Desoto TImes Interview – Les Green
November 24, 2010Les Green speaking @ the Neshoba County Fair
November 23, 2010
Commercial – Les Green for Congress
November 23, 2010
Final Thoughts on Les Green For Congress – The Message Behind The Campaign
November 5, 2010Les Green For Congress The video that is attached is only a few minutes but contains some of the scripture God used to strengthen me as I prayed through this process. It also includes the one God gave me as a release to go live my dream. Romans 13:1 is that verse! I did not record my remarks to the 100 or so gathered on Tuesday night but it …was a lot of thanks to a lot of people. I want to thank those that followed us here on facebook, too. Please pray for Mr. & Mrs. Nunnellee as he represents us. He has a big task ahead and our country needs him to be successful.
On Mission,
Les
Les Green For Congress – The Message Behind The Campaign
CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE QUESTIONAIRE
October 27, 2010Les Green
CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE QUESTIONAIRE
1. TEA Party Oxford has publicly called for a ten percent (10%) reduction in the budget of all governmental agencies and programs with the exception of the military. If elected would you support or oppose this position.
Support
2. The Bush tax cuts will expire at the end of this calendar year. What is your position regarding the expiration and / or re-enactment of these? Please elaborate as to each of the existing tax brackets and any other changes you would propose or endorse as to the federal income tax brackets.
It will be crushing to an already struggling economy to allow these tax cuts to expire. 75% of these tax cuts will directly affect small business, which has been the job creator in past recessions. Even though the credit crisis has placed us in a different situation that past recoveries, small business is still the place where jobs will be created. We need them to help us out of the high unemployment facing our nation.
3. What other changes would you propose or endorse to the Federal tax system?
As we seek to rebuild the foundation of this great nation fiscal responsibility, our national borders and job creation is my priority. But as a congress and a nation we must move toward a a flat tax system that must address the reality of a nation 13 trillion in debt. We all must shoulder the burden of decades of fiscal irresponsibility by the republicans and democrats.
4. What is your interpretation of the 10th Amendment?
The founding fathers were very aware of an overreaching federal government. This amendment expressly declares the constitutional policy that limited government was the intent of our founders. All powers not assigned to the national government by the constitution are reserved to the states or to the people.
5.What measures would you propose or endorse to keep jobs and create new jobs in the United States and more specifically Mississippi?
As a father of three children, an educator who directly impacts hundreds of young people each year, and an investor in the children of our communities, I am passionate about the hopes and dreams of the young people of our state. They are uniquely created and have specific things that they are shaped to accomplish. As a complete recovery continues to loom 6-8 years away, we must look toward the future and prepare them. Their dreams are the engine that will drive the next economy. We must wisely draw out of our children their hopes and dreams and teach at home and in the classroom what it takes to achieve them. We must encourage a passion for staying in the communities of our state so that our towns and cities can reap the rewards of a passionate work force. We must develop mentorship programs in every community so that we can help make a way for them to grow their dreams in our state.
Because of the fiscal irresponsibility of Congress and a lack of concern for the small business of our country, they have created a climate that is unstable. I propose that as we move toward balancing our national budget, international and individual investment dollars will flow into our countries economy, which creates Capital for business start up and expansion. This is the money that will fuel the dreams of our children.
6.Would you support or oppose a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced U. S. budget?
I whole heartedly support a balanced budget amendment.
7.Would you support or oppose a measure requiring all governmental programs to be re-enacted every four years or automatically expire?
Generally I would support this proposal but with the understanding that some programs may be better suited for an increase or decrease of the four years. I believe that a review of programs would increase the accountability of the programs. During this process we must look at zero based budgeting to help eliminate wasteful spending in our federal government.
8.Are you supportive of the most recent twenty-six billion dollar stimulus package?
I am against the recent twenty-six billion dollar stimulus and any spending that increases the already oppressive debt burden placed on future generations. Because of our government’s inability to understand sacrifice, we continue to rob our children and grandchildren of a prosperity that generations of Americans have enjoyed. Like most Americans congress must live with its means and be held accountable to responsible legislation that is paid for when passed.
9. Are you supportive of governmental bailouts of large companies such as General Motors or large financial institutions?
I am opposed to government bailouts especially when they saddle generations with oppressive debt. Both republicans and democrats have lead our nation down this destructive path.
10.Would you support an initiative to audit the Federal Reserve?
