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Sunday, August 04, 2002
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A Word from Joe:
VIEW OUR LATEST PRESS RELEASE: TURNHAM PROPOSES CREATION OF PERMANENT WASHINGTON CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP FOR AIDB STUDENTS
Auburn, AL -Democratic Congressional Nominee Joe Turnham announced today that he is proposing the creation of a fully-funded, permanent Washington internship program for the students from the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB). The internship would rotate among students from the School for the Blind and School for the Deaf.
"AIDB and its students are one of the Alabama's greatest resources. They are located in the heart of the third district in Talladega and touch counties and families throughout our state. This internship program when enacted will be fully integrated with AIDB staff, students, parents, and our Washington, D.C. office. This internship program will give students a chance to learn unique life skills and experience government at the highest level in our nation's capitol. Equally as important, this intership program will teach me and our congressional staff first-hand how to better serve those citizens and their families with visual and hearing challenges in the district." Turnham declared.
The internship program will be funded out of the congressional financial allotment to the office and will be structured with oversight from AIDB administration. Both congressional staff within the district and in Washington will be given orientation as to how to best work with students in the program. Turnham also pledges to hire a Washington staff person fluent in sign language skills. "Part of my job as a Congressman will be to provide opportunities to citizens that allow every willing person to realize his or her own God-given potential and contribute to society in the most meaningful way possible. I am excited about the program and can't wait to move forward with it once elected." Turnham concluded.
PUTTING PEOPLE OVER PARTY
As the political season heats up, politicians try to position themselves as the heroes or heroins of the day. I am a proud democrat, the son and grandson of proud democrats. My dad and relatives tilled the soil, fought in wars, built businesses, served in public office, ministered in their local churches as Alabama democrats. I have a rich background of which to be proud.
My republican opponent and his "spin doctors" would love to label me and any who would like to have a real debate on the issues as "out of touch" and that they alone are the righteous ones. Isn't it time we told these partisan witch doctors and spin doctors to go home to their corporate special interest time-share vacation homes? Sure I am a democrat, I was the chairman of the state party. I made friends and enemies in the process! I speak my own mind even today, antagonizing friend and foe alike. I even criticized my own democratic president and governor when they were wrong and embraced them when they were right.
"We dare defend our rights" is a motto many Alabamians have declared. Putting America First means putting what is right ahead of your own party. As a pro-life, pro-flag, pro-2nd Amendment, pro-prayer, pro-civil rights, pro-pledge, pro-working people democrat. I will be true to my own heart and convictions in this race and as a member of Congress. I will speak my mind clearly, even if others in my own party question my positions.
An old friend of mine bumped into me at Kroger recently and told me that he was behind me all the way. He put his hand on my shoulder and said "Joe, just follow your heart, and don't let the glitter get in your eyes. Don't forget those of us that believe in you and that you will put people first." I thanked him, sighed deeply and checked out of the store. As I walked to my car, I said a prayer that God would guard any emotion that was not in the best interest of Him and the good people like my friend. I am ready to serve and the people, not the party are most important. When candidates tell you that, listen closely. I am a democrat and I want your vote, but most especially, I want your respect as I pledge to put people over party. Joe
