2007 Op-ed Archives
Local Youth Can Serve Community And Earn Congressional Praise
December 17, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- Anne Frank once wrote, “How wonderful it is that no one has to wait, but can start right now to gradually change the world!” Our world and our communities would benefit if more people took the sage advice of a young girl.
Food, Product Recalls Create Anxiety This Holiday Season
November 20, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- With the litany of recalled foods this year, preparations for Thanksgiving dinner may have created extra anxiety for some cooks. Unfortunately, the anxiety doesn’t end after the big meal. Many parents’ food safety anxiety turns to shopping apprehension as they wonder whether the toys on their child’s wish list are safe. The holidays should be a time to enjoy our families rather than worry about contaminated food and defective toys, but 2007 has been the year of product and food recalls.
Promises Made To Veterans Should Be Kept
November 1, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- No other Americans have stood stronger or more bravely for democracy than our troops and veterans. The debt owed to them is immeasurable, and that’s why we must celebrate, honor and remember them by ensuring those who serve receive all the benefits they have earned. Much more can be done to ensure America provides the most for the citizens who have given the most to this country.
October 16, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- Last year in Tennessee, 4,400 women experienced a life-changing moment when they were diagnosed with breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making this an appropriate time to consider the importance of breast cancer research, education and treatment for these women and their families.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Can Keep Families Whole
September 21, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- Suicide remains a tragic and preventable problem among our nation’s youth. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that youth suicide has increased dramatically for the first time in nearly a decade. By learning to recognize the signs of suicide, we can work to prevent these tragedies.
Unsafe Imports Raise Concerns That Must Be Addressed
September 18, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- A trip to the supermarket or toy store shouldn’t put someone at a grave health risk, but the number of warnings related to imported food and consumer products gives Americans cause for concern.
Lessons Learned From A National Tragedy
September 7, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- At the sixth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Congress has enacted a sweeping new security bill to protect America from future acts of terrorism. The bill, H.R. 1, finally enacts the recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission, which were submitted to Congress in July 2004.
New Law Will Foster American Innovation and Secure Our Economic Future
August 23, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- In the seeming chaos and partisan battles of the mad dash to get members of Congress back to their home districts for August work, a little recognized bipartisan bill accomplished a large feat for U.S. research, science and math education, America’s teachers and our country’s future workforce.
An Honest Day’s Work Deserves Fair Pay
July 19, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- On July 24, millions of Americans will get a pay raise when the federal minimum wage increases for the first time in ten years. In Tennessee, 151,000 workers will benefit directly from raising the federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour over the next two years.
We Owe Our Independence To Our Veterans
June 28, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- For many Americans, the Fourth of July is about traditions – grilling in the backyard with family, watching fireworks with friends or spending a day on the lake. While those traditions give us many fond memories over the years, we should remind ourselves that our nation’s struggle for independence is what the Fourth of July is really about.
Tuberculosis Incident Exploits Weak Border Security System
June 7, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- When tuberculosis patient Andrew Speaker crossed the U.S. border at Champlain, N.Y., he demonstrated one more reason why improved border security is critical.
Honor Those Who Have Served and Sacrificed
May 24, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- In 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. As we observe the Wall’s 25th anniversary this year, the memorial will again be surrounded by visitors who come to pay their respects to the men and women whose names are engraved onto its black granite face. The incredible healing power of the Vietnam Wall has helped to make it the most visited memorial in the nation’s capital, receiving more than 4 million visitors.
Rising Gas Prices Underscore Need For Energy Independence
May 17, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- With Memorial Day and the official summer driving season approaching, drivers are paying a heavy price for our nation’s dependence on foreign energy. On average, U.S. families are paying a record $3.10 for regular gasoline, which is 72 cents more than the price at the beginning of the year. In Tennessee, the average price per gallon is $2.84 – 111 percent higher than it was in 2001.
After 37 Years, The Spirit Of Earth Day Remains the Same
April 18, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- On April 22, 1970, the U.S. observed Earth Day for the first time. On that day, 20 million Americans participated in events around the country that focused largely on reducing pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency describes it as “a time when cities were buried under their own smog and polluted rivers caught fire.”
Inconsistent Disability Ratings Shortchange The War’s Wounded
April 16, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- Reports of second-rate treatment and facilities for wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center were shameful enough, but now the Pentagon has its hands full with reports about inconsistencies in the way the wounded are rated for their disability claims. The greatest injustice is that the ambiguous and arbitrary system leaves some of the wounded ineligible for assistance for injuries they suffered while serving overseas.
Improved Forecasting Methods Could Save Future Lives
April 5, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- On the afternoon of April 7, 2006, Gallatin was hit by Middle Tennessee’s deadliest single tornado since 1974. The twister with winds of more than 200 mph cut a devastating path through the county. When it ended, 700 properties were damaged or destroyed, more than 100 people were injured, and eight lost their lives.
America’s Veterans Deserve Quality Medical Care
March 9, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- Recent news stories have raised serious concerns about the quality of care received by wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Investigations show that wounded soldiers returning from overseas have been housed in appalling surroundings and become tangled in red tape when seeking the medical care due to them.
Shoring Up Dams Must Be First Priority For Corps
February 6, 2006, The recent decision to reduce water levels on Lake Cumberland while Wolf Creek Dam is repaired has left residents with many unanswered questions. They want to know the severity of the risk, the impact the repairs will have on them and what they should do if the dam were to fail. These questions need answers, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tells me they are working to inform residents.
Congress Promises Good Results For Middle Tennesseans
January 5, 2007, by Bart Gordon -- In recent years, debates in Washington seemed to produce more partisan bickering than good results. But Middle Tennesseans deserve better. You deserve greater integrity in government, and common-sense proposals that will improve your everyday life. As the new session of Congress convenes, I look forward to returning civility to the Capitol and working together to produce good results for Tennessee families.
