Stark's town hall answer goes viral

Faced with angry constituents at a recent town hall meeting in his California district, Democratic Rep. Pete Stark gave an answer about federal power that has spread rapidly throughout the conservative blogosphere: "The federal government … can do most anything in this country."

A woman sitting in the front row at the July 24 event pressed Stark about his vote in favor of health care reform, the passage of which she called “unconstitutional.” She called into question Stark’s characterization of health care as a “right,” noting that “such a right is actually beyond the power of the federal government to confer.”


The woman concluded by asking, “How can legislation such as this be constitutional when it seems to be in direct conflict with the 13th amendment? … And … if this legislation is constitutional, what limitations are there on the federal government’s ability to tell us how to run our private lives?”

“I think there are very few constitutional limits that would prevent the federal government from rules that could affect your private life,” Stark replied. “Now, the basis for that would be, how does it affect other people?”

Before he could continue, the woman interrupted, pointing out that the constitution limits the federal government’s authority and allocates power to the states. “My question is: How can this law be constitutional? — but more importantly than that — if they can do this, what can’t they?” she asked.

Stark hesitated, and the woman yelled out, “Is your answer that they can do anything?”

Stark replied, “The federal government, yes, can do most anything in this country.”

The room erupted with “boos” and echoes of “what?!?”

“You, sir, and people that think like you,” the woman’s voice rang out, “are destroying this nation.”

Stark nodded his head slowly as the room filled with applause. As it quieted, he said, “Well, I’m sure glad you’re here to save it."

Note: The last line of this story has been changed from an earlier version to correct a word in the quote.