Limestone County Public Library Director, Paula Laurita introduced U. S. Representative of the 5th District, Mo Brooks, to a large group of interested residents on Tuesday at the Limestone Public Library.

Brooks informed that he didn't vote for any of the bills except one, one that would cut spending, and it died in the Senate. In reference to the 'Deal' we currently have, this will have to be revisited in 2013, this was to only to get it past the election.

In the power-point presentation Brooks provided, it created a dim outlook for our future. Although the numbers are said to be correct, it is a scary thought to know we have allowed ourselves to become in debt to China 29.2%, Japan 19.9%, United Kingdom 6.1%, Brazil 4.2%, Taiwan 3.5%, Russia 3.4% and still 29% to other Nations.  Brooks said, "With the interest we pay China on our debt, they can afford to purchase 3 new Joint Strike Fighters every week - with 50 million left over! China has borrowing power because they are our banker.

In regards to the entitlement programs such as social security, Medicare and Medicaid, the government will need to find ways to cut spending on these programs, he said. The US currently spends $701 billion on Social Security, $519 billion on Medicare and $273 billion on Medicaid, and at this rate Medicare will be bankrupt in 2024.

Brooks will attend another town hall meeting at Calhoun Community College on Saturday at 2:PM in the Health and Sciences building and in Ardmore at 5:PM.

Teresa Todd
AthensPlus.com 
August 9th, 2011