007." H.R. 508 was introduced last week by California Representatives Lynn Woolsey and Barbara Lee.

The enacting of this bill will "require U.S. military disengagement from Iraq and provide United States assistance for reconstruction and reconciliation in Iraq."

It is a comprehensive, intelligent, and effective bill that will do the following:

* authorize replacing U.S. troops and contractors with an international stabilization force
* prohibit any permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq
* accelerate U.S. troop assistance for training of a permanent Iraqi police force
* guarantee complete health care for U.S. veterans of military operations in Iraq and other conflicts

The occupation of Iraq is simply a catalyst for more violence. More Iraqis continue to join the resistance and fight against us, and they will not stop until we leave. In order for a democracy to truly be sustained in Iraq, we cannot continue to occupy the country.

Congressman McNerney: Please end the war now by using the power given to you under the Constitution. The non-binding resolution that will be offered in the House is not enough - you must vote to end the war. I urge you to co-sponsor H.R. 508. It is time to end the destruction and chaos in Iraq.

[Eric Rader]

There is a bigger threat than the threat in the middle east. It is the $8.6 Trillion United States debt. It is largely funded by the Chinese. The Social Security Trust fund is in this $8.6 Trillion. The baby boomers have yet to begin, in mass, to draw from the 'Trust Fund'. How big will this trust fund debt get before the Chinese forclose on the debt, by buying the United States?

The Chinese, along with the Indians, are producing a highly skilled workforce. Many many highly skilled engineers are coming from these countries. Their manufacturing capability grows.

These countries, along with the rest of the world, are producing nuclear power. They are building nuclear power plants in these countries. The French are building nuclear power plants designed in the United States. France is 90% nuclear now.

Production of a skilled work force, and cheap renewable power, is the way to beat the threat from the middle east. Are you conceerned about this, President Bush?

Educate our work force. Reduce our debt. Get us off dependence on oil, and energy efficent, with nuclear fuel.

[Michael Villanueva]

I have faith in your message of hope for positive change for all americans. Like former Senator J. Edwards so eloquently articulates the two americas, one rich and one poor, leaving the middle class out. We need to bring jobs back to america, quality jobs, not low paying jobs. Education the dream of of every american is out of reach with the high cost of Universities and Colleges.
Hope you can address those needs that trouble all of us.

[Scott Williams]

Glad Jerry is now our guy in DC. Just a few points to make-

Maybe paragraphs would help the op-ed letter.

I was taken by the prison post since I worked in Peterson lockup as a teacher- jails and prisons are loaded with mentally and emotionally ill people. We are now paying the price for ignoring the mental health of our citizens, especially poor and minority folks- shame,shame on us as a society. We need to take care of children's emotional and mental issues- no telling how many we could keep out of lock-up.

And, Grafitti/tagging is a serious issue of neighborhood terrorism, but it is not taken seriously. Tagging in Stockton is a threat level indicator- if you see grafitti you are not safe where you are.

The issue I am reluctant to even mention is mandatory conscription for all citizens and immigrants. Our country's future may rest on this issue.

I would be glad to discuss these issues with you and would be willing to serve on a committee or board or whatever. Thanks Jerry for having courage!

[John Morearty]

Dear Jerry, Everyday I'm grateful that you are in Congress and not that other guy! You're on the frontiers of sane energy, and that's a fundamental global issue.
I do wish you would vote to de-fund the Iraq war! There is so much important work to do, in this country and around the world, and we need the dollars and human energy for that.
Thanks again for all your work. For peace and the human future, John Morearty, Ph.D.

[barbara]

nice to have you up there, jerry. i have a sense that you are a person of great integrity and i feel good about having worked on your campaign.
nothing is as important as ending the war in iraq, and preventing an attack on iran, and i implore you to use your newfound powers to stop war and promote peace.

[Scott Williams]

I intended to suggest conscription for all 18 year old citizens and immigrants.

[Raymond Hinders]

Congratulations to you and other congress members for making good accomplishments fast! I hope a reasonable worker program will be addressed very soon. Our agriculture industry has to have a dependable labor source. The present system needs to be changed, and soon, to be fair to the hard working laborers and the fruit, vegetable and dairy producers.
In foreign affairs, I sure would like to see more diplomacy tried and less force - don't know what congress can do about that though.

[Robert Siebert]

Hello Jerry:

Congratulations at what I hope is only the first round of housecleaning!

However my interests are, I believe, closer to yours, i.e., renewable energy. The president and many others (read oil companies) seem to equate "reducing our dependency on foreign oil" with a solution to air pollution, energy security and global warming. Ethanol is referred to as if it were both necessary and sufficient without looking at how well the ethnoal program to date has gone.

As you know, subsizing this gasoline alternaive has done none of these three items yet and, at best might make a small difference on air polution and and even smaller one on the other two items.

I hope you can provide a breath of fresh air and resason to this latest bandwagon. I feel that America must get used to highly efficient cars, plug-in hybrids and electrics, and soon. Petroleum has countless other uses and it's use will eventually be prioritized, e.g., for aviation. The only way global warming and foreign oil dependence will be reduced is via renewable energy --- sorry for preaching to the converted, but do grow tired of hearing the ethanol drumbeat.

Robert Siebert

[L Patotzka]

Hi Jerry,
Nice op-ed. Lots of progress made already and I look forward to the future now more than ever. Thank you! I still almost have to pinch myself remembering the end of the '04 campaign when you were just getting revved up ;-) and how successful you were in '06 with the support of your district citizens and others such as myself in surrounding districts. And now YOU are in Washington. Wow, you're surely an inspiration!

