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On McNerney's visit to Lodi High School


Thursday, December 6, 2007 6:46 AM PST

Comments (32 comment(s))

Dear Lodians, I am currently a student at Lodi High School and recently we had Rep. Jerry McNerney come to our school and talk about different issues concerning our nation today.

Although Rep. McNerney successfully dodged every issue and question brought up, he did state something which dismayed and appalled me. During the assembly, Rep. McNerney enthusiastically boasted that one of the biggest perks, as a representative, was being able to speed, run stop lights and never have to worry about being pulled over as long as he "waves to the police officer."

Now the last time I checked, I thought no one was above the law. Despite McNerney having immunity from traffic laws, since he is a representative, he is still a representative and should be a law-abiding example and role model for all the people he represents. McNerney, a very influential man, should not be running around boasting about breaking the law, especially in front of high school students who should be told to drive responsibly. We shouldn't be told by representatives how they can and do drive irresponsibly.

Also, it is ironic and hypocritical of McNerney to boast about breaking the law when, during the 2006 election, his major reason for winning the election was his attack on Richard Pombo and his accusations that he broke the law. Overall, McNerney's true colors of being an unlawful, hypocritical, bad role model came out at the assembly and made my peers and I realize, at a young age, the illegitimate, two-faced act that Washington puts on.

Jacob Baumbach
Lodi

Reader Feedback

To Mistaken Jacob 3 wrote on Dec 9, 2007 9:10 PM:

" That is the opposite of what they should be doing; they should be puzzled by his immaturity that is shown when he is unable to see the point McNerney has made. I pride myself as a republican, as does Jacob. Unfortunately, it appears that he is going to twist words as those he criticizes do. "

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To Mistaken Jacob 2 wrote on Dec 9, 2007 9:09 PM:

" When McNerney addressed those attending he was referring to the provision in the constitution (Article I, Section VI) that prohibits representatives and senators from being detained ONLY while en route to or from the congressional building to place a vote. He stated that he hasn't violated traffic laws and only joked about his ability to do so, which is necessary to ensure that he is allowed to place his vote. Some individuals are commending Jacob on his maturity in his editorial. continued... "

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To Mistaken Jacob wrote on Dec 9, 2007 9:08 PM:

" I am, like Jacob, a Republican senior student who attends Lodi High and witnessed Rep. McNerney's presentation. I am not only politically inclined but I also strongly disagree with our representative on mainly everything yet I am surprised at Jacob's reply... (continued at next comment) "

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Ajax wrote on Dec 8, 2007 8:55 AM:

" Young Jacob makes a bootstrap argument appear from nothing. The Congressman's comments on speeding were clearly a joke and that's completely obvious when you realize that the man walks to work from his capital hill apartment. Didn't he also say that, Jacob? Didn't kids laugh from his comment Jacob? Are you that much the prodigy of a bitter Republican that you must invent something (as trivial) to rally some attention and opposition to this good man? Shame! "

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The Phantom Republican wrote on Dec 8, 2007 1:34 AM:

" I'm nearly certain Rep. McNerney was being sarcastic, perhaps telling a joke or two to take himself down to the level of your average High Schooler. Obviously you weren't able to pick up on this, most likely because you're an uninformed student looking to blow the whistle on someone with authority to showcase your intelligence. What was your motivation to write this? Do you honestly believe members of congress are speeding recklessly down the streets of America without a care in the world? Or are you just trying to get attention at the expense of a Congressman? "

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Daniel wrote on Dec 7, 2007 7:43 AM:

" Leonard: I will sure be on the lookout for Andal's campaign statements. Thank you. "

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Leonard wrote on Dec 7, 2007 6:44 AM:

" Daniel: I would like to respond to your post on oil drilling but, for some reason, the censor is blocking all of my posts on the subject. If you would like to know the truth about ANWAR, contact me at lenny_pone@hotmail.com. "

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OTH wrote on Dec 6, 2007 8:16 PM:

" Daniel.....would McNerney be the first politician to create a company on paper? Be it for politics or profit? "

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Ernie wrote on Dec 6, 2007 5:47 PM:

" Great letter Jacob. "

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Mark wrote on Dec 6, 2007 3:39 PM:

" For all of you doubters out there I do not believe that there is any conspiracy behind Jacob’s observations. Jacob is a bright and articulate young man with a strong sense of right and wrong who is reacting to the remarks made by a politician. A young man, with a mind of his own who is willing to publicly express his beliefs…my faith in the next generation has been restored. I would wager that when Jacob holds elected office he will be more circumspect in his remarks. "

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Daniel wrote on Dec 6, 2007 2:26 PM:

" "I think Jacob...," and "Sounds like..." : I suspect the same, but I don't know Jacob Baumbach. Do you want to give the juveneil any benefit of the doubt? "

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OTH wrote on Dec 6, 2007 1:46 PM:

" IF he said these words I can't believe he was serious. Is it possible that someones looking to stir the pot? "

