We are happy to work with all of our elected officials regardless of their political affiliations to help feed the 1 in 4 Southern Tier residents who rely on our services. —Food Bank of the Southern Tier
The Food Bank, acting in the narrow interest of their clients, gave Tom Reed a platform for his political views. They may have compromised their integrity leaving some supporters disgruntled, but Reed’s bill, H.R. 644, which they favored, passed the House.
The AARP turned out in numbers at Tom’s meeting in the Town of Elmira. They sat quietly demonstrating with their presence. Their spokesperson addressed Tom with respect. They were rewarded with a private meeting with Tom. I believe their method is to work with Tom to get what they can. Will they soon have something to show for their efforts and patience?
Those whom Tom identifies as political enemies get little or nothing.
What position, for example, should advocates for the disabled take?
- Counter Tom’s view that SSDI is marked by fraud and abuse.
- Dispute Tom’s view that SSDI is only for the catastrophically disabled.
- Refute Tom’s view that government spends too much on SSDI and other programs.
- Recognize what truth there is in Tom’s view of SSDI, attempting to limit the damage.
- Exploit this issue to oust Tom in 2016.
- Avoid the issue counting on a Presidential veto.
It may not be easy for those who see Tom as corrupt to take his views seriously, to not see him as a political enemy, to treat him with respect, but these might be necessary parts of a plan that could bear fruit.
© William Hungerford – February 2015
