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News Sen. Hillary Clinton talks on economy, education during rally at Mercyhurst
By Casey Greene Managing editor Students had the chance to write themselves into Mercyhurst College’s history books this week. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) addressed over 3,000 members of the Erie community Tuesday evening in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center (MAC). The "Rocky" theme song played as Clinton climbed onto the stage to cheers and applause from the crowd. Her talk, "Solutions for the Pennsylvania Economy," lasted no more than 45 minutes. During her time on stage, she highlighted her plans for education, the economy, the environment and the War in Iraq. "It took a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush and it’s going to take a Clinton to clean up after the second," she said. "And I’m excited about doing it." Clinton addressed the difficulties the average American family faces in order to survive in today’s economy. She said she plans to bring jobs back into the U.S. by eliminating the benefits companies receive when moving their business outside of the States. "First we are going to return fairness in America..." she said. "We need to use our money to help create jobs right here in the U.S." Clinton assured the crowd that she was the person to make the effective changes in the U.S. economy. "We need a president with a plan," she said. "A president who will ask everyday, ‘What have we done to create jobs in Erie or Jamestown or wherever?’" The presidential hopeful said one way she will improve the economy is by bringing home the troops and cutting the funding for the War in Iraq. "It’s time to put an end to the blank check that George Bush has been given to fund this war," she said. One way Clinton plans to increase our national security is by "ending our addiction to oil," she said. Clinton plans to eliminate our reliance on oil by finding clean, renewable alternative energy sources. She specifically addressed the ideas of utilizing solar energy, increasing research for biofuels and harnessing wind energy, something she joked, "Should be no problem for Erie." Two major issues of the Clinton campaign are the affordability of healthcare and higher education. "How do you put a price on good health," she asked. "How do you put a price on a good education?" Clinton addressed the increasing number of uninsured Americans as well as the increasing number of insured Americans who are still unable to pay medical bills. Clinton said she wants to make healthcare more affordable now with the future goal of a universal healthcare program. Throughout her speech, the cost of higher education was continually addressed. "If you want to come to a great college, a college like Mercyhurst, than I want to help you afford to go to that college," she said. Clinton said she wants to increase the number of pre-kindergarten programs in order to produced better-prepared grade school students. "We need every child to be prepared to start school so they won’t be so far behind by third grade that they’re ready to drop out by sixth," she said. Addressing the young people in the crowd, Clinton said, "For me, this is not just about the next election. This is about the next generation. I want you to have the same opportunities that I had and that your parents had in this great nation." She told the audience, "This is the story for America…We are the people who are looking to make tomorrow a better day" – something she promises to do if elected. A long line Some students waited in a line that stretched as far as the Audrey Hirt Academic building for over seven hours to hear Clinton talk. "We were the first people to get here, at 11 in the morning and it was worth it," said junior Jon Tirk. "I wanted to be able to meet her, shake her hand and get an autograph." Sophomore Ian Michalski said he wanted the best seat in the house. "I’ve not made a decision on who I’m voting for," he said. "So, I hope this will help make my decision." Sophomore Nadine Beres said she felt the same way. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Beres. "College students need to be informed. We’re supposed to be educated and well-rounded students through a liberal arts education, so we need more opportunities like this." A grand welcome After a series of introductions, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and President of Mercyhurst Young Democrats junior Tim Knecht, joined Clinton on stage to chants of "Hillary" from the audience. "If it’s change you are looking for, look no further," said Knecht. "Sen. Clinton is a remarkable woman who will make a remarkable president." ’Hurst’s historic moment "I think this is a historic moment for the country and a great opportunity for the students," said Mercyhurst College President Dr. Thomas Gamble. Erie Press Secretary for Hillary Clinton Kamyl Bazbaz said many sites were considered, but Mercyhurst presented the best atmosphere. "Mercyhurst offered a venue that is intimate but still can pack a lot of people," he said. "She wants to be able to connect with the audience but still get her message out." Bazbaz said he is aware of the controversy with Bishop Donald Trautman, who is now refusing to attend Mercyhurst’s graduation due to their acceptance of Clinton’s invitation to speak. "We respect the bishop’s view and what he has said but we understand that the college wants to offer students an amazing chance to take part in a historical election," he said. "We really just want to give the Erie community a chance to hear first-hand what Sen. Clinton has to say," said Bazbaz. "What’s most important, and our goal, is that Sen. Clinton’s message is heard loud and clear." Erie County Executive Mark Divecchio said Clinton’s visit demonstrates her dedication. "Hillary coming to Erie, or Mercyhurst, just shows her commitment to the campaign, the working class people and the small communities," he said. "It is a great way for her to energize the people in the
Erie community and other small communities not just the big cities where all the
political focus tends to >> Videos of the Clinton rally
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