As far as what you'd like to hear what's on our minds, the concerns that stand out most for me right now are: getting the troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan by end of this year and closing the bases over there (supporting Woolsey's and Kucinich's proposals); single payer healthcare for sure; fixing that "donut hole" in the Rx plan--I have two elderly parents in a nursing home and their savings were sucked dry in a year. As far as alternative energy, it sounds like the corn ethanol and hydrogen technology are both losers as they take as much energy to produce as what the end users might save from not using oil. I know there are great minds out there with lots of ideas and so I hope other means can be successful to beat our oil addiction. Thanks again, Jerry, I'll continue to support you all the way. Just keep focused and remember to keep representing the People. :-) ~Lori

[Yosh Yamanaka]

The accomplishments that you and the new Congress have been able to achieve validates the trust that I placed in you to reform the corrupt out-going Congress.

[Val Morehouse]

The first thing every Democratic congressperson can do is dump the gas guzzlers at home and in Washington in the next 2 months and buy a hybrid. As the proud owner of a Prius I know the difference, and you can forget the buy American thing. BUY GREEN until the american car makers get the message. Do it, and believe me they will!

[Richard Linville]

It’s a good start Jerry. Ending the occupation of Iraq and beginning reconstruction should clearly be the number one item on the agenda.

I agree with many of the posts on the blog, especially our idiotic war on drugs that criminalizes millions and waists billions of dollars on law enforcement, the racist criminal in-justice system, and incarceration, while ignoring the simple fact that addiction is a health issue.

When you see the moron-in-chief tell him that tax-cuts-for-the-rich are not the solution for everything. Remind him of his commitment to New Orleans. He’s apparently forgotten about it completely.

I know you’re better informed than I am on energy issues, but I can’t imagine that nuclear could be more that a very tiny stop-gap part of a sustainable clean energy program. The ability of industry in general and particularly the nuclear industry to divorce itself from the enormous environmental costs it imposes on society is scandalous.

Impeach the decider.

[Steve Juniper]

I liked your op-ed piece. I think it would also be important and effective to conduct official investigations into the incompetence, deception and corruption and war profiteering that riddles this administration and, especially, to reveal the degree to which Republican controlled committees suppressed any and all such investigations.
DO NOT LET THEM PUT YOU ON THE DEFENSIVE WHEN THEY ARE SO VULNERABLE THEMSELVES!
Best wishes,
Steve Juniper

[David Ewert]

ELECTRIC CARS - Don't you agree that the multi-million dollar research and development into the feasability of hydrogen fuel cell technology is just a delay tactic? It will take years (decades) to build the infrastructure necessary.
MEANWHILE - Purely electric, battery-powered cars are already being built. No new infrastructure is needed. See teslamotors.com. Please consider diverting R&D funds away from expensive, unnecessary hydrogen technology and instead subsidize Tesla Motors and others like them, so the electric cars can be mass-produced and affordable to the masses.
Thank-you and keep up the great work!

[Arlee Geary]

It is heartening that someone with energy credentials is there to work on environmental questions. However, some earlier respondents voiced some legitimate concerns with the rush toward ethanol and electric cars. Isn't a major increase in electric cars going to increase the demand for electricity? Might we need to use coal-fired plants to produce enough? And what are the statistics regarding scrubbers for the coal plants. I know only a few coal plants have installed them. Isn't it time to make their installation mandatory. Coal is such an abundant resource. If we could figure out how to make it clean enough, then the electric cars would make lots of sense. Otherwise I am not sure if we might just be trading one problem for another. With regard to ethanol, the concern expressed about corn prices affecting farmers and consumers adversly needs immediate attention. I'm sure with your background you can help congress come up with solutions that don't just trade one bad option for another. Arlee Geary Santa Rosa

[Richard Fellows]

Dear Jerry,
I could not be more happy or more proud to have you as my representative in Congress.
'Dragonslayer' I hear you are called, I like that.

While the President likes to portray terrorism as the greatest threat to American lives. It is not. Disease kills far more of us each year. I thank you with all my heart for your votes on stem cell research. I have no desire to see yet more of my family die needlessly so that others simply won't be offended in their religion. Thank you for all you have done.

[Darrell Wallis]

Thanks Jerry for the letter, and I will be following your record as time goes on. Please watch out for the social security. Do not let it get turned over to the stock market like Mr. Bush wants to do. Work on getting more affordable health care. Darrell Wallis

[Tom Donovan]

Jerry - my compliments (and comments below) on your first term. In the order you listed them:
ADOPTION OF NEW ETHICS RULES It is about time! It's a great start, but you need to remain on the attack and plug the rest of the lobbyist loopholes. Greed and looming re-election costs can turn heads in congress unless you strike now, while the iron is still hot, to tighten the new rules further. Lobbyists can sell iceboxes to eskimos; so swaying a few legislators is like shooting fish in a barrel for those pros. Don't let up on them, and strengthen the reforms NOW!

WE RESTORED TOUGH PAY-AS-YOU-GO BUDGET RULES ...& VOTED TO END SPECIAL INTEREST PET PROJECTS. I like this, but you will need to create a clear set of objective standards to factually identify pork projects, and to analyze clearly through the smoke&mirror add-ons to spending bills. If Common Cause and others can find the pork in a bill, Congress should be able to also, if the spine and honesty are there.

