Meeting Rep. Mel Watt

Political Science students met with Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC) on February 17th, 2005 in Washington, D.C. Prior to the Q-A with Rep. Watt, the students visited the new American Indian Museum. More pictures and quotes below.

Students at the American Indian Museum

Jeanette and Ebony

I love meeting with student groups, I only wish I had more time to spend with you. I'd rather be with you than vote!

Sarah- In 1999 you voted to to give President Clinton the power to authorize air strikes against Serbia. However Congress as a whole did not give President Clinton that power, but Clinton ordered the air strikes anyway. Did you support Clinton defying Congress and ordering the strikes? ANSWER- I voted for that??? I don't remember voting for that, but I'm opposed to giving any president those powers. I may have flip-flopped on that issue.

Alicia (left)- In 1999, you voted against banning physician-assisted suicide. Don't you think we should be able to do better at end of life care for people rather than allow them to be killed by others? ANSWER- I really don't think politicians are qualified to be making decisions like that. That should be up to the family and their doctor.

Nicole- (2nd from left)- In 1997, you voted against a bill to require juveniles over 14 charged with serious, violent crimes to be prosecuted as adults. If a teen does an adult crime, should they not be prosecuted that way? ANSWER- We've always treated young people differently than adults. You can't drive, you can't enlist in the military. We let children make mistakes. There is a juvenile justice system. To all of a sudden to treat teens as adults would be counter-productive. Never give up on a child or the chance for rehabilitation.

Jeanette (2nd from right)- What is your biggest concern about the current Bush administration? ANSWER- Well my personal concern is that as Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, I'm concerned about the growing divide between black and white Americans. Because of past experiences with this administration I fear that Bush will not work with the CBC in breaking down these divisions.

Ebony (right)- After observing President Clinton for two terms and President Bush for one, who do you think has had a more positive influence on our country? ANSWER- Under Clinton we reduced the deficits and achieved a surplus. Under one term of Bush it has all gone to waste. Bush also blames all our problems on 9/11 when in fact that is not the case.