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I think Jacob is not telling the whole truth... wrote on Dec 6, 2007 1:21 PM:

" I can't imagine that McNerney would say those things to anyone let alone a bunch of high school students. I think Jacob is spewing mommy and/or daddy's words. I think if he actually said that to these kids it would be headline news. "

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Leonard wrote on Dec 6, 2007 1:20 PM:

" Danny: Andal has repeatedly voiced his support for free trade. "

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Daniel wrote on Dec 6, 2007 12:33 PM:

" Leonard: I am very much opposed to McNerney's policy of not drilling for domestic oil. I am of the opinion that it doesn't destroy wildlife habitat. America is willing to go to war, ostensibly to protect American interests in the Persian Gulf to purchase oil, whereas we already have enough here at home. "

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Daniel wrote on Dec 6, 2007 12:32 PM:

" Leonard: Commenters in the Stockton Record are telling me that McNerney's windmill company was entirely fictitious, existing only on paper for the purpose of McNerney's campaign image. "

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Daniel wrote on Dec 6, 2007 12:15 PM:

" Leonard: If McNerney does something right, I have to congratulate him. I do have to admit that was an important vote, but since he evades questions on the North American Union, and border security, I am skeptical. I'm hoping for another opportunity to talk to him. Regarding his opponent, I have given information to his opponent, Dean Andal, on the NAU and NAFTA, but I'm not sure what is his position on these most critical issues. In summary, I am skeptical or cautious about both candidates. "

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Mark wrote on Dec 6, 2007 11:16 AM:

" I distinctly remember when my idealism was tested by the reality of the actions of politicians with feet of clay. I was in college…Jacob is just learning at an earlier age. I am proud of you Jake! "

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Leonard wrote on Dec 6, 2007 11:15 AM:

" Daniel: I thought you were supporting McIrney now that he is voting against the free trade bills? "

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Daniel wrote on Dec 6, 2007 10:54 AM:

" McNerney received favorable newspaper coverage, in spite of is "successfully dodged every issue and question brought up." Any of the students that were well-informed were probably frustrated to get McNerney to respond, whereas the newspaper portrays an image of happy students. Since McNerney controls the microphone, he can dodge intelligent questions. "

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Daniel wrote on Dec 6, 2007 10:52 AM:

" McNerney's true masterful public speaking style: "successfully dodged every issue and question brought up." I saw that in Woodbridge. "

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Daniel wrote on Dec 6, 2007 10:51 AM:

" Pretty smart to be able to recall McNerney's campaign platform. McNerney didn't even bother to confirm his allegations. He just created an element of doubt for his opponent, enough to appeal to the Bay Area voters. "

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Midtowner wrote on Dec 6, 2007 10:11 AM:

" T&C: you are a bitter sad little man. This generation knows ample volumes more that yours. Go crawl back into your hole. "

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Josh wrote on Dec 6, 2007 9:53 AM:

" It is true that the Lodi Police Dept plays favorites, if you have a name in town and a little clout they will role over and play dead for you just like a trained puppy "

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Sounds like someone's mommy and daddy... wrote on Dec 6, 2007 9:50 AM:

" has been coaching them. I can't believe that this stuff was said. "

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T & C wrote on Dec 6, 2007 9:02 AM:

" You got your bitter attitude from your parents, didn't you? Your own city officials are treated the same way. Why would that make any high-profile person exempt from the law? You're too young yet to know how all of your so called politicians work. And your generation is stuck with it. "

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Frank C. wrote on Dec 6, 2007 9:01 AM:

" Does Jacob Baumbach even consider Rep. McNerney might have been joking! Rep. McNerney is an honorable man. Do not smear his reputation just because you do not agree with his political views. Frank C. "

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Robert Mulhullon wrote on Dec 6, 2007 8:58 AM:

" The more you learn about Jerry McNebbish, the less there is to like. "

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Midtowner wrote on Dec 6, 2007 8:38 AM:

" Jacob: you are wise beyond your years. It is refreshing to see a youth think for himself and not buy the liberal rhetoric LHS staff and McNerney attempts to sell. "

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joshua tree wrote on Dec 6, 2007 8:35 AM:

" dude, jacob is more grown up then our president. let us hope more kids turn out like him and enter into politics. good job jake! "

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Marigold wrote on Dec 6, 2007 7:12 AM:

" I take it young Jake hasn't taken civics yet? If he had, he would know that Congressmen are, in fact, immune from traffic laws when they are trying to get to a vote. I don't know whether McNerney should be bragging about his use of that immunity but to characterize a practice that is enshrined in the Constitution (Article I, section 6) as illegal is, at the very least, a misrepresentation of the facts. Perhaps the News Sentinel should print a clarification? "

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To Jacob wrote on Dec 6, 2007 6:58 AM:

" You are to be commended for speaking up. It's a crying shame that someone in a high position thinks he is above the law. "

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