Ocean City Patch Letter To The Editor: Frank LoBiondo's Leadership Is Damaging To America

To the Editor:

The story of Paul Revere and his midnight ride to warn the Americans of the approaching British invaders has always inspired me.

With my research and experiences running for Congress in the Second Congressional District, it is clear that Frank LoBiondo is a danger to the citizens of this District as well as the entire nation in his pursuit of a 13th term. Thus, my conscience dictates that my reasons be clearly defined.

Major issues affecting citizens of the Second District putting families under stress with little relief from State or Federal government include:

1. Home foreclosures- Atlantic County leads the nation with one foreclosure out of every 32 homes. National average 1:1540. State of NJ 1:610.
2. Unemployment- National unemployment rate is 5%. Of the 8 counties in the Second District, 7 are above the National rate and only Burlington is at the same percentage of 5%. Cumberland is highest at 7.9% with Atlantic 2nd at 7.1%.
3. Drug fatalities are a major problem especially with young adults. It is time to approach this as a medical problem and not a criminal one.
4. 22 veterans commit suicide every day in America. Many at risk veterans, especially those with PTSD are from NJ. Before Congress rubber stamps another attempt to wage war or “regime change” this suicide issue must be resolved. Addressing the high cancer rates of Vietnam Vets exposed to Agent Orange from US government using Depleted Uranium for “bunker busting” bombs is urgent. Congressman LoBiondo voted to support the Iraq War, as well as a bill to authorize ground troops in both Syria and Iraq. Clearly he will add to the growing number of Veteran suicides as well as health problems if allowed a 13th term.

In issues of National importance Mr. LoBiondo’s leadership is very damaging to our country. With seniority derived by his 12 terms in Congress, he is Chairman of both the CIA subcommittee and Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee. In the former he has oversight responsibilities on Killer Drones and in the later responsibility for acquisition of weapons including those for the Air Force.

Mr. LoBiondo in the last election cycle received $78,000 from Weapons Industry lobbyists. Is this not a conflict of interest? Would it not be better to have experienced, well respected military people making these decisions rather than politicians deciding on the basis of lobbyist “donations?” These special interests campaign donations also may explain his votes against gun control legislation and the 93% NRA approval rating.

The most important issue being ignored by Mr. LoBiondo is Climate Change, which the Department of Defense called a “significant risk to US National Security and International Security that requires more attention from the US federal government” in a 2015 report. His “yes” votes for the XL Pipeline as well as his misguided support for wars and interventions clearly show his lack of understanding what real Homeland Security is.

We need leadership that will end dependence on fossil fuel; retrain workers in renewable energy jobs; strengthen our country by transferring money spent on endless wars to education, healthcare, affordable housing, ensuring clean air and water, and controlling the out of control military-industrial complex.

Mr. LoBiondo represents all that is wrong with our political system and the ungodly influence of money in politics.

I believe we can and must do better!

Steven Fenichel, “Representing the 99%”
Independent Candidate for Congress, Second Congressional District

Patch file photo