The economy, energy, war and health care were topics of discussion during U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson’s (R-Ga.) address today to Augusta business owners.
Mr. Isakson was the guest speaker at the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Member Economic Luncheon at Augusta Marriott Hotel and Suites.
“I went through four recessions when I had my company. I’ve never seen anything like this right now. It’s pervasive, it’s deep and it’s protractive. We’ve got to do some things in Washington, or we’re going to make it worse not better,” Mr. Isakson said.
He recommended for the country to stop borrowing money and creating debt. It’s also crucial to loosen credit so that small businesses can operate, he said.
“The best way to get out of debt is to raise your income. The best way to do that is raise business activity. More business produces more revenue. We need to extend the tax cuts of ‘01 and ‘03, and we ought to make them permanent,” he said.
Earlier this year, Mr. Isakson said that he helped foster the Financial Markets Crisis Commission, a 10-member committee to examine the country’s financial situation.
“We need some experts, fresh eyes and non-politicians looking at everything from Wall Street to Main Street,” he said.
The United States also needs to further engage in trade and exports of U.S. products overseas and increase its use of nuclear energy, he said.
In Iraq, Mr. Isakson expects the U.S. will be able to reduce its level of troops there to below 60,000 before the end of the year. In Afghanistan, he said that troops are understaffed and military leaders are asking for 40,000 additional troops.
“I hope and pray the president will come to a quick decision...and give General McChrystal that troops that we need and bring all of troops home,” he said.
Reach LaTina Emerson at (706) 823-3227
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If you need to raise your income, then you do not do that buy cutting taxes. You do that buy cutting spending. Bring the troops home today, both from Iraq and Afghanistan. Johnny, what kind of logic are you using when you are reducing income and spending more (by sending more troops to Afghanistan). Boy I agree with you that you need some fresh eyes on this one because you Senator are out to lunch.
Print the 8 hundred billion, pay off China. You immediately save 50 billion a year in interest payments. once this is done China will not have anything to hole over our heads. will not happen, to simple.
In 1945 our upper tax rate on the most wealthy was 94% and in 1963 when our space program was really taking off the upper rate was 91%. That is where the money that we now lack for research came from and why we don't have the funds we need now with an upper rate of only 33%.
You are correct Niko. Spending must be cut drastically. Do the Democrats have any spending cut bills, balanced budget bills, etc being drafted or are they spending trillions more?
How was the war was paid for? Or, is it paid for yet? They approved money for that but they won't approve money for basic healthcare. The question that needs to be ask is "Where did the money went?" and Not "Where is it going now?" Answer the first question and then we can handle the second question. Or, are we still paying for the initial request for the funding of the war? It was once said that it will pay for itself. Well, what is the answer for that question. I wish that Senator Isakson would answer these questions before saying another word about anything else.
No s...,Senator. Now tell us that the Earth is round as well as the wheel.
Ah, is THIS the Johnny Isakson that voted for $700 billion in bailouts after calls to his office were 90 to 1 against it? The Johnny Isakson who voted for $trillions in unfunded social programs? The Johnny Isakson who was in the Senate while the national debt doubled because of his votes. What about his $8000 tax credit that adds to the national debt. Isakson is treating Georgians like the fools that they are for ever electing a clown like him.
chipshirley, are you sure about those percentages? Where did you get that data? I can't imagine that any folks would still be around in the US under those circumstances. Certainly not any incentive to work and even earn a dime.
Rip off the band-aid and cut what is necessary. Lower taxes on everyone that hires anyone or sells anything. Forget the poll data, full speed ahead!