I support an initiative to audit the Federal Reserve. Personally, I understand the incredible benefit of having accountability in my life. I have given men and women of integrity the authority to look into what we do and say as we strive to run a campaign of integrity. Any organization at any level should welcome people looking into its practices and desire people to help keep them on track. The Federal Reserve should be no different.
11. What is your position regarding ceasing deep water drilling for oil and gas?
Immediately the issue is jobs, and we need them. I spoke personally to a family in Mississippi 1 whose livelihood comes from working on a deep water drilling rig. Since this man lost his job they have been struggling. The government cannot continue to cripple private sector jobs.
12. Please rank the following six (6) options from highest to lowest priority. Which option do you believe could have the most significant impact in making the United States energy independent?
2-Domestic coal; 1-domestic oil and natural gas; 6-nuclear power; 5-solar power; 4-wind power; other (please specify) ____________.
Until the other alternative energy sources are more advanced we must continue to tap into our oil and natural gas resources. We also need to allow more competition in the refining process.
13..TEA Party Oxford has publicly called for term limits of twelve years for all elected legislative officials in both the federal and state governments. Do you support or oppose this position?
I support term limits. From the beginning of the campaign I have committed to serving a maximum of 3 terms as your congressman. I believe that our country deserves citizen legislators whose only interest is what is best for the American people. Career politicians have had control for too long. Even without term limits, elected officials should see the benefit of self imposed term limits and appreciate the accountability that comes from doing a job for the right reasons and returning to the private sector.
14. Would you vote to repeal President Obama’s new healthcare law?
I would vote to repeal the new healthcare law. We must demand an honest discussion of this issue and include all parties in the discussion. Personally, our healthcare costs are our biggest expense most months and we are a healthy family without illness. We must break through the special interests on both sides of this issue and find real solutions.
15. What do you consider the proper role of the federal government in the public education systems and policies?
I believe that education is a valuable piece of the puzzle for America’s future. However, one method of education does not fit every child’s needs. Professional legislators in Washington do not know what is best for the children in our district, nor should they have the authority to mandate education choices. Just as choice is important for parents and guardians, local educators should be allowed to decide the best way to run their assigned school. That said, we should be grateful for the wise counsel from both governmental and private organizations, as long as those agencies serve only an advisory role in the educating of our children.
16. Do you consider it important to preserve our nation’s Christian heritage and traditions?
One of our government’s main responsibilities is to promote justice and this includes protecting the rights of all Americans to have a freedom to practice their religion. Additionally it is the responsibility of each parent and educator to teach children the truth about the foundational role Christianity has played in the history of our nation and as the foundation of western civilization. Influence and beliefs of Christian’s have been good for America.
17. What is your position on abortion?
God grants life and personhood starts at conception. I am opposed to abortion and believe that education on the issue reveals the truth: from the conception, a baby is a person and deserves dignity, protection, and life. I would use my influence as congressman to actively support a constitutional amendment that would once and for all guarantee what the constitution already guarantees, that every child has the right to life.
18. What is your position on homosexual marriage?
I believe that marriage is to be between a man and a woman.
19. What is your position in regard to the Second Amendment?
I believe that the founding fathers knew exactly what they were writing when they composed the U. S. Constitution. I believe in a literal interpretation and that it specifically grants the powers that the forefathers intended. Regarding the 2nd Amendment, I believe that as American citizens we are granted the right to bear arms. It is our duty to protect our families and our homes. The gun control issue, at its core, is a struggle between the freedoms of the citizens of our country and control by our government.
20. Secretary of State Clinton stated she will sign the United Nations Small Arms Treaty. Do you support the UN Small Arms Treaty?
I do not support the UN Small Arms Treaty.
21.How do you believe the United States should deal with Islamic terrorists?
We should apply the same standard to all terrorists and demand justice. People who would choose to do our nation harm must be held accountable for their actions.
22. What grade do you give the United States on our current national defense strategy and what suggestions do you have for improving it?
C – Mainly because lost in our global effort to defend our freedom we have lost focus on the borders of our own land. We must treat a war zone like a war zone. We must make our border security a priority by sending our armed forces to restore order, demand cross agency cooperation, and give assistance to existing agencies.
Globally we must reduce the stress on our military by reducing the number of troops stationed around the globe. We no longer have the monetary resources to do all that we have been doing.
