Jordan Extols Faith, Family, Freedom at Lincoln Day Dinner

March 21, 2013

U.S. Congressman Jim Jordan spoke passionately about freedom Saturday at the Geauga Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Celebration.

One of the most conservative members of Congress, Jordan (OH-4) voiced his objections to the government’s attack against freedom of religion and citizen’s right to bear arms, but he was particularly concerned with the “enslavement to debt” he credited to President Obama’s administration.

“They’re going to spend $1 trillion more each year,” Jordan said, crediting the administration with adding more to the debt than any other in history.

In interest alone, the government will be spending $224 billion, he said.

The U.S. needs to be strong militarily, diplomatically and economically, Jordan said, adding the first two suffer when the economy is weak.

When he visited Israel and asked how the U.S. can help that country, Jordan said the answer was, “The best way America can help Israel is for America to stay strong.”

“The world is a better place when America leads,” he said Saturday at the EOUV Center in Russell Township. “We’ve got to get our fiscal policy under control. We’re going to have to cut spending.”

Progress is being made when the republicans in office work together, Jordan said.

Proof of that is the U.S. Senate’s agreement to pass a budget for the first time in four years.

While Congress can’t deny workers their pay, they can hold it up, he said, adding that is where the buck stopped.

“You should have to do your job before you get paid,” Jordan said.

Legislation to delay paychecks and public pressure moved the Senate toward doing its job, he said.

Jordan also noted that seven of the 10 wealthiest U.S. counties are in the Washington DC area.

Ten years ago, only three of the richest counties were in D.C.

“When you fly into D.C., you see cranes everywhere,” he said.

Rather than funnel tax dollars to D.C., he said it is better to keep that economic strength closer to home.

“Lower taxes are better for the economy. Lower taxes allow mom and dad to spend their money on their dreams and their family,” Jordan said, adding the strength of the family will ultimately determine the strength of the country.

“Faith, family and freedom are the values that will continue to make us a great nation,” he said. “Faith is the most important quality. We have to be the party that’s not afraid to talk about it.”

Ed Ryder, chairman of the Geauga GOP, echoed Jordan’s message, calling for a balanced economy and strong family values.

“The presidential election was a great disappointment for me and, I’m sure, for you,” he told the crowd.

However, on a local level, the Republican Party did well, thanks to hard-working candidates, good literature and volunteers going door-to-door, Ryder said.

David Joyce, former Geauga County prosecutor and now U.S. representative, reiterated the party’s success with the “no budget, no pay” strategy in the Senate, proposals to control costs and allowing the Sequester to take place.

The show of strength has had a notable effect on President Obama’s attitude, he said, adding he and other legislators had an audience with the president with opportunities to ask him questions.

“He has to come down and negotiate with us,” Joyce said. “We’re making great strides. We want America to stay great.”