7th District Tennessee Introducing Dan Cramer, running against Marsha Blackburn for Congess Was there a moment or big factor that led you to make the decision to run for Congress? DAN CRAMER: In the last few years of my Army career the Republican’s obstructing behavior in congress began to make me very angry. Finally, the combination of the sequester impasse, the government shutdown, and the credit rating downgrade from the debt ceiling fight showed me that there are members of congress that were not fulfilling their oaths of office. This need for change was the key factor in my decision to run for Congress once I had retired from the Army. Like Credo Amouzouvik (also running in TN-07), youre an Iraq War veteran and you also have a history in the U.S. Army. Any difference this experience has made in your life in general that you think would apply if you became Congressman? DAN CRAMER: Anyone who serves in the military is exposed to the values of selfless service and duty in very direct and transforming ways. This commitment to service demonstrated by my successful military career is exactly one of the traits that should be looked for in those chosen to represent others in government service. While veterans certainly do not hold a monopoly on these values, electing a veteran places someone with a proven commitment to service into these positions that have such a great responsibility. What are some of the most important issues facing Tennessees 7th Congressional District from your perspective and from what residents have mentioned to you? DAN CRAMER: The most important issue for Tennessee’s 7th District is creating jobs that provide enough income to allow people to provide a stable lifestyle and opportunities for themselves and their children. Every Tennessean should be able to provide food, shelter, and health care for their family and themselves by working a full 40 hour week and without the aid government programs. This increase in our economic output can easily be started by raising the minimum wage to that minimum level. In making a distinction between yourself and Rep. Marsha Blackburn, what would you say are the biggest differences? For starters, we note Blackburn did not serve in the Iraq War nor has she ever been in the U.S. Army. DAN CRAMER: The biggest difference between me and Congresswoman Blackburn is that I understand that the job of governing requires someone that can work with people who may not agree with me all of the time. The genius of the United States Constitution is that is establishes a system where groups with opposing opinions can come together and govern the country effectively. Congresswoman Blackburn believes that the job of governing is secondary to supporting a narrow political agenda and has shown her willingness to prevent the government from functioning in order to advance that agenda. And to make natters worse, the agenda Congresswoman Blackburn is committed to has nothing to do with what is beneficial for the people of Tennessee’s 7th district. If you become elected to represent TN-07, what would be issues near and dear to you that you would be fighting for? Do you see yourself serving the U.S. first or party first? DAN CRAMER: The first issue that I would concentrate on is a living wage. If everyone in the country who wanted to work was working full time and was paid enough to be off of government assistance (the only reasonable definition of “minimum” wage) then many other problems start fixing themselves. • The deficit: more income, more tax revenues. • Welfare: workers paid enough to be off welfare, get off welfare. • Unemployment Insurance: it will no longer be a loss of income to get off unemployment and start an entry level job. • Health Care Subsidies, Food Stamps, WIC, School Lunches… All of these necessary programs for people with low income can realize savings if less people have inadequate income. I see myself serving the District first. The oath of office lays it out pretty clearly, “I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States….” But while executing that oath the needs of the district have to be addressed and considered. The needs of the party and certainly any other third party groups are completely subservient to that. The political theater of members of congress signing pledges or oaths about specific issues are, in my opinion, a direct challenge to the oath of office they are bound by. I will participate in no such distractions. For more of this interview, visit dailykos/story/2014/02/12/1276905/-TN-07-Interview-with-Dan-Cramer-Democratic-Challenger-to-Rep-Marsha-Blackburn Dan Cramer for Congress: dancramerforcongress/
Posted on: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:15:26 +0000
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