WE'RE IMPLEMENTING UNFULFILLED RECOMMENDATIONS RE 9/11. Great! But please establish an oversight group to ensure the security processes are based on common sense. The oversight group should include members without possibility of financial gain.

INCREASE MINIMUM WAGE TO $7.25/HOUR OVER NEXT TWO YEARS. Bravo! I suggest you publicize this by calling a news conference each month on the day when legislators have earned what it takes the minimum wage man or woman an entire month to do. Whatever you can do to close the gap between the have & have nots will be a legacy that will endure.

WE NOW ALLOW MEDICARE TO NEGOTIATE WITH DRUG COMPANIES FOR LOWER DRUG COSTS. Another kudo, Jerry! I also suggest you take some of the savings to fund a more aggressive independent review board to illuminate successes as well as loopholes in the whole Medicare process.

EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH. The self-serving hysteria lathered on this life-saving process has got to stop. I support this first step. As the research leads to lives actually saved, public opinion should become more rational.

CUTTING INTEREST RATES ON SUBSIDIZED COLLEGE STUDENT LOANS. This is especially important to a parent like me. I will be able to pay for my son's first two years, but will require loans for the final two years. This bill will help change "No Child Left Behind" to "No College Grad Left Mired in Debt".

THE PATH TO ENERGY INDEPENDENCE. I am all for that! Having been actively around the edges of alternative energy for years, I know that the least interesting efforts give the biggest bang for the buck. Please push for increased home insulation standards and natural lighting standards. I support the need for new production technologies, but we also need to waste less. Changing habits is hard, but increasing home insulation and natural lighting is pretty straightforward if it is required in every real estate transaction and subsidized with tax credits. Energy Star building is a hint how it would work successfully. And you're right, it would create lots of skilled jobs instead of more burger flippin' jobs.

And Jerry, involving the entire Congress is a great step in promoting ways to use less oil and to develop alternative energy sources. Along with improved education, energy policy reform is one of the BIG issues affecting our future.

WE NEED TO HAVE AN OPEN AND FRANK CONVERSATION ABOUT HOW TO DO IT. Jerry, count me in. Let me know where and when and I will be there.

...and keep the communications coming!

Tom Donovan

[Pat Guttmann]

The Nation Magazine stated the following on it's cover:
World opinion is against the US escalation in Iraq. The American people are against it. The Iraqi people are against it. The Iraqi government is against it. Can a single man force a nation to fight a war it does not want to fight, expand a war it does not want to expand? If he can, is that nation any longer a democracy in any meaningful sense? If not, how can democratic rule and the republican form of government be restored? Please vote to withhold funding for any new escalation in the war and urge your fellow congressmen and woman to do the same. We need to support the kids that are there now by bringing them home.

[Van]

Congressman McNerney,

Fantastic start, the 100 hours of the new Democratic Congress has gotten alot of good work done, with plenty of issues to tackle in the future.

The primary focus for the near future, is the Occupation of Iraq and getting the Military out of harm's way. This war/occupation needs to be investigated as to how the intelligent was fixed, to go around the facts.

Currently the civic court trial against Scooter Libby is showing the treason, that has taken over the White House. So,where's the Media coverage of this historic event in American History?

The future holds lots of investigations against the Republican's abuse of power and the corruption they have unleashed. They must be held accountable, and that should be associated with their motto "the Ownership society"!

One reason for Jerry's election win is to help the Democratic majority to enforce the Constitution and the law, and roll back the damages due by this current administation.

You have my support, Sir and I will assist in whatever manner is helpful and needed. I've walked the precincts, talked and wrote blogs and LTE's, and made monetary contributions too.

Thanks You, Jerry for taking the stand, Enough is Enough!

[Jon]

Great initiatives to bring down drug prices and curb the energy companies tax breaks. Is there any chance of passage? Also love any legislation that fills in the giant moat around the capital and allows 'regular folks' greater access to their representatives. I don't even want to know how many bills were written by lobbyists the last 6+ years...

I am disappointed in the stance on Iraq by the Dems. This 'surge' is opposed by at least 2/3 of Americans--military included. It's hard to understand how G.W. can still do it. This is too much power. He is also provoking Iran. A third war against this large, powerful nation would spell DOOM. I cannot believe our press! They've been demonizing Iran and pushing this agenda for months--JUST LIKE IRAQ. There is a rotten smell in the air, Jerry. I think most Americans smell it. This just cannot happen.

At any rate, thanks for your good work in these early days. I know you'll represent us. I wish the rest would!

[David]

Jerry, thank you again for putting yourself on the line to help our country. One important idea I still don't hear enough is CONSERVE. Drive reasonably efficient vehicles. Live in reasonably sized houses. Turn off the lights when you're not in the room. Simple things like this could help ease the transition from oil to alternatives, and make people more aware of thier energy use. Thanks! It was certainly worth the time walking precincts in Stockton and Linden! David

[Ken Hodges, School Teacher]

Thankyou Congressman.

First off, it is great to have you in the US Congress representing us and Richard Pombo OUT.

I also congratulate you and the others in our new heaven sent Democratic legislative majority for fighting for and pushing through the most just 100 days agenda of needed items.

My main thought/post...
I am very eager to see the Iraq War mess righted and corrected.
Bush is pretty out of line in demanding we have solutions to correct HIS mistakes.

But, when solutions are offered (even itemmized and specific start to finish) he ignores them, calls himself "THE decision maker" (isn't this a Democratic Republic, Mr. Bush?... made up of THREE equal parts of CHECKS AND BALANCES??)

