Grant J. Farr – 3/22/05

This page was last updated on March 23, 2005.

A matter of priorities; Grant J. Farr; Beaver County Times; March 22, 2005.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Many of us have been following the congressional hearings on steroids use in major league baseball.

“Congress pulled no punches and spared no expense in calling not only many big name baseball players, but families who have suffered losses due to illegal steroids use.”

[RWC] I felt this was an exercise in grandstanding.

“Congress, led by our own U.S. senator, Rick Santorum, was called into special session to overturn a Florida court ruling regarding Terri Schiavo. This is such an important issue that President Bush even flew in to sign the legislation when it passed.”

[RWC] In at least one anti-Bush letter in 2004, Mr. Farr claimed President Bush and Republicans didn’t back up their pro-life positions with actions. So did some of Mr. Farr’s fellow travelers.

Mr. Farr needs to get his facts correct. Congress did not vote to overturn a Florida court. Congress merely enacted a law enabling Ms. Schiavo’s parents to seek review by federal courts. As I’m writing this, two federal courts have already upheld the Florida ruling.

“I am not downplaying the pain and suffering of all the Schiavo family members. It is a terrible tragedy.

“But wouldn’t it be wonderful if Congress, once again led by Santorum along with U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart, R-4, Bradford Woods, would attack with the same vigor the many serious problems facing our country today, issues like affordable health care, affordable prescription medicines, a deficit that is spiraling out of control, gasoline prices at more than $2 a gallon) and approaching $3 a gallon in some parts of the country) and the bungled war effort in Iraq.

“Isn’t this what they are getting paid for?”

[RWC] I believe Congress should attack healthcare prices by getting government out of the business, but I doubt Mr. Farr would agree.

What does Mr. Farr want Congress to do about fuel prices? Supply and demand determines prices.

Regarding Iraq, how can anyone claim the effort was bungled? No operation like this comes off without a hitch, but recent Middle East events – can you spell “free elections?” – show the operation is succeeding.

Note that Mr. Farr didn’t mention Socialist Security even though Republicans in Congress are pursuing its rescue with “vigor.”