Weston Forum Endorses Jim Himes, Barack Obama

Weston Forum, Thursday, October 30, 2008

U.S. representative

By far the toughest choice facing Westonites is that of the U.S. representative for the 4th Congressional District.

Two highly qualified candidates are vying for the seat. (There are also two minor party candidates, Richard Duffee of the Green Party and Libertarian M.A. Carrano, but Mr. Duffee's primary concern is impeaching George Bush and Dick Cheney, and Mr. Carrano's is spreading the word about attempts to merge the United States, Canada, and Mexico into a single North American Union - not top priorities of those in the 4th District.) Under such circumstances, it's often best to go with the incumbent. Not so in this case: Democratic challenger Jim Himes has the slight edge over Republican Christopher Shays.

There are several good reasons to consider Mr. Shays. He often votes based on principle rather than politics. He has more than two decades of experience in Congress. He has been on the right side of some important issues, such as animal rights, environmental considerations, campaign finance reform, and a woman's right to choose.

But there is a flip side to these "positives." Mr. Shays' independence has earned him few friends in his own party, which has often shut him out, and with Democrats in the majority, even Mr. Shays admits that party often shuts him out, too. So, although he has experience, he does not have the clout or influence in Congress one would expect from such a tenured legislator.

The war in Iraq is a prime example. Mr. Shays has traveled to Iraq 21 times, but his recommendations have fallen mostly on deaf ears. This is also one issue - and it's a huge one - that Mr. Shays has not been on the right side of; he has been a supporter of the war from its inception. The country is in such dire straits it needs elected officials who are willing to stand up and say, "Enough." And those voices need to be heard.

Mr. Himes has said he would push to begin withdrawing troops from Iraq immediately. His voice will be a new one, yes, but if he successfully ousts the only Republican congressman in New England, it will certainly be heard loud and clear right from the start.

Mr. Himes brings a unique and impressive skill set to the table. He is well educated, he has business and international banking experience, and he is an executive at a nonprofit organization serving the needs of the poor, including "green" affordable housing. He has served on Greenwich's Housing Authority, Board of Finance, and Democratic Town Committee.

Mr. Himes offers more than ideals. He has concrete plans for tax relief for working families, health care reform, and reversing the country's economic crisis. He will best represent the 4th District.

The choice for President may be historic and hugely important, but it is not a difficult one. Democrat Barack Obama is hands down the leader our country needs.

Republican contender John McCain is an honorable man who has served his country admirably for years. He championed campaign finance reform and has often voted his conscience.

But Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama have two very different world views, and those are what define them, and what will ultimately define our country.

Mr. Obama is inspirational, hopeful, deliberate, intelligent, inclusive, and pragmatic. Other than "intelligent," none of those words fit Mr. McCain - and these are the qualities we not only should want but we need America's leader to have. If we are to get back on our collective feet and move in a positve and productive direction, Americans must believe their President can lift them up and take them there. If we are to be taken seriously on the world stage, America must not be feared as a potentially impulsive bully; we must be respected for our forethought and our ability and willingness to consider the diplomatic approach first. It is Mr. Obama who can fill that tall order.

Mr. McCain's plan to take away employer-based health care and instead offer a $5,000 tax credit for purchasing health insurance would be disastrous. His steadfast support of an unpopular, unnecessary, and costly war is dangerous - as is his willingness to joke about bombing Iran. His focus on drilling for more oil and using nuclear power and coal when tackling the world's energy crisis is short-sighted, backward-looking, and potentially environmentally hazardous. His budget proposals, which include freezing or cutting all spending, are frightening.

Mr. Obama has proven already he can and will make good decisions - and Mr. McCain has left many scratching their heads. In choosing their running mates, Mr. Obama picked someone with strength in the area where he was perceived to be weak, someone who undoubtedly could step up if necessary; Mr. McCain went for the theatrical surprise, offending many and puzzling most.

Mr. Obama has shown a desire to surround himself with many divergent thinkers, people well-versed in many areas of expertise, who will challenge him, not just agree with him - and those people (think Colin Powell, Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, and Warren Buffet, to name just a few) are lining up behind Mr. Obama regardless of party. With the political stakes as high as they can possibly be, that speaks volumes.

Our next President must move us forward. Barack Obama will do that.

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