Frank draws crowds, speaks out against Iraq war

Frank’s presentation, “Current Issues and the National Landscape,” was sponsored by the Sherborn Town Democratic Committee.

The audience had eagerly awaited his arrival from Washington, D.C.; Frank had a long day of meetings with the Financial Services Committee, of which he is chairman. The committee oversees all components of the nation’s housing and financial services sectors, including banking, insurance, real estate, public and assisted housing, and securities.

He reminded the audience of his vote against the war and described it as the single worse decision of an administration only preceded by the miscalculation of President James Buchanan’s on the Civil War. Frank touched on the recent full-page ad published by the liberal group MoveOn.org on Sept. 10, the day General Petraeus appeared before Congress to testify about the war in Iraq, with the headline “General Petraeus or General Betray Us?” Frank acknowledged he has benefited greatly from the organization, but said “the ad on General Petraeus was unfair.”

Frank spent some time on the Iraq issue, “I am very depressed to see the devastation of Iraq in 2007,” he said. He conveyed his dismay over the war’s costs and added it to the list of wrong major decisions of the Bush administration, “Virtually everything else that this government does is under-funded.” Frank added, “America’s ability to have a positive impact in the world has never been lower.”

Republicans often use the argument that it’s the people’s money, and Frank agreed: “Of course it’s the people’s money.” However, he stressed the government needs to use the people’s money wisely; the people can only meet certain needs if they pool resources.

Before taking questions, the congressman questioned the right wing’s definition of morality. Is it their role to decide on whom one loves, what scientists teach, what you read or see on TV? “Their argument is that these are all public decisions.” Frank got another laugh when he said if anyone has to make such major life decisions, “Please do not ask 535 politicians to make it!”

The ‘warm-up’ act
Frank’s colleague, state Rep. David Linsky, D- Natick, whose district includes Sherborn, spoke before the congressman arrived. “Guess I’m your warm-up act,” Linsky joked.

He focused on three “press events” which occurred simultaneously that Monday and made the audience chuckle by stating they happened on the same day for a reason. “There are no coincidences on Beacon Hill,” he said.

Linsky went over the day’s announcements. The Transportation Finance Commission issued its final report with regard to analyzing long-term capital and operating needs for the next 20 years. He said there was more than $15 million in unmet transportation needs in the commonwealth, and he cited the example of Boston’s Longfellow Bridge. The bridge, he said, is 100 years old and has had no significant repairs since being built. That’s “a scary thought,” Linsky added.

The Turnpike Board’s delay to make a decision on raising tolls was the second development. Linsky pledged “a long and hard fight” to maintain toll costs for MetroWest commuters. He moved on to the third, Governor Deval Patrick’s decision on building three resort casinos in the state. While he has not made up his mind on the subject, he said, “As my father said, the money has to come from somewhere.” Before taking questions, he encouraged his constituents to contact him and offer any guidance on prominent issues. Linsky ended by saying, “I can’t do it alone.”

The chairman of the Town Committee, Anthony Barsamian, was the official Master of Ceremonies. He acknowledged the work of the many members who helped arrange the night including that of Vice Chairman Cathy Neidich, who spearheaded the event. All those who attended that evening enjoyed refreshments as well as music from the Old Boggastow Pickup Jazz Band.