23. How should the United States as a nation deal with the nation of Iran?
As a nation we have set Iraq free and freed Iran of its main enemy. We have created a situation where Iran has become a major factor in the middle east. The United States should use its influence with the European Union to move Iran to a more moderate place. The EU, especially France, has deep political, social and economic interests with Iran. It will take that direct influence to keep Iran in check.
24.What steps does the United States need to take to win the war on terror?
The next step must be to defend our borders and bring order out of chaos.
25. What steps if any do you believe the federal government should take to secure our borders?
First, we must send our troops to actively engage in stabilizing our borders. Secondly, we must demand cross agency cooperation to stop the flow of drugs, guns and human trafficking. Finally, we must give added assistance to our enforcement agencies. Our inability to maintain distinct borders and our fiscal irresponsibility make up what amounts to a national sovereignty crisis.
26. What is your opinion of the new immigration law recently passed by the state of Arizona?
It is shameful that the republican and democratic parties have ignored the issue of illegal immigration for decades. There inactivity has forced Arizona to act when the federal government chose not to. Arizona took courage while our congress continues to cower on the issue.
27. What is your opinion of the Obama administration’s decision to sue the state of Arizona in an attempt to prevent that state’s new immigration law from being implemented?
Both parties have played politics on this issue and both deserve the responsibility. This is just one more example. The justice department stopped Arizona from taking steps to curb the flow of illegal immigration and that is a travesty of justice. The federal government should be leading the cause to close off our borders, not hindering it. A main responsibility of the US Government is to restrain evil and promote justice.
28. How do you propose that the United States address the issue of illegal immigration and illegal immigrants?
No thoughtful discussion of the issue can take place until our borders are under control. Then and only then, can we move to a discussion of how best to move forward on the illegal immigrant issue. We must remember that our government and its leaders have openly encouraged illegal immigrants to come into our nation by the inactivity in preventing it. These are real people who have been allowed to establish lives and raise families in our nation. They have been allowed to escape a country that at times is lawless and lacks sustained economic prosperity. That must be a consideration as we move toward answers.
29. If elected who would you support for Speaker of the House in January of 2011?
The first requirement would be a person who is not a career politician. It would have to be a conservative, a person with a track record of honesty and integrity and someone who has served less than ten years in the United States House of Representatives.
What is the most serious problem facing the United States today and how would you propose our country deal with it?
I believe that as a nation we must gather up our strength and begin rebuilding the foundations of this great nation by applying truth, integrity and sacrifice to our own lives and to what goes on in Washington. I believe that the rebuilding process begins with getting our fiscal house in order, dealing with our borders and job creation. These three are equally serious. I believe for our country to move forward and deal with these issues will require sacrifice and that sacrifice is the first step toward placing our country on solid ground. As we move forward with the realities of where we are as a nation, we must not lose hope. We must realize that for our country to move forward it will require us to invest heavily in the lives of those around us by extending a hand and helping those in need. In this economy many people are losing jobs for the first time ever. We all must be aware of the needs around us and then extend our influence and help meet the needs of the community at large. Government has as role but it has always been the American people who have made the difference. It will take every day Americans doing extraordinary acts of kindness to fill the void left by a government that is no longer able to do all that it has been doing.
33. What experience have you accumulated that has best prepared you to serve the first district of Mississippi in the United States Congress?
I believe that serving our community is a necessary quality for being a true public servant. My family and I have made service to our community a cornerstone of our lives. We have in the past, and presently, continue to invest heavily in our community and especially the next generation. My service as a high school math teacher, teaching 4th and 5th graders at church, serving inner city youths, assisting struggling families, and even serving young people in prison has given me a unique perspective. Being connected to the children and families in our community has given me a passion to engage the problems we face as a nation and a drive to prevent our poor choices as a nation from being passed on to our children and grandchildren.
From an economic perspective I run a small painting business and understand the challenges faced by small business owners. We are ordinary Americans and are experiencing the struggles that many others are facing in these tough times. We are experiencing the challenges that come from the irresponsibility that career politicians and their politics have wrought on our nation.
Lastly, I have placed boundaries in my life that will keep me connected to the citizens of the 1st district like self-imposed term limits. These boundaries will keep us focused on doing what is best for America but short enough to stay away from the pitfalls of a career politician. I will use my influence to connect the civic and service organizations in North Mississippi so together we handle the needs of those who are struggling. We must be there to invest in those around us.
