The hateful and bitter attack of Congressman Bill Shuster, time and time again by Romeo DeBartolome with name calling and untruth, is cowardly.
DeBartolome can call the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan unwinnable. That's a great message for our gallant fighting men to hear. If anyone is unwinnable, it's DeBartolome, not our troops.
And yes, Shuster voted against the stimulus package, and he was right to do so. And he was right to accept the money for our district.
If Shuster would have refused the money, it would have gone to another area. What's wrong with that? It's our money. Find out what progress we are making by talking to our troops first-hand and be knowledgeable to help our troops.
Many representatives have gone to Iraq, but DeBartolome points out Congressman Shuster. He is also critical in a vicious way of why Shuster gets re-elected. I'll tell you why: As a past state commander of Pennsylvania, I'm privileged to also be a member of the congressional legislative committee, and I receive all the bills in the Congress.
For DeBartolome's information, here are a few accomplishments by Congressman Shuster.
He helped save the Van Zandt Veterans Medical Center with more than 500 jobs preserved. He was a prime factor of saving the Letterkenny Army Depot with many jobs saved. He voted to restore the $2 billion that was deleted from the VA budget and it passed. He helped keep the Norfolk Southern Railroad shops in Altoona, again with jobs saved.
He brought millions of federal dollars to our area for better roads and community projects. He received a Friend of the Farm Bureau award for his support of the area farms and farmers.
These are only a few examples of what Shuster has done as our congressman. He works for the people. DeBartolome can call Shuster cowardly names, but he still will work for the good people and their wishes.
Congressman Shuster is a fine young man with a wonderful wife and children, and he doesn't deserve the vicious attacks by Romeo J. DeBartolome.
Victor J. Raia
Altoona
