POLICY UPDATES | November 11, 2009
Full Speed Ahead!
Julie kicked off the week at the Hadassah-sponsored congressional candidates debate at Am Shalom synagogue in Glencoe.
Connecting with the crowd of more than 150 men and women, Julie shared her family’s story of escape from Communist Hungary during the 1956 revolution.
Julie also revealed to attendees that, as the daughter of Holocaust survivors, Israel is more than simply a political platform or policy position. She has a deep, personal connection with the United States’ only Democratic ally in the Middle East.
“I am proud to be running for Congress in a district which values Israel and expects its Congresswoman to be a passionate advocate for Israel,” she said. “That’s what I will be.”
Like many of the 10th District's residents, health care was also on the minds of attendees. As the Republican candidates made clear their opposition to health care reform, Julie stood up for Americans in need of quality, affordable health care. Voicing her strong support for the Affordable Health Care Act and the public health insurance option Julie stated:
“We have the opportunity to provide access to quality health care for all Americans. This is a key moment in time.”
She also made clear that while the Affordable Health Care Act passing the House last weekend was a significant achievement, she is adamantly opposed to the Stupak amendment. The last minute addition to the bill would limit women’s reproductive rights more than any legislation in recent history.
Many new supporters took the opportunity to meet with Julie after the debate to offer their congratulations, take yard signs and find out more about how they can get involved.
Julie joined the Waukegan community Wednesday in honor of Veteran’s Day by marching in their annual parade. She and her team were joined by a dozen volunteers who waved flags, hoisted signs and passed literature, while Julie introduced herself to the crowd lining the route.
Among the parade-goers were Veterans of every conflict since World War II. Proudly wearing their stripes, medals and precisely tipped hats, they waved to Julie and greeted her warmly, asking her to help protect the values they fought so valiantly for, keep our country safe from our enemies, and remember the men and women who served bravely and selflessly overseas.
Currently, tens of thousands are serving overseas in two separate wars—a fact that was not lost on today’s crowd. As the chaplain led the crowd in a prayer, he asked for a show of hands from the attendees who have family members serving overseas right now. Dozens raised their hands before receiving applause, handshakes, hugs and ‘thank you’s.’
Family is more than blood, the chaplain said. In times of war, the community becomes family, and that’s what we need to be for each other until our troops come home.
After the prayer, hats were removed for the Waukegan High School marching band’s rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner,” followed by a 21-gun salute, and a special moment of silence for the victims of the attack on Fort Hood last week