I urge we join together in the proposed safe and viable solutions put forward by felow Democrats and supported by more and more republicans to boot!-- to transfer power to the iraqi Government, get our men and women out of harms way and put diplomatic machinery to work and really problem solve.

Thankyou for giving us a breath of fresh air and honest representation in DC.

[Ralph Anderson]

Excellent work so far, but no mention about land use issues. Although not in your district, I supported you from Colorado first of all to eliminate from Congress Mr Pombo and his philosophy on how to manage federal lands . The current policies regarding NFS, BLM and National parks need to be changed.In your attention to energy policy,pay attention leasing policies for gas exploration and lumber harvesting. This is a big problem here on Colorado and I am sure in California too. As a native Californian who spent his early summers in El Dorado National Forest, I want to make sure that this national heritage is protected.

[Vera]

Excellent letter. It's so important for people to hear what you believe, and what you believe you and others can make happen. Yes, a new American idea, not Dems or Reps. And the more people who let their representatives know what they think, maybe other representatives will become if now blue, at least purple, and vote with us.

[Dave Joki]

Jerry, A million cheers for all of you. You can't believe how good it feels to have representatives in DC who actually represent me. You probably don't remember me. I'm a member of dfa silicon valley and worked with Carolyn Curtis and my good friend Mary Gill to help your campaign. I marched with you and our small group in the Cinco de Mayo parade. I resemble the actor Gene Wilder (the origainl Willie Wonka).
Anyways, a million cheers for you all. But, the pay as you go budget thing scares me right now. In the long run it is no doubt the right thing. But we're coming off 26 years of far right economics. Infrastructure shot, education underfunded, no health care for millions, etc etc etc.
The fed government must lead our economy out of the dark ages it's been in. Please do not let budget balancing "hamstring" you all from making crucial steps and investments to redirect our econmony back to one that serves working people and families.
I know the far right will try to destroy you if you do what I propose. I'm sympathetic to your/our plight on this. But, what else is new? THey always try to destroy us.
You know all of us at DFA Silicon Valley will work for you again in 08. We are so with you. And we are talking about helping get Charlie Brown in also.
My best,

Dave Joki

[Robert Heywood]

Thank you for sharing this and also your radio address from a few weeks ago. This sort of communication is vitally important in keeping your message coming to your constituents who want and need to know that you are in fact delivering on the promises that sent you to Washington.

We want your voice to be heard in this Congress and for many years to come. I urge you to take this opportunity here at the beginning to send a mailer to your entire district using your franking privilege to let ALL your constituents know what you are doing and all that is happening now in Congress.

Keep up the articles and everything else, but do consider a letter complete with photos of you being sworn in and in your office working hard for your constituents.

One of the great issues of our time is the feeling among many--particularly young voters--that it doesn't really matter who is elected, and therefore they don't even bother to vote. You, my friend, are a shining example that will go far to dispel that notion.

Also, it was good seeing you again this week at the event in Oakland.

Congratulations on a fabulous start, and we know the best is yet to come!

Robert Heywood

[Julia]

Jerry this is a fantastic start to what I hope is a long career for you in politics. Thank you for sacrificing so much to make it this far. We will support you as you move forward. Thank you for your service to this country and this fine state.

[Phil Grisier]

I applaud your effort to educate other members of Congress about energy policy and renewable energy strategies that people, industry, and government can implement.

[Joseph Holmes]

You are off to an almost unimaginably good start. Just keep going in the same direction and the future may once again belong to us.

And good luck keeping up with the hectic schedule!

Joe Holmes

[Susan Sharfman]

Hi Jerry,

The op-ed and your letter were excellent, but for me, the only relevant subject right now should be our preparations to attack Iran. It's deja vu all over again. Passing non binding resolutions will not stop these madmen. Nancy Pelosi, whom I greatly admire, has said that impeachment is off the table. It cannot be off the table when we have leaders determined to take us into another war. I know you are not on committees that deal with foreign policy but surely you and the other freshman congressman like you know that you were elected in part because your constituents want the war ended. I have a very ominous feeling about the days ahead. Speaker Pelosi and the leadership must know that dramatic steps must be taken to stop this administration before it is too late.

[Sandra Macneill]

Great going, Jerry! You're doing good work, so far. I am hoping to see your name on the list of those co-sponsoring HR676 for Universal Health Care, which is the ONLY answer to our health insurance problems. That and getting out of Iraq were the two main reasons I supported you. And when can we expect to see an actual reduction in the cost of our prescriptions, now that Medicare is allowed to negotiate for them?

[michael a.]

THE DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY WILL FAIL unless they clearly explain to the American people how the Republican minority in the Senate can block legislation.
When the House Democrats tout their success at passing bills, average Americans think new laws have been passed. This is very dangerous. If the Republican Senate Minority blocks Democratic reforms, the people will see no meaningful change in their lives and will stop believing in the Democrats and Democracy.

The Republicans used this very same tactic in the run-up to the 1994 election. President Clinton and the House Democrats passed several important pieces of legislation that were all blocked by the Senate Republican Minority led by Senator Bob Dole. This obstructionist tactic was part of the reason the Republicans did so well in 1994 and toppled the Democrats.

Passing new laws in the House is important. But it is much much more important to communicate and educate average Americans about how the Senate works. I’d suggest the Democrats launch a media campaign attacking the Conservative Senators who oppose our agenda. Put the attack ads on the internet, radio, and TV. Let the grass roots pay for the ads through many small internet donations. And do this NOW – not in October 08.

