State Congressman Brad Drake is featured speaker.
By Sid Riley
The crowds keep getting bigger and bigger as the momentum of this movement continues to grow. With public interest in government activities heightened to a record level by concern over the economy, perceived dramatic changes in our core American systems, and the impending increased government involvement in the national health care system, more and more citizens across the nation are becoming involved in these types of meetings.
The fact that this same enhanced level of involvement is also occurring in Jackson County was demonstrated on Monday night, by the overflow crowd of over 350 citizens who attended the presentation made by the freshman state congressman who represents Jackson County in Tallahassee, Brad Drake. They came for a full measure of down home political brew, made from grass roots, and Drake did a good job of serving the thirsty crowd.
Drake began with an overview of the legislative session which just ended. Some of the items discussed were the problems which were encountered as the legislature struggled to achieve a balanced budget in the face of reduced revenues. Because of the tremendous decline in construction activities and the revenues that industry normally provides, reduced retail sales, and a decline in property values, government is struggling to maintain a normal level of services. Drake also discussed the significant increases in fees which were passed as a revenue generating measure.
Other issues which interested the concerned citizens were approached directly by Drake. At the state level he reviewed several bills which he sponsored during the past session and bills he plans to again present at the next session. These include a bill to allow non-denominational prayers in schools, a bill to prohibit the Federal government from reducing the authority of the State governments, and a bill to force all State law enforcement agencies to enforce Federal immigration laws.
Drake serves on the Agricultural Committee, and he described how he had voted “NO” more than any of the other congressmen in the state. “I voted no on any measure which increased government regulations over the farming industry, and any measure which reduced individual or property owners rights”, he stated emphatically as the audience applauded.
Drake stated that most of what is transpiring in Washington “Just makes me sick!”, again to applause from the assembly. He promised that he is doing all that he can do to use any influence he may have to sway our federal legislators to not support “Cap and Trade” and “Obamacare”.
After the question and answer session was over, Elaine Thompson the Director of the Concerned American Patriots of Jackson County spoke briefly. She encouraged those in attendance to take time to sign all of the various petitions which were being prepared by the organization, and she informed the crowd of upcoming events, which included the Town Hall Meeting by Congressman Boyd on Wednesday morning, and the next meeting of the C.A.P. on September 22.
As the meeting broke up, many stayed for a one-on-one discussion with Congressman Drake, or stayed to discuss politics with friends. It was a sincere, concerned, and determined atmosphere that left those who came with a feeling of continuing apprehension, but a rewarding realization of the fact that they were doing the right thing by participating.
By Sid Riley
The crowds keep getting bigger and bigger as the momentum of this movement continues to grow. With public interest in government activities heightened to a record level by concern over the economy, perceived dramatic changes in our core American systems, and the impending increased government involvement in the national health care system, more and more citizens across the nation are becoming involved in these types of meetings.
The fact that this same enhanced level of involvement is also occurring in Jackson County was demonstrated on Monday night, by the overflow crowd of over 350 citizens who attended the presentation made by the freshman state congressman who represents Jackson County in Tallahassee, Brad Drake. They came for a full measure of down home political brew, made from grass roots, and Drake did a good job of serving the thirsty crowd.
Drake began with an overview of the legislative session which just ended. Some of the items discussed were the problems which were encountered as the legislature struggled to achieve a balanced budget in the face of reduced revenues. Because of the tremendous decline in construction activities and the revenues that industry normally provides, reduced retail sales, and a decline in property values, government is struggling to maintain a normal level of services. Drake also discussed the significant increases in fees which were passed as a revenue generating measure.
Other issues which interested the concerned citizens were approached directly by Drake. At the state level he reviewed several bills which he sponsored during the past session and bills he plans to again present at the next session. These include a bill to allow non-denominational prayers in schools, a bill to prohibit the Federal government from reducing the authority of the State governments, and a bill to force all State law enforcement agencies to enforce Federal immigration laws.
Drake serves on the Agricultural Committee, and he described how he had voted “NO” more than any of the other congressmen in the state. “I voted no on any measure which increased government regulations over the farming industry, and any measure which reduced individual or property owners rights”, he stated emphatically as the audience applauded.
Drake stated that most of what is transpiring in Washington “Just makes me sick!”, again to applause from the assembly. He promised that he is doing all that he can do to use any influence he may have to sway our federal legislators to not support “Cap and Trade” and “Obamacare”.
After the question and answer session was over, Elaine Thompson the Director of the Concerned American Patriots of Jackson County spoke briefly. She encouraged those in attendance to take time to sign all of the various petitions which were being prepared by the organization, and she informed the crowd of upcoming events, which included the Town Hall Meeting by Congressman Boyd on Wednesday morning, and the next meeting of the C.A.P. on September 22.
As the meeting broke up, many stayed for a one-on-one discussion with Congressman Drake, or stayed to discuss politics with friends. It was a sincere, concerned, and determined atmosphere that left those who came with a feeling of continuing apprehension, but a rewarding realization of the fact that they were doing the right thing by participating.
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