United States Congressman John Fleming believes our country is in peril, he told members of the Greater Vernon Parish Chamber of Commerce at a lunchtime question and answer session Monday.
Fleming, in town as part of a week-long tour through the 4th Congressional District while the United States Legislature is in recess, made the remark in response to a question from local businessman John Stannard who expressed concern over the nation's state of affairs.
"I agree with you, sir," said Fleming in response to Stannard's "Our nation is in great peril."
Fleming went on to explain that defense spending, specifically funding for the missile defense system and the production of certain defense air craft was recently cut in the face of heightened tension with North Korea and Iran.
"We are in peril," Fleming reiterated.
The congressman, a practicing physician, also touched on the topic of heath care reform, which he said is necessary but not as an arm of the government.
A health care system run by the government, which is the direction that many democrats in Congress are pushing the reform, would lead to rationing, Fleming said. Ultimately, the government would make decisions on who qualifies for care.
"You're not gonna like the results of this as a taxpayer or a patient," he said.
Fleming, despite his admitted frustration over the problems the nation is facing, said he is optimistic about the future.
"Thank the good Lord we have a Senate that will mitigate some of this stuff," Fleming said.
In addition, Fleming believes that in 2010, a change is likely for the House of Representatives when a number of seats will be up for grabs. The results of that election could change the tide significantly.
In the end, though, Fleming advised those gathered that the most important thing regular citizens can do is to hold their representatives and senators accountable.
"See it for what it is," Fleming said. "We've taken a terrible left turn toward socialism ... Apply pressure to those who don't vote the way they say they will.
"I represent you. I'm your voice in Washington ... I want to reflect your values and principals."
In an interview with Leader staff later in the day, Fleming went on to map out his primary concerns, with the economy and jobs topping his list. Other concerns for him are the impact of military installations, such as Fort Polk and Barksdale Air Force Base, on his district; the energy producing opportunities in the district; and health care.
"I have a strong faith in the people of the United States," he said. "I have faith that they will see (the state of the nation) as it is. I'm frustrated, but I'm not pessimistic."
For the most part, Fleming said, his constituents and he seemed aligned on the issues.
"They're tired of spending and socialistic movements of the government," he said. People don't want an increase in taxes, and they don't want new energy taxes. People are tired of waste.
When he returns to Washington, Fleming expects to continue work on health care reform and also expects that the next issue to be tackled by the House will be immigration reform, he said.
Leesville, La. —
