Chip-Shot (Daily Record Letter)

Written by: Tom Wyka on Jan 3, 2006 12:30 AM EST

(... and chalk one up for Chip. In case you missed it.. )

Daily Record 1/1/06

Is he really a moderate at all?

To the Editor:

For many years, Rep. Rodney P. Frelinghuysen, R-Harding, has been known as one of the leading moderates in the House. I'm beginning to wonder whether he really is that moderate at all.

Several recent votes indicate that when push comes to shove, he will side with President Bush and the Republican leadership rather than the more moderate House members.

First, rather than standing strong against the use of torture, Frelinghuysen voted against the McCain legislation that would have barred cruel and inhumane treatment of prisoners. The United States should be standing strong against torture, not allowing for its use.

Secondly, Frelinghuysen voted to make the Patriot Act permanent. The Patriot Act has many dangerous provisions that violate our most basic civil liberties. The Patriot Act has provisions that allow spying on people's library records and e-mails, and allow for spying upon domestic political opposition groups.

Third, Frelinghuysen voted for the Republican budget bill, which makes massive cuts in food stamps and home heating for the poor, and also makes massive cuts in college loans.

Finally, and perhaps most distressing, Frelinghuysen went back on his own word and voted to allow for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge when it was attached to another bill.

chip robinson

Convent Stateion

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Location: Morristown, NJ 07960