[Louanne Ellison]

Dear Representative McNerney,

thanks so much for what has been passed in the House. However, as you wrote we did this and that, it would be helpful for me if you would also include what more needs to be done to enforce the new legislation. Such as 1. the Senate also needs to pass something similar and 2. the Presiden needs to sign or 3. passage in the House implements the bill automatically. Knowing the next step would help me to contact the correct elected official to urge them to support your House bills.

Thanks so much,

[Paula Dodd Aiello]

It's so wonderful to know you are there in Washington on our behalf. Thanks for the op-ed and thanks for asking for our input.
As much as I applaud what you have all done, I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT CONGRESS ABSOLUTELY REFUSES TO COOPERATE WITH BUSH'S AGENDA IN THE MIDDLE EAST!!!!
We have reached the point where there should be NO DOUBT or any more discussion ... we all must REFUSE TO PARTICIPATE. DO NOT VOTE TO FUND THE ESCALATION!
Resistance is not futile: in fact, RESISTANCE IS ESSENTIAL.
Please let the rest of Congress know that the people expect you all to stand up strongly against this action.

[John Morse]

Congressman McNerney - I am very impressed with your efforts to openly and honestly communicate with your constituents. Please keep it up. I am especially in tune with the comments expressed here concerning the energy situation and, by extension, the threat posed to us all by Global Warming. I would like to second those who have said that switching to new fuel sources and technologies are only a partial solution. Without government pressure via incentives to innovate and via penalties/taxes for those activities which are not environmentally wise, we will not succeed.

Economic pressure is the only language that big energy understands. That's why reducing the oil company subsidies is such a significant step. Rising CAFE standards and carbon taxes are just two ideas that we need ASAP! Government needs to set the rules of the game so that it is too expensive to disregard the deteriorating state of our planet's environmental health, and I believe you are a person with the skills and knowledge to lead this fight. Reward conservation efforts and create incentives for truly clean alternative energy, but also penalize those factions that are dragging their feet!

One other thought - as a person who is fairly well off, I have been able to install solar at my home that makes it essentially carbon neutral and have also been able to purchase a hybrid vehicle. The state subsidy for the solar was a big factor in doing this. The vast majority of our citizens can't afford this type of investment.

I say if the government can spend trillions of dollars on military hardware to ostensibly "protect" our citizens, why can't it spend trillons of dollars building community solar installations (as an example) to "protect" our citizens from the grave threat of Global Warming? Maybe we should retrain the Army Corps of Engineers , take our young men and women out of Iraq and put them to work to help build the new enegy infrastructure... Just a late night thought from a disgruntled American.

Thanks, Jerry, for all the hard work you are doing!

[graace weitman]

Jerry, great work. I agree with everything except
for banning pet projects, I have a Cairn Terrior
and he needs all the projects he can get.

Sincerely, Grace Weitman (Jody's mom)

[Pierre Bierre]

Jerry -

I watched in awe as the 100 hour agenda went ahead like clockwork. But the hard work still lies ahead in this session. Take immigration reform, for example.

Like most Americans, I believe the elephant in the room is not the status of the 12 million, but rather the future population and demographics of our nation. If a path to citizenship is put in place for illegals, what mechanism is going to prevent another 100 million from wanting "in" on the same terms over the next 10 years? I am cautiously optimistic that business won't be deciding to overpopulate the country based on short-term interests for cheap labor and retail growth. We need hearings, and public input on our population growth goals over the next 40 years. With the new "can do" spirit in the House, for the first time, it becomes possible to ask:

"How large should the population of the US grow to be by the year 2050? How does our choice for this number affect the quality of life being passed down to our grandchildren, economically and environmentally?

Of all the people who desire to move to the US, who can bring the most value, reinforce our ideals, and make our economy the most supportive?

Finally, as an element of foreign policy, how can our immigration policy serve to better connect the US around the world, act as a stabilizing force in other countries, and promote conflict resolution through people-to-people diplomacy?"

A thoughtful treatment of these issues is way overdue. For most Americans, immigration is a bellweather issue, revealing whether or not we are still a self-determining people, able to decide our future based on majority rule through the instrument of government. Nothing could do more to reverse cynacism than to craft an immigration bill that is enforceable, broadly in synch with the interests of the electorate, and informed by the long-term choices being made.

[Gail Daly]

Again, congratulations for winning and for being the congressman we worked for. I didn't say voted for, as I donated and did phone work from home, in Mendocino,CA.
Your first 100 days is only a beginning as you must know. Good that the interest was cut on some student loans, but what about all the kids that can't afford to go to college at all because tuition and books are now so high?
Nice that you are taking back royalties from oil corporations but their is much more to be done such as stopping subsidies, adequately taxing large (all, come to think of it) corporations, demanding discounts on government oil purchases, etc.

Health care; good that Medicare can now bargain with the drug corporations. Do you realize they keep raising prices so that the "donut hole" is approaching much more quickly than a year ago. I'm on the ill conceived Medicare Part D so I notice these things.
What we really need as in several of the postings above is Single Payer Health Care. Save us from the rapacious Insurance Corporations.

As you know and is also written of above...Global Climate Disruption, man made! The sky really is falling! As well as the seas rising, warming, dying. You know what is going on and you are in a position to contribute to stopping it. Please do so fast!

