Thomas Fleming Elementary School Online Chat
Fifth Grade Class
December 12, 2007
Sen Leahy:
Hi, i am here now and i am doing my typing so please stay with
me! I may have to step out for a vote but so glad to be with you
Fleming Elementary:
Hello Senator! We are glad to be with you as well. Thanks for
taking the time.
Fleming Elementary:
Kiley B. and Mina ask: If you could go anywhere in the world,
where would you go and why?
Sen Leahy:
i really enjoy doing this and Kiley and Mina it may seem strange
but the place i enjoy the most is my home in Middlesex Vt - i have
traveled in most parts of the world but this is the most peaceful place
i know
Fleming Elementary:
Joanne and Shannon ask: Being a Senator, what parts of the world
have you traveled to?
Sen Leahy:
Joanne and Shannon i have been on every continent in my live -
going to the South Pole was in many ways the most memorable trip i took
and i flew a Vermont flag over the South Pole!
Fleming Elementary:
Thomas and Boa ask: What was your first job?
Sen Leahy:
should have been in my LIFE
Fleming Elementary:
That should have been Bao.
Sen Leahy:
Thomas and Boa my first job was a paper route in Montpelier where
i was born. I have been a lawyer in private practice, State's Atty of
Chittenden County and here. Thomas and Bao all jobs, even when i waited
table while working thru school are learning experiences
Fleming Elementary:
Tayler and Mohammad ask: What are some other jobs that you have
had in the past?
Sen Leahy:
Tayler and Mohammad I also worked as a proof reader for my
parents printing business in Montpelier
Fleming Elementary:
Trevor and Matthew ask: What do you think about the war in Iraq?
Sen Leahy:
Trevor and Matthew I think it was a mistake to go into Iraq and I
voted against the war in Iraq. It would have made more sense in catching
Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan
Fleming Elementary:
Harlie and Davita ask: What’s your favorite kind of ice cream?
Sen Leahy:
Harlie and Davita I like Cherry Garcia by Ben and Jerry
Fleming Elementary:
Julie and Scotti ask: What is it like being a Senator?
Sen Leahy:
Julie and Scotti it is fascinating being a Senator and I feel
very grateful that Vermont lets me be here. Every day I learn many new
things so I look forward to going to work every day to represent all of
you
Fleming Elementary:
Andrey and Ryan ask: What is the judiciary committee?
Sen Leahy:
Andrey and Ryan you can find a link to the Judiciary Comm on my
website. I am chairman and this is the committee that has to oversee all
our federal laws, decide which appointees can become federal judges and
oversee the Justice Department and the Attorney General [and a whole lot
of other things]
Fleming Elementary:
Connor asks: What do you think of George W. Bush?
Sen Leahy:
Connor I respect all Presidents of either party but I am
disappointed that he won't listen to others who disagree with him I
think one of the biggest mistakes in Iraq is that he wouldnt take
advice. The other 5 presidents of both parties listened to advice
Fleming Elementary:
Mallory and Kylie E. ask: If you were president what would you
do about the environment and the global warming issues?
Sen Leahy:
Mallary and Kylie we should work with other countries to enforce
the Kyoto protocols but also do a lot more to cut down on emissions in
the USA. I would also work with countries that are tearing up natural
resources like forests, rain forests, sea resources etc to help them to
stop. It is very complex and will need years of work
Fleming Elementary:
Zach and Jeremy ask: How many hours and days do you work per
week?
Sen Leahy:
Zach and Jeremy I usually work 7 days a week. Last night I got
home around midnite and left this morning before 7 - and had been on the
computer at 5am. there are always things to do but i especially enjoy it
when i can be in Vermont working [something i can't do when the Senate
is meeting]
Fleming Elementary:
Andrey and Ryan ask: What was the latest proposal for a law you
made?
Sen Leahy:
Andrey and Ryan I have proposed a complete overhaul of our patent
and copyright laws which will help hi-tech companies like IBM. I have
also proposed a law that would help farmers transition into organic
farming - the fastest growing part of farming.
Fleming Elementary:
Kiley B. and Mina ask: What was your favorite part of school?
Sen Leahy:
Kiley and Mina I enjoyed literature and history the most. I was
reading before kindergarten and I still enjoy reading and try to get
thru many many books a year
Fleming Elementary:
Joanne and Shannon ask: What famous people have you worked
with? Also our principal Dan Ryan (former principal of Rumney School)
sends his regards.
Sen Leahy:
Joanne and Shannon please give Dan Ryan my best. I was so proud
of the work he did at Rumney and I know he is doing a great job there. I
have worked with all Presidents and I work on global issues a lot with
Bono - he and I have been friends for over 20 years.
Fleming Elementary:
Thomas and Bao ask: When you retire from the Senate, what will
your next job be?
Sen Leahy:
Thomas and Bao i have not thought that far ahead but i would like
to do a book on photography and than go back to a law practice. I have
also been told that a vote has started in the Senate and i have to go to
vote so i can take one more
Fleming Elementary:
We are getting towards the end of our chat so here is our wave
goodbye! We would like to know what Batman movie were you in?
Fleming Elementary:
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule and bringing
government alive for our students!
Sen Leahy:
I have been very impressed with your questions - obviously very
bright students with excellent teachers. I was in the 3rd and 4th Batman
movie and will be in the one coming out next summer.
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