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defense, but questions specific programs, including the Stealth bomber. The cost, he noted, has been estimated at somewhere between $.5 and $1.5 billion. “Some people question its effectiveness, and even whether it has a mission.”
Another priority, he said, is to really rid the country of drugs through a sustained effort, including the military. He suggested that the troops which President Bush wants to eliminate from Europe could be brought back to this country and used to more effectively patrol our borders. “Right now our borders are a screen door.”
In the bargain, he added, those soldiers and their families will bring extra money to the economies of the areas where they are stationed.
He acknowledged that the proposal is controversial. “It’s one you’ll probably disagree with strongly, or agree with strongly, but it is a plan.”
“I don’t know,” he added, “that the federal government can take the responsibility of teaching morality.. . they’ve failed miserably so far . . . but one thing that the government can do is to control controlled substances.”
Pointing to the recent action of the state’s General Assembly in rescinding a pay raise due to the budget deficit, Mr. Smith said, “that’s called leadership. Virginia is famous for it, starting with Jefferson . .. the people in Richmond said that we’re not going to take this raise because we have a shortfall. ”
Although Congressman Slaughter did not vote for the pay raise recently proposed by the U.S. Congress, Mr. Smith said, neither did he stand up and forcefully state his opposition, nor did he rally other members in opposition to the plan. “That’s called leadership, and I think that the people of the Seventh Dis
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