Folder 19: Jim's Journals 2006-2008

June 23, 2006: Congressman Walsh decides, considering the growing interest in "Blogs" on the internet, that making his own blog would be a good way to communicate with the public.

Entry 2: He states in this journal entry that he supports stem cell research but with using other types of stem cells, not embryos.

Entry 3: In this journal entry he explains that his "summer days are full of eclectic activities,"  including such things as visiting plants, work places, meetings with constituents, and talking with farmers and union leaders.

Entry 4: In this journal entry he describes his thoughts on environmental issues.  Considering he is an "avid outdoorsman" he looks to do what he can to help clean up and protect the Finger Lakes Watershed.  He writes most specifically the Onondaga Lake Cleanup.  He also notes that he is a member of the Agriculture  Committee.

Entry 5: In this journal entry he explains his thoughts on the "New Democratic Majority."  He first quotes the famous The Who song, "Won't Get Fooled Again":

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution.
Take a bow for the new revolution.
Smile and grin at the change all around.
Pick up my guitar and play.
Just like yesterday.
Then I'll get on my knees and pray.
We Don't get fooled again.

This statement is about how the Republican majority is accused of "steamrolling" the rights of Democrats when the Republicans are in charge of Congress.  He uses The Who lyrics to explain his point concerning the difference between Democratic and Republican tactics, recalling Pete Townsend's skepticism about the difference between Whigs and Tories.

Entry 6: Working Hard To Rebuild Syracuse.  This entry focus on his knowledge and contributions in rebuilding the historical parts of Syracuse, especially Hanover Square, which was one of Syracuse's oldest business districts.

Entry 7: Region's Green Know-How Benefits Environment and Economy.  In This entry he talks about his strong advocacy of environmental stewardship.  He states his Contribution  to the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry for its research.  

Entry 8: Sunday, May 6, 2007: Make The Tax Cuts Permanent.  In this entry Congressman Walsh states his views on the statistics from the previous Tax season.  He is "Committed to making tax relief permanent and balancing the budget."

Entry 9: An Open Letter to Central New York.   This entry is Congressman Walsh's explanation to his readers in Central New York of President Bush's Veto of the Emergency War Supplemental spending Bill.  He explained why President Bush  vetoed it and also explains his viewpoint on additional deployment of troops to Iraq.

Entry 10: Immigration Bill Fails.  In this entry Congressman Walsh states that the Immigration Bill fell 14 votes short of the 60 votes needed for it to pass.  He strongly opposed the senate's decision not to pass the bill because he believes in true immigration reform.  He believes that we must address the issues with our borders, wants us to establish new rules for immigrants in order for them to enter the U.S. (for example immigrants must learn english.)  He is also concerned with illegal immigrants accessing taxpayer-funded services like healthcare.

Entry 11: We Can Not Let This Opportunity Pass Us By.  In this entry Congressman Walsh recaps reports made by Onondaga Citizens League on how they believe that the Community of Syracuse has make a huge turn for the better.   

Entry 12: The Power of The Purse and The Benefits from Earmarks.  This entry discusses issues surrounding earmarks. "Earmarks are often given negative characteristics." Congressman Walsh states that he disagrees with this statement.   In this entry Congressman Walsh transcribes what was said in Congress that day between himself and Madam Chairman.

Entry 13: Walsh Fights to Restore Proposed Cuts to Medicare.  In this entry Congressman Walsh speaks about the bill that the House of Representatives passed in late July reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program.  He helped create this program in 1997 and supported its reauthorization. 

Entry 14: Journal of Rep. James T. Walsh Congressional Delegation Visit to Iraq 9/6-07 to 9/10/07.  In this entry Congressman Walsh talks about his visit to Iraq. 

Entry 15: Holiday Wishes for Our Veterans.  December 19, 2007.  Congressman Walsh sends his holiday wishes to Syracuse VA, showing his respect and graditute to those who fought for our country.

Entry 16: Drivers Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Circumvents Rule of Law.  In this entry Congressman Walsh discusses the issue of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles issuing driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.  He states, "Some 85% of those polled are opposed to this plan."  He is a part of the 85%.

Entry 17: Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Open Season Over Soon. December 17, 2007.  In this entry Congressman Walsh discusses the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.  He is very concerned about this plan because of the high prices for prescription drugs, especially for seniors.  

Entry 18: An Open Letter To the People of New York's 25th Congressional District.  January 24, 2008.  In this entry Congressman Walsh describes his 30 years as a politican to the people of Syracuse and Central New York. 

Entry 19: Why I Voted "No" on Both Parties' Budget Resolutions.  In this entry Congressman Walsh explains his two reasons for voting "NO" for both of the parties' budget resolutions for the Federal Fiscal Year 2009. 

Entry 20: Statement on General Petraeus's and Ambassador Crocker's Iraq War Report to Congress.  In this entry  Congressman Walsh discusses what General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker's spoke about in Congress concerning military, political, and diplomatic assessment of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Entry 21: Reflections on Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's Visit.  In this entry Congressman Walsh discusses Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's address to Congress on April 30, 2008.

Entry 22: We Need to Increase Domestic Energy Production to Provide Relief at the Gas Pump.  In this entry Congressman Walsh speaks about how Americans can do their part to help bring down gas prices by increasing domestic energy production.

Entry 23: Congress Must Act: Embrace Offshore Drilling, Other Measures now for Energy Security.  In this entry Congressman Walsh discusses how "Americans need a long-term solution, and not a short-term fix, to solve its energy woes, a long-term solution that requires decisions on hydrogen, wind, solar, biofuels, nuclear, electric hybrid, and next generation coal."

Entry 24: Tax Breaks, Incentives are Key to Good Coverage.