Broun is guest speaker at CCLC Feb. meeting
By: Barbara Sublet

The Concerned Citizens of Lincoln County met February 21 at the fellowship hall of Lincolnton United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. Linda Burns, vice president, opened the meeting. Invocation was given by John Kennedy. Linda led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Our guest speaker was U.S. Congressman Paul Broun.

Mr. Broun discussed many issues that are before Congress including the Foreign Information Act that expired Saturday, February 16, which he feels makes our country less secure. This act was not approved because of the leadership in Congress according to Congressman Broun. His is on the committee of Homeland Security.

Congressman Broun was an enlisted Marine, attended medical school, was and is a practicing doctor in Athens, Georgia where he resides. He stated he will always fight for citizens rights as set by the Constitution of the United States, a copy of which he carries in his pocket at all times.

He is trying to get all the benefits that the past and present veterans deserve. He believes if the country can mobilize all the peace loving Muslims in the world we would be able to end this war and start bringing our troops home.

Congressman Broun feels that the new Secretary of Defense is doing a much better job than Rumsfeld did. Mr. Broun made a trip to Iraq earlier and intends to go back later this year as the situation is getting better.

He doesn't agree with the economic stimulus package that was passed, he feels it needed to help the small businesses more. He stated he would never vote to raise taxes and would like to see the capital gains tax eliminated.

He discussed the medical problems of the people. He feels the government is too much involved and should be more involved in protecting the people and country.

Congressman Broun has four things he looks at when a bill is introduced in Congress or is to be voted on. The first is, is it morally right; second, is it Constitutional; third, is it necessary; and fourth, can we afford it?

In his perception as a Congressman, first is his faith and second is his duty to his constituents of District 10.

Mr. Broun talked about the Fair Tax which would be about 23%. The IRS would be eliminated . A rebate would be sent each month to the low income families for the tax that they had spent in the month. This bill is only in the negotiating stage at the present time.

Many questions were asked and answered by Congressman Broun. This was a very good and informative meeting. The CCLC thanked Mr. Broun for taking the time out of his very busy schedule to come and talk with us. If you did not attend, you missed a very interesting meeting.

In the business of CCLC which President Al Bean chaired, the eternal flame was discussed. This will again be addressed to the commissioners at their next meeting. The property tax freeze was also discussed. Low water at Clarks Hill Lake was brought up.

Congressman Broun stated he had met twice with President Bush about the lake and the Corps of Engineers. The President has promised to do something about the problem.

Talk has been circulating about a complex on Clarks Hill Lake in Columbia County which may be developed by a group from New York. Time will tell if this is true.

The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be March 20, 6:30 p.m. at the public library. Our guest speaker will be Brit McGuire who is a candidate for the Georgia State Representative for District 117. Please mark your calendar and attend this meeting. All citizens of Lincoln County are invited to join us.