Ole Miss alumnus enters Congressional race
October 25, 2010Article | Mon, 10/25/2010 – 01:17 | By Kayleigh Webb From The Daily Mississippian
Ole Miss alumnus Les Green has entered the Congressional race as an independent candidate for Mississippi’s First Congressional District.
“What made me decide to run for congress?” said Green. “I saw the direction financially that our nation was heading a few years ago and I just began to engage in the process of at a deeper level.”
Green said he began praying about how he could affect change, and how he could affect making a difference.
“So I began exploring, what could I do to make a difference and help move our nation forward?” Green said. “I made a decision, especially after the last two congressional races where I saw that both parties looked exactly the same and fighting between each other and getting nothing done.”
That’s when Green made the decision that if he were to ever run for office he would run as an independent.
“I would be free from all of the bickering and special interest and be able to focus on what’s best for America and her citizens,” he said.
Green, a graduate from the class of 1990, serves as a math teacher at Southaven High School. Because of this position, Green said he sees the challenges youth of today face and desires to impact young men and women by encouraging them to live out their dreams.
“As a teacher, I believe my experience will help because I am totally connected to the next generation of children,” Green said. “Our government and the two parties have left our children with 13-plus trillion dollars of debt and because of that debt they could possibly experience a lower standard of living.”
He said he can see the challenges our children will face and is connected to them by understanding the importance of education and where they are coming from.
“I feel like I will be able to lay out a vision of what it looks like for our nation to move forward so we can reduce the burden that we have already placed on this generation of children,” Green said. “Not only do I get to interact with the next generation in the classroom, but also we invest heavily in inner-city areas and low-income areas where we invest in children. Our whole lives, we filter through a desire to serve the next generation.”
Under the campaign slogan “Rebuilding the foundations by bringing truth, integrity and sacrifice to Washington, DC” Green plans to rebuild the foundations that were originally created for the nation by our forefathers.
“I believe that the political parties have created a fissure, a small crack, between the American people and they have taken our small difference of opinion and created a huge canyon between us,” Green said. “I feel it will take an independent candidate to bridge this great political divide and that we can fight on common grounds and start that common ground by balancing our budget, by defending our borders, and by creating an environment that is conducive to job creation.”
Green said he is very confident in his chances of winning the election.
“We see independent numbers going up and people are looking for a candidate they can trust, and who is not a career politician. And we feel like we are offering that as an opportunity to do something different because the definition of insanity is ‘doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result’,” he said.
For more information on Les Green, visit http://www.lesgreenforcongress.com.
Greek Sovereignty and the IMF
July 31, 2010The Greek Government, in compliance with the International Monetary Fund bail – out agreement, continues to be an example of how sovereignty is lost. Outside forces are controlling the destiny of a nation that chose easier. Here is the link http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10822911 to the article and a Lesgreenforcongress.com video link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtx-fbP2ap0 on national sovereignty.
On Mission,
Les Green
Moments of Integrity
July 18, 2010Moments of Integrity Blog
In the aftermath of the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon, I, like most people, have been watching with great sadness, first, the loss of life from the original explosion, and then the environmental disaster that continues to unfold every day.
After reading several articles detailing the events and decisions that led up to the explosion – specifically the choices made at critical points by some government employees and BP – I realize that what certain individuals lacked was personal and corporate integrity, a commitment to do the right thing regardless of the cost. Instead of doing what was right for the safety of those on board the Deepwater Horizon, for the ecology, for America, and for her citizens, certain individuals made decisions based on what was best for them. This is not about pointing fingers, but rather about what we can learn from this tragedy.
We are all capable of making decisions that are self-serving. And no law can compel an individual to make honorable choices. In the end, it all comes down to character. If we are to restore our country as an international leader in finance, industry, and democracy, then our national character must reflect integrity at every level of society, whether in government, business, church, or any other type of organization.
As citizens, it is imperative that we choose leaders who are unwavering in their honesty and sense of justice, and who can hold others accountable to that same standard. As a people, we too must be willing to make integrity a standard in our personal lives. Not perfection – but a true commitment to do the right thing.
The founders of our country defined true patriotism by sacrificing personal gain for the greater good of our nation. Nearly every one of them suffered enormous personal loss. Yet, they persisted, understanding that patriotism means giving back to people – to neighbors, to community, and to a nation. As Americans, we must continue this tradition. Each second of each day is an opportunity to make decisions based on integrity. And each decision is an opportunity to impact the lives of those around us.
