Larson discusses war, oil and health care

WINSTED — Students and faculty at Northwestern Connecticut Community College (NCCC) received a civics lesson on Tuesday in a 90-minute speech from Congressman John Larson (D-1).

Scheduled to discuss current issues in the upcoming legislative session, Larson spent much of his time discussing the Iraq war. He also talked with attendees about the government’s need to formulate a plan to eliminate the country’s dependency on oil, provide health care for all citizens and create jobs to boost the economy.

Larson represents Connecticut’s First Congressional District, which includes Winchester, Colebrook, Barkhamsted and Torrington, as well as several other towns in the Hartford, Bristol and Wethersfield areas. It is no secret that he has opposed the war in Iraq from day one; however, he says he is a great advocate and supporter of the troops who have and are currently serving, as well as their families. Larson has visited Iraq three times in his 10 years in Congress.

"Our troops, we cannot say enough about our men and women," said Larson. "Our greatest failure would be to deny the reality our troops have faced so greatly."

Because of the war, as well as the state of the economy, Larson said he has become a strong advocate for energy independence and the need to find alternative sources of energy from oil, petroleum and gas.

"If we can put a man on the moon in 10 years, why can’t we be energy independent in that same amount of time?" Larson asked.

Larson said that the state needs to use its own resources to thrive. By creating and making more hydrogen fuel cells in Connecticut, more jobs will be created. With more jobs, the economy will benefit and in turn the schools and community services will benefit as well.

Larson also said that community colleges, the forum he happened to be speaking in, were the key to a better economy.

"Community colleges [need] to be open to people who are currently working and need to be re-trained," said Larson. "It’s going to require investment on our part. When we invest in our own people, we create wealth."

As for wealth, Larson also spoke about the need for tax reform as a way to help the middle/working class, rather than hurting those who support the economy. He also talked about the poor state of the health-care system in this country and his goal to get health care for, in the least, all children.

To fix many of these issues, Larson said he is endorsing Barack Obama for president.

"You can’t help but be impressed by the candidacy of Barack Obama," said Larson. "I think Obama has a great ability to unite the country."

For more information about Larson and his initiatives or information on how to contact the congressman, visit house.gov/larson.