Anniston Star - Rogers Visits Pair of Elementary Schools; Comments on Syrian Refugee Situation

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By Chris Norwood and Denise Sinclair

Congressman Mike Rogers, R-Saks, visited the area Friday, bringing the gift of flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol to Houston Elementary School in Talladega and discussing nutrition at Pinecrest Elementary in Sylacauga.

Addressing a school assembly at Houston, Rogers said he "heard you needed a new flag. So we flew this one over the dome of the Capitol in your honor."

Rogers was then presented with a book of thank you letters from students and a photo of the handprint U.S. flag they had made especially for his visit. Rogers then joined members of the Student Government Association outside to raise the new flag in front of the school.

"When I was a kid, I got to meet members of the state legislative delegation … and it really made a difference for me," Rogers said. "I never got to meet a congressman, but obviously, meeting those people had an impact on me."

Also, he added, "It lets kids see what their parents are talking about when they talk politics, and it helps keep me connected."

Principal Marvin Moten said Rogers' visit was "a great opportunity for kids to actually (see) one of the congressmen they study. They get to know them as real people, with real emotions."

City schools Superintendent Dr. Donna King said Rogers' visit as a "wonderful continuation of the celebration of Veterans Day. It's also one of the activities in our schools that lets the community know we are teaching and leading the children on the paths of citizenship.

"We appreciate the congressman taking his time coordinating his schedule to be with our children."
Pinecrest visit Chef Lucy, aka Child Nutrition Program Director Kelley Wassermann, greeted Rogers as he attended a third-grade class on nutrition at Pinecrest Elementary. The nutrition program is known as the Pinecrest Orchard.

The program exposes children to fruits and vegetables that are often exotic, Wassermann said. The class was being taught by third-grade teacher Amy O'Neal.

Wassermann said she thought Roger's visit would give the congressman the opportunity to see what the school system does with grant funds it receives from the USDA. Rogers sponsored a farm bill for schools under the USDA.

The CNP director said the program tries not to request the same items each week, and items are purchased through a produce vendor. For example, the students were trying watermelon radishes and Hidden Rose Apples on Friday.

The radishes are originally from China, while the apples are grown in Oregon.
Rogers was given samples of the vegetables and fruit to try with the students.

On Syrian refugees

Following the program, as Rogers was leaving, he responded to a question regarding the Syrian refugee crisis.

He said he strongly opposed what he said was President Obama's reckless plan to allow thousands of refugees from Syria and regions controlled by ISIS into the United States.

"ISIS is currently using the refugee crisis as a pipeline to move Islamic terrorists into Europe," Rogers said. "Especially after the attacks in Paris, we cannot and will not risk our national security for the sake of misplaced compassion and allow this pipeline to reach the United States."

Rogers said the legislation passed Thursday is the first step in the process to halt the administration's actions.

"I plan to oppose any funding for President Obama's refugee program when Congress considers the year's final appropriations bill in December," the congressman said.

H.R. 4039 passed the House by a vote of 289 to 137. Rogers said some Democrats voted for the legislation.
Rogers also said he agreed with Gov. Robert Bentley's opposition to refugees locating in Alabama -- at least for the time being.

"I don't want them in the country until there is a better vetting system," he said. "There was a hearing a few months ago with the directors of the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI. The FBI director said we didn't have the adequate resources to screen them all, and that was before Friday.

"I think it's responsible to just pause and say "stop.' Gov. Bentley and the other governors are being responsible. This is not something permanent, it's just a pause until we can know who is coming in."

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