And of course, the Occupation of Iraq. What a hideous mess this moron and co have gotten us into. As with every con, follow the money. Where are our billions of $$$ going? Not our troops who are being cut in every mean way, no, the Military Industrial Complex, of course. And this is why the the head moron insists the "war" goes on. This is what our young people are being sacrificed for. The even greater wealth of the few.
OUT OF IRAQ ASAP!!!

And we must use diplomacy with Iran.
Tied in with Iraq, Iran and the almost boiling pot of the Middle East is Isreal and the terrible occupation of what was and should be Palestine. We must force Israel to make peace along the lines of the accord pushed by other Arab states in the area several years ago. It was ignored then and ever since but with the worsening situation there it cannot be ignored any longer. We can do this because we fund Israel. Please be one of the brave ones, stand up against the Israel lobby for peace, Israel's right to exist and a withdrawal from the Occupied Territories so they may once again become Palestine.

There is more, such as the failed "Drug War" we're still paying huge sums for. Legalization (of Marijuana) is so much more sane and it can be taxed.

And more...but, I'm stopping now.
Thank you for allowing me to vent to someone who actually might listen...you.
With Great Hope for your future as a Congressman,
Sincerely,
Gail E. Daly

[lawrence aronson]

Agree with everything you are doing, but you must fight for leaving iraq immediately, the surge and staying only makes it worse for our country and the iraq people.\
Try to cover all Americns with health insurance.

[Peggy Deras]

I too am not a constituent, just a supporter.
I applaud the accomplishments to date of the 110th Congress.
Now it's time to tackle the reason I am hobbling around today:
I spent yesterday afternoon marching up Market Street in SF on an anti-war rally.
I don't want to do this anymore. I didn't want to do it back in 2002 either.
We must get out of Iraq.
I also would like to have health insurance so I can deal with my aging body and not have to wait for Medicare to kick in next year.
I have been uninsured pretty much since 1996 when my business failed and I had to give up my insurance while getting back on my feet.
Good thing I'm healthy.
I now have temporary coverage that would probably put me in bankruptcy if I got really sick but it's all I can get.
Insurers won't cover me because I had the timerity to go without insurance in a lean time.
It's time for single-payer insurance for all Jerry, though by the time it ever happens I'll probably be on Medicare.

[martha engel]

Hey Mr. McNerney--

Here's what's important to me:

1. Bring home our troops. Not another young man or woman should be sacrificed for Bush's Folly. Why should the poor youth of America be fighting this rich man's war? If you and others in Congress opt to stay, then bring on the draft, and lets have an equal opportunity blood bath.
2. Do something about climate change now. I'm willing to make sacrifices. We need leaders to tell it like it is and ask citizens to participate in solutions.
3. Protect what scraps of the natural world remain. Make it a top priority--even above profit.
4. Speaking of profit--the first steps toward reining in the lobbyists are hopeful, but we want more than cutting out perks. Campaign finance reform is a must-do.

Your election was a thrill for us! Congrats and best wishes for a productive term!

[Beth]

Hi Jerry,

Thanks for the opportunity to comment and make suggestions. I believe that the highest priority for the congress right now is ending the occupation of Iraq. For me, and many of the people who worked so hard on your campaign, there is nothing more pressing, more vital, than bringing home our troops and ending the bloodshed. I hope that you will make the end of the disaster in Iraq your highest priority as well.

-Beth

[Dave Massen]

Jerry, I'm so pleased about your win over Richard Pombo, and your committee appointments. I agree with other writers about single-payer, universal health care.
In addition, there's a terrific opportunity now to finally pass national-level climate protection legislation. I hope the energy and climate working group for new members will coordinate with Speaker Pelosi's select committee on global warming, and not duplicate. A focused and efficient approach is needed.

[Richard Averett]

A sincere "thank you" to you and to all the other Democrats who did what they said they'd do. Now, for the next two priorities:
elections - everyone should know, really know, that their vote is counted; and
money - take the rest of the special interest money out of politics.

[Fred Park]

Thanks for the work you and fellow democrats are conducting in the new congress. Please start investigations into the current Bush administration. It is vitally important to me that both Bush and Cheney's actions be looked into inorder to determine the case for their impeachment. Thank You.

[creed cate]

Great work, keep it up Jerry! Push hard for environmental awareness and efficient use of resources... Cant help but notice all our crop land turning into track housing either, hope I am not the only one... More work to do, one day at a time...

[Bill Homan]

I've been thinking that the best way for Congress to navigate the current Iraqi mess is not to simply fight the "surge", but rather to insist that the administration properly equip the troops and fully fund their benefits. In fact, I believe that by attempting to use the power of the purse to cut Bush's war plans, the Democratic-controlled Congress will be successfully (though inaccurately) painted as "failing to support our troops." We need to focus on positive, bold and concrete steps we can take to improve the lot of the military.
To this end, I think Jerry and colleagues should focus immediately and energetically on existing and new legislative proposals that benefit troops and veterans in a sort of comprehensive "Military New Deal."

Consider the following:

1) VA FUNDING: Military.com points out a Harvard study warning that the "VA is already overwhelmed by the 200,000 veterans who have returned, and the agency will need between $350 billion and $700"

http://vote.military.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=9239826&type=CO

Congress should offer an increased VA funding bill that uses some sort of increased tax or fee (e.g. on corporations, the top 10% earners, or even middle class), and call it the Sacrifice With Our Troops bill.

