U.S. Rep Jim Himes, a Democrat serving Connecticut's Fourth District, visited The Darien Times coffee on Thursday morning at the Sugar Bowl. In addition to Darien, the district includes Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Monroe, New Canaan, Norwalk, Oxford, Redding, Ridgefield, Shelton, Stamford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport and Wilton.
Himes discussed a number of topics, including Connecticut's state budget, the rising cost of college education and interest on student loans, the Middle East, the threat of Pakistan, how safe the United States is from a terrorist attack, and Hillary Clinton's capability to serve as President. (videos by Susan Shultz).
Himes talked about working with Democratic Presidential hopeful Clinton when she was Secretary of State and said she was "extraordinarily competent" in foreign policy matters. He added the objection to Clinton seems to be one of voters' perception of her lack of trustworthiness more than anything policy-related. Watch: https://youtu.be/0rDDIxUhIVQ
In terms of the fiscal state of Connecticut, Himes says he notes that Hartford politicians often vote on policies that affect his constituents in Fairfield County, but not their constituents. "There's a natural structural reason why 4/5 of the state relies on this 1/5 of the state — Fairfield County," he said. Watch: https://youtu.be/t-yZcFxV7gU
Himes urged caution about "getting into another war in the Middle East," and said Muslims living in the United States should not be viewed as the enemy. He referenced comments made by Republican Presidential hopefuls Donald Trump and Ted Cruz about Muslims in the U.S. Watch: https://youtu.be/nppORK04AlY
Himes said the country's protection from large-scale terror attacks is in good shape and says it is not a coincidence there's been none since Sept. 11, 2001. He added that what is difficult to prevent are terrorist attacks by non-networked individuals — such as the shooting in San Bernardino, California and the Boston Marathon bombing. Himes says he is confident that "it will be almost impossible" to pull off another 9/11 in the United States. Watch: https://youtu.be/-X4ehNBB9Gw
"What really worries me is Pakistan," Himes said. Watch: https://youtu.be/W9ieiBCzU4M
Himes called raising the issue of protecting social security the "political third rail." Watch: https://youtu.be/_Cz5s50nBl8
The Darien Times coffee is held the second and last Thursday morning of every month at 10 a.m. at The Sugar Bowl. For more information email editor@darientimes.com.