Volume 83, Number 20
Waiting for Spring Break Since 1920
March 4, 2004
5tk District Candidates Forum Brings Lively Debate to Longwood Shawn Garrett News liditor
The candidates for Virginia's 5th congressional district squared off Tuesday morning in a forum at I-ongwood University. Incumbent Congressman Virgil Goode (R) and democratic challenger Al Weed both participated in the forum, the first of its kind to be held on I-ongwood's campus in memory. The forum, held in Wygal auditorium, was co-sponsored by Longwood's new Civic leadership Institute, the History, Political Science and Philosophy Department and the Political Science Club. The candidates were given twenty minutes each to give opening statements regarding their platforms and then the forum was opened to questions from the audience. The questions were directed to both candidates who were each given a chance to
answer and then two minutes to rebut. At the end, each candidate was given five minutes for a closing statement. Topics ranged from the Patriot Act to Medicare, Social Security and the No Child Left Behind Act. The theme of the morning, however, centered on jobs, and the best way to shepherd Virginia's 5th district through the economic lean times. "I am one of those who believes the U.S. House of Representatives should focus on their districts first and then the country," said Goode, whose opening list-like remarks centered on his vision and contribution for a safer, more economically sound America. Weed's statements took on the polished, stump-speech style of a presidential candidate,
rather than a local congressman. "1 call my vision for this district and America a new foundation,'" said Weed. "I see a future where politicians seek elections by bringing people together to build communities, not by finding ways to divide us. I see a future where our public policy is focused on providing the opportunity dreamed of by all Americans." Weed also used the opportunity to direcdy attack his opponent, saying the Republican party is "naturally suited to the role of the
Busk Marriage Stance Stirs Campus Debate Shawn Garrett News Editor
On Tuesday, February 23rd, President Bush announced his intention to back a constitutional amendment banning samesex marriage, solidifying his position and raising the stakes in a debate that has galvanized both conservatives and liberals across the country and here at Longwood. Following a Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling last November that such a ban would be unconstitutional, the Court further underscored its position on February 4th stating that only full marriage rights for gay couples, not civil unions, would conform to the state's constitution. The ruling has set plans in motion for Massachusetts to possibly become the first state in the Union to legally recognize gay marriages. Bush has called the Massachusetts ruling "deeply
troubling." "This isn't a new road," said Longwood's Unity Alliance copresident Walter Gray. "As with dvil rights for African Americans and prohibition, we are deluding ourselves into thinking the inevitable won't come to pass." The parallels between racial equality and gay rights are undeniable. "Sexual orientation, like race, is beyond a person's control," commented freshman Melania Evans. "It's another form of legalized discrimination." Malcolm Patterson, member of the national student Christian organization Chi Alpha, sharply disagrees with Evans. "Sexual orientation is a preference, and therefore doesn't warrant special protection under the law, " Patterson says. "If I chose to go out in pubic nude every day, would anyone argue it's my right to do so without legal consequences? Of course not." The city of San Francisco, in open defiance of California law.
has preempted Massachusetts in recent weeks by becoming the first city to make marriage licenses officially available to same-sex couples. Not everyone on campus sees the debate so clearly. As controversial a topic as gay marriage has become, many in the Longwood community are apprehensive to express a definite opinion either way. "If someone's a good person, then they're a good person," said psychology professor Dr. David Stein, "and it isn't any of my business what they do in their own bedroom." Virginia is already one of 38 states that currendy bans state recognition of same-sex marriages. The recent debate, however, has spurred a slew of quick legislation, such as the Virginia House of Delegates decision to give preliminary approval to legislation that would ban the recognition of civil unions and same-sex partnerships performed in other states.
opposition" and comparing a Republican sent to Washington with a vegetarian sent to the butcher: "He is uncomfortable being there, he doesn't like talking to the people working there, and we're lucky if he brings back a little bit of bacon from time to time." Goode defended his position on the Medicare Reform Bill and the Prescription Drug Bill, saying, "I have a vision of a 5th district where quality there is, affordable healthcare available to
overcome in life, from being on welfare with a single mother to having the opportunity to attend Yale and then enlist in the Army. Weed also explained his success in the Virginia winemaking industry, helping to shepherd his one winery in Southside Virginia to 90 across the state. On the subject of jobs. Weed conveyed his understanding of the plight of the workingman: "A fifty-year-old man whose life has spent on an assembly line is a poor candidate for retraining as "a computer programmer," said Weed, adding "A dollar spent on tax cuts generates only . thirty •^J cents of GNP growth, while a dollar spent creatj( ing jobs generates ▥ 1.60 of such growth." Weed also touched on healthcare, using the example of local Pillowtex employees who were laid off and lost' you [citizens of the 5th district]." their healthcare when the compa"Congress has passed the ny filed for bankruptcy in 2003. Medicare Bill," said Goode. "They join the 43 million other "That measure increases the Americans who do not have returns of hospitals, including health insurance. In Europe, it's* Southside Community Hospital, entirely different. In Europe, and the other hospitals around everyone is covered. And strange the 5th district which supported as it may seem European healththat legislation." care costs are one quarter to one "Medicare was established as a half what they are in America," safety net for the elderly and the said Weed disabled. It was never intended to On the subject of higher edube a single-payer, government- cation in the state, both men run healthcare system," said agreed on the need for a new Goode. research institute in Southside On the subject of taxes, Virginia. Both candidates menGoode pointed to his record on tioned a 50 million dollar sum put Marriage Tax incentives and together by Martinsville investors Child Tax credits as well as a raise for the construction of a new uniin the maximum amounts versity there. allowed to be put into retirement Virginia's 5th district includes a plans and individual IRAs. fourth of the state, stretching "I supported the legislation from Danville and the North that allows for the deduction of Carolina border to the south to the interest from student loans," beyond Charlottesville in the said Goode. The measure allows north, and from Franklin County for the deduction of the interest in the west to Brunswick County regardless whether the student in the east. It encompasses seven itemizes or takes the standard medium-sized municipalities deduction. including Martinsville, Weed, without a congressional Collinsville, Dansville, Bedford, record to stand on, used his time Timberlake, Charlottesville and to relate the hardships he has Farmville.