September 19, 2006

Senator Jim Jordan

Senator Jordan addressed the club on his views about a couple of major challenges that our country, culture and state are now facing.

He shared the people at the community level need to stand up to be strong leaders.  We are faced with significant threat from terrorists who want to harm our country and he believes that our best defense is a strong offense.  In addition, we need to address the issue of illegal immigration in the country by securing the country's borders.  He feels that this can be done by following three basic principles: 1. secure the borders, 2. enforce laws with consequences for violating them, 3. continue to welcome those who want to come into our country and culture in search of a better life.

An additional challenge to us is that there is a significant change taking place in the world market and economy.  The US is experiencing a growth rate of about 4% against China and India's 7%.  In order for us to compete in this environment, we will need to reduce tax rates, regulations and to restructure the TORT system.  It is crucial that we stay in the position of the world's economic superpower since being the economic leader is linked to being the military leader as well.

He also shared that we need to stick to the values that make the US a great country and culture.  To stick to the values on which this country was built is essential and we must maintain our connection to them and reward them where possible.  He cited the removal of 'under God' from the pledge of allegiance as an example of how some groups are undermining the values that are so important.

Senator Jordan closed by sharing his belief that the American Spirit will prevail as it has from the time of our founding fathers.

Hosting Rotarian: David Jarvis