Fitzpatrick Holds Youth Town Hall in Newtown
Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick addressed the economy, the national debt and international affairs at Monday's youth town hall.
About 40 people turned out Monday for Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick’s youth town hall event at Newtown Middle School.
Students from Council Rock, as well as other area private and public schools, attended the town hall to discuss everything from the economy to national debt and international affairs.
One student asked Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) how he viewed the current economic conditions in the country. Fitzpatrick reassured the students that the economy is cyclical and that it will rebound. He recalled the economic conditions of the early 80s, explaining to the students that there was high unemployment, high interest rates and a gas crisis.
“Things seem tough, but they’re going to get better,” he said.
Fitzpatrick spoke to the students about the national debt, saying he plans to work hard to reduce it. “One of the quickest ways to do that is to get people back to work,” he said. He also addressed the need for the federal government to reduce its spending.
There are certain things our government must do, Fitzpatrick said, including take care of its seniors and the disabled with Medicare, protect the citizens through military programs and support its veterans. However, Fitzpatrick said, the government needs to take a closer look at its spending.
One student asked Fitzpatrick if the cost of college is worth the hefty tuition bill. Fitzpatrick said people with college degrees are better equipped to deal with economic downturns. “The economy runs in cycles. The next time we hit a down, those of you who have gone onto college will be prepared for it.”
“I personally think a college degree is important,” he said, adding that “college may not be for everybody.”
Theo Caputi, a Council Rock High School North student, asked the congressman how the environment could be protected in an expanding global manufacturing market. Fitzpatrick encouraged the students to think globally while acting locally by taking “small steps at home to make a difference.”
When it comes to voting on issues related to conservation and the environment, Fitzpatrick said, “I recognize everything is a balance."
Rick Howe
6:29 pm on Monday, January 16, 2012
I wonder why Mr. Fitzpatrick voted to turn Medicare into a voucher system if he thinks it is important to seniors. Seniors would not be well served by a voucher program.
Another thing, the government should worry about reducing spending during good economic times. High unemployment & a weak economy call for government spending.
The economy was in great shape after Wm Clinton left office, a huge budget surplus, but G. W. Bush gave the surplus away to the rich, started 2 wars with deficit spending, & destroyed the economy.
The Republicans appear to work for the military-industrial complex, insurance companies, & Wall Street.
the VOICE
4:24 pm on Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Where did Obama get most of his campaign money ? Insurance Companies !
Rick Howe
8:11 pm on Tuesday, January 17, 2012
V : That may be so, I don't know. However, Obama is not advocating we turn Medicare over to the insurance companies as Mr. Fitzpatrick is. Mr. Fitzpatrick advocates - actually voted for - a voucher program for Medicare. Seniors would have to take a measely amount of money & try to find an insurance company to provide the coverage that Medicare provides.
Privatizing Medicare and/or Social Security is a really bad idea that would harm the citizens of Bucks County. If you don't believe in " the common good " but believe in the "wisdom of the market" that's fine, but don't pretend you care about the elderly of Bucks County. Privatizing Medicare and/or Social Security - which Republicans want - is good for Wall Street operatives, but a really bad deal for the rest of us.