2) WEBB VA BILL: Vocally and actively support bills like this one from Senator Webb, "The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007":

http://vote.military.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=9244471&type=CO

3) OTHER VA BILL: Study and consider supporting or improving existing VA benefit's bills like this one from former House Committee on Veterans Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.):

http://vote.military.com/military/issues/alert/?alertid=9182721

"H.R. 6314 ... would expand one existing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education, the provision of health care services for veterans exposed to chemical and biological testing under Projects 112 and SHAD, and treatment and rehabilitation programs for homeless veterans and those with serious mental illnesses. It would also extend VA’s Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans until December 31, 2007 and extend VA’s homeless grant and per diem program until September 30, 2007."

4) ARMOR AND EQUIPMENT: We need a separate and comprehensive bill directly and *fully* funding *all* needed items for *all* of our combat personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan. This would include, for example, modern kevlar vests for *all* soldiers, appropriate radio sets for all units (including walkie talkies if it makes sense), and *armor* for all vehicles that require it. We should make this a separate, visible bill, call it something like the "Safe Troops Bill," and pay for it with a tax that asks the rest of us to sacrifice.

5) LOCAL VA FACILITIES: Locally, Jerry should look for positive solutions to the planned closing of the Livermore VA Hospital. I did some volunteering there in the past, and as I understood it, the VA believes that it will cost > $20 million to retrofit the older buildings their for earthquake safety. Also, the facility's setting, while beautiful, is aged, and remote from transportation services, and a significant portion of the population that it servers is located in the San Joaquin Valley. I regularly saw folks on fixed income with no car (or too old or inform to drive) who rose at 4am to catch a bus in the S.J. Valley to get to the Livermore facility, only to hop on a bus for the Palo Alto facility. Many of these people spent as much as six hours a day on the bus, and 2 - 3 hours in the lobby waiting for a bus, just to spend 45 minutes with a specialist in Palo Alto. We should do all we can to keep Livermore open (especially for the wonderful nursing facility on the premises), but Congress should also take some serious steps right now to a) fund new and full-featured facilities in the Stockton area, b) enhance existing facilities in S.J County, and c) provide and fully fund more and better transportation options from S.J. County to Livermore *and* directly to Palo Alto.

[Dave Kroske]

Great work Jerry. Keep it up. I appreciate your integrity and hope that it catches on with some of the congress members whom have been tempted away from doing what's best for America by lobbyist money/perks and entrenched accumulation of power.

Thank you

[Ellis Goldberg]

Dear Jerry
Please co-sponsor Lynn Woolsey's Bill HR 508 - join the Congressman backing this plan to get us out of Iraq. Lynn says “The Bring Our Troops Home and Sovereignty of Iraq Restoration Act is the first comprehensive legislative proposal to end the occupation and provide a framework to help bring stability back to Iraq.

“Last Wednesday night, President Bush demonstrated to the world that he continues to deny the realities on the ground in Iraq. Instead of putting forth a plan that would withdraw our troops, the President is increasing our military presence, by escalating the number of troops by over twenty thousand. What the President fails to grasp is that our military presence is only fueling the insurgency, plunging Iraq further into chaos and civil war.

“The results of November 7th showed just how fed up the American public is with the President’s failed Iraq policy. It is time to honor that mandate. It is now up to the Congress to catch up with the will of the American public.

“During his weekly radio address on Saturday, the President challenged those of us who disagree with him to offer a plan of our own. Today, we stand before you, and the American public, to take up his challenge.

“The Congress has already appropriated funding that will support our troops and keep this occupation going for at least another six months. That funding instead should be used to finance an aggressive withdrawal plan that brings our troops home to their families. Our bill would do exactly that.

“Our plan will also…

1. Withdraw all U.S. troops and military contractors from Iraq within six months from date of enactment.

2. Prohibit any further funding to deploy, or continue to deploy U.S. troops in Iraq. The bill does, however, allow for funding to be used, as needed, to ensure a safe withdrawal of all US military personnel and contractors, diplomatic consultations. Funding may also be used for the increased training and equipping of Iraqi and international security forces.

3. Accelerate, during the six month transition, training of a permanent Iraqi security force.

4. Authorize, if requested by the Iraqi government, U.S. support for an international stabilization force. Such a force would be funded for no longer than two years, and be combined with economic and humanitarian assistance.

5. Guarantee full health care funding, including mental health, for U.S. veterans of military operations in Iraq and other conflicts.

“In addition the bill would:

6. Rescind the Congressional Authorization for the War in Iraq.

7. Prohibit the construction of permanent US military bases in the country.

8. Finally, we believe that Iraqi oil belongs to the Iraqis. Once the oil is in the international market, the U.S. will certainly have access to our share. That’s why our bill ensures that the U.S. has no long-term control over Iraqi oil.

“Our plan, with the exception of Veterans’ benefits, will cost the American people pennies on the dollar as compared to continuing the occupation for two more years. It will save lives, bodies, and minds, and it will give Iraq back to the Iraqis. It is an important step in regaining our credibility in the region and throughout the world, and provides the President, and this Congress, with a comprehensive way to respond to the majority of Americans who want our troops to come home.”

This bill is co-sponsored by: Barbara Lee (CA), Maxine Waters (CA), Diane Watson (CA), James McGovern (MA), Barney Frank (MA), Raul Grijalva (AZ), Chaka Fattah (PA), Jerrold Nadler (NY), John Conyers Jr. (MI), Wm. Lacy Clay (MO), Steve Cohen (TN), Maurice Hinchey (NY), Bob Filner (CA), Dennis Kucinich (OH), Donald Payne (NJ) and Sheila Jackson-Lee (TX).