On Mission,
Les Green
Stopping the Insanity
July 6, 2010Hello Friends,
Thank you for checking out my blog today. Here is the basic working text from the speech at the Jacinto Festival on July 3rd. In the speech, I mentioned that in May the private sector created a gain of only 20 thousand jobs. Just last night I saw a revised total of 33 thousand. I am constantly looking at these types of numbers to be as accurate as possible. We will process the video and try to get that out soon. So here is the text…
Let me remind you of something that I am sure you already recognize –the US has many areas that need fixing and many problems that need our attention.
But the most important thing you need to know today is that we can rebuild the foundations of this great nation by bringing truth, integrity, and sacrifice to Washington and by applying these same values to our own lives. We cannot lose hope. We must begin to reclaim and restore our country to the fundamentals upon which it was created. We can begin by protecting our borders, balancing our national budget, and creating an environment that is conducive to job creation. At stake is the very sovereignty of our nation.
For more than 70 days, we have heard tragic and horrifying reports regarding the BP Oil Spill. The news is grim and the Gulf Coast is struggling.
But, if I may, I’d like to take a moment to share some irony I’ve observed. The federal government has, for all practical purposes and with an iron fist, completely shut down the Gulf Coast, controlling who and what goes in and out. As the oil washes ashore, our government has, from the beginning, kept out the very machinery that could reclaim the oil. And with a closed coastline, these machine operators sit at the docks, watching and waiting with the rest of the nation.
Now compare the government’s “coastline protection” with our national borders. Compare the iron fist to a slap on the wrist. Compare the complete Gulf shut down to the half-hearted attempts with which our federal government protects our borders, allowing drugs, guns, and even humans to be trafficked with mere token resistance. On one hand, you have a coast line that is closed because the government insists on it; and on the other, you have a border that is wide open because our government insists on that as well.
The United States government’s main responsibility is to restrain evil, promote justice, and preserve order. Clearly, it has failed. Our borders show that, at the most basic level, our government is broken. We must protect our borders! We must protect our citizens and we must do it now! We must do this before any immigration reform is passed. Surely, the federal legislature does not seriously expect us to believe that an immigration bill with open borders will solve the problems. We must treat a war zone like a war zone and send our troops to defend the borders of our nation. We must give assistance to the agencies assigned to work the borders and demand that the agencies work together to solve what amounts to an issue of national sovereignty.
Financially, our national debt is more than 13 trillion dollars, 1.3 to 1.5 trillion dollars in deficit spending this year. If you and I spent the way the US Government does, we would be in jail.
This debt crisis is not just our own – it is international, affecting almost every industrialized nation on earth. While other countries are reducing the size of their governments, we are expected to tolerate massive deficit spending, banking bailouts, and new government programs. America has always been a global leader in democracy, finance, and industry. We should be leading other countries, and showing them how to regain civil and financial stability. And if you wonder where we’re headed as a nation you need look no further than Greece, a country that was unwilling to make sacrifices and now must rely on other nations to bail them out. If our country does not change and make tough choices now, we will lose our sovereignty just like Greece and our President will do more than bow to foreign leaders. We must make decisions that reflect our goals of a balanced budget and a smaller, stronger government.
The third place we can begin to rebuild the foundations of this great nation is in job creation. Congress has still not addressed the biggest weakness our economy faces – a lack of jobs. We are nearly three years into this economic disaster and we are still facing depression-level unemployment. This past May only 20 thousand private sector jobs were created. And although Congress cannot create private sector jobs, they could create a favorable hiring environment for employers. Unfortunately, they have not. As Congress continues to go about politics as usual, they continue to waste tax dollars, creating huge new bureaucracies like the health care bill, and ignore employers and employees alike. Combine these factors with weak leadership and the largest tax increase in the history of America, and “we the people” have a lost confidence in Congress.
Confidence!
I want to remind you that these problems did not start over the last few years. For decades, we have watched the power shift in Washington. In my life time, I have seen the Democrats, then Republicans, and now Democrats again seize power and squander resources. Nothing changes.
Both political parties chose the path of bailouts and deficit spending. Both have oppressed our children and grandchildren by saddling them with huge national debt. And three years into this crisis, we are still not talking about how to best grow our economy so we can reduce the burden of this debt.
Do you have confidence that the same political parties and the same career politicians that created this mess will have the Courage and Desire to make the tough choices and