Jerry get your name on this list - it's why we elected you. Ellis

[Michael Maguire]

Vote for AB 508 Please. A bill to bring home our soldiers, fully funded, within 6 months. Keep up the work, we are proud of you. Thank you, Michael Maguire

[Jerry McNerney]

I’m impressed by the depth and breadth of the responses to my Op-Ed piece. I appreciate your thoughtful insights, questions and feedback. I’d like to comment briefly on many of the issues you have raised.

Iraq and the Global War on Terror:

It makes me sick to think of how many men and women in our Armed Forces have lost their lives or been injured in Iraq –- and how poorly President Bush has mismanaged this effort. Now that I serve in Congress, many people have asked my feelings about the war in Iraq and what I plan to do about it. I’ll tell you that I am opposed to President Bush’s proposed troop escalation. It’s clear that the President did not listen to the American people, who strongly expressed their opinion in the November election, or his own Joint Chiefs of Staff –- who unanimously oppose the escalation plan.

The troop increase could actually make the situation on the ground less stable. Not only that, but redeploying additional troops to Iraq will stretch an already fully deployed force even further. I am considering all possible options to pressure President Bush and hold him accountable for his mismanagement of the war in Iraq – while pushing for a new direction that transfers responsibility for security to the Iraqi government.

Sustainable Energy and Global Warming:

It’s been an exciting few days on the sustainable energy and global warming front. Many of you know that I was proud to cosponsor the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 in Congress, which is a first step in reducing our dependence on foreign sources of energy and investing in renewable energy technology here at home. I have also had some great discussions with local businesses and investors who are interested in fighting global warming and exploring new energy technologies. There were some very good ideas discussed about legislation to grow new energy technology businesses, some in our district, to help fight global warming and move our country away from its dependence on foreign oil. I will pursue these ideas vigorously. I am very excited about the opportunity you all gave me to help be a part of the solution. And, I will depend on your ideas and energy to keep the momentum moving.

I recently visited Tesla Motors, a manufacturer of high-performance electric vehicles, and had an impressive ride in their sports car. They have some good technology there, and it’s basically just good engineering. I know we can get where we need to be with regard to transportation. There are many different options out there. Among our options are bio-fuels and other new technologies that will be developed soon enough. Hydrogen is also a possibility, but much more work is necessary before it’s viable.

Health Care:

Health care was a pillar of my campaign because health care costs continue to skyrocket, putting affordable coverage out of reach for 47 million Americans, a number that continues to grow. In California, there are nearly 700,000 more Californians that don’t have healthcare today than in 2000. What the President proposed in his State of the Union address last week is not a solution. In fact, it would result in a tax on many Americans who currently do have health insurance. I will work and vote for a reasonable, affordable plan to provide health coverage to the tens of millions of Americans who do not have it.

Morgan Hill:

Are you kidding? I love Morgan Hill. It’s a great town with great people I consider true friends. I’ll be there in February to hold a series of meetings and hear what’s on people’s minds.

Thanks everyone.

Jerry

[michael kelly, rn,c tncc]

rep.mcnerney,
we met briefly at rep. lee's leadership breakfast last friday morning where you spoke well and gave us hope that all of california will lead the way out of these last 6-7 years of profligation and corruption.
I am also alumni of university of new mexico, class of '72. i am a registered nurse working in an emergency department here in an east bay hospital. i see the carnage and destruction resulting from a declining work force and increasing rates of poverty and poor health care programs for all americans. when people don't have a doctor to go to they opt for the nearest emergency department. where are the clinics to take care of urgent care medical needs such as coughs, colds and flu symptoms; they are being excluded in lieu of a multi-trillion dollar war for world domination of the oil/petro supply called iraq.

the afghanistan war is for those who didn't do there history lessons and have to learn the british failures of the opium wars. but enough, you have a full plate just keeping up with the progressive tide carrying the democrats to power. keep up the honest efforts,doctor to keep the people doing the math. i shall be forwarding your name to my professor from unm who is national president of juvenile diabetes foundation who are doing stem cell research and other types of course. again thank you for your attempts at honesty and open accessability, michael kelly,rn,c tncc slan.

Jerry,
I'm so glad that you won! I'd never given $ to a congressional candidate before, but donated to you to help get rid of Pombo, even though I don't live in your district. I'm also glad to read the news in your op-ed and hope you will have more to report soon.

Getting out of Iraq has to be the #1 thing to do. Campaign finance reform, including public financing of elections -- funded by a yearly fee on lobbyists and PACs -- might actually be the next priority. Without it, the same powerful and well-funded groups who "buy" our politicians (but not you of course!) today will continue to do so, making it unlikely that much if any progressive legislation will be passed.

Health care reform has to be a top priority, since it directly affects pretty much everyone. Producing more renewable energy is also critical. We need another "Manhattan Project"-type effort to develop other resources, especially solar. Why can't most new homes be built with solar panels on the roof to generate electricity?

I would also ask that you be a leader on environmental issues. There's global warming, of course, but there's so much more. Help reopen the EPA libraries. Stop Bush from destroying the Forest Service and the National Park Service. Stop all logging in what little old-growth forest we have left. I could go on at some length. I know we can't undo 6 years of Bush's locust-like environmental policies overnight, but we've got to start sometime -- and soon.

Thank you for your time and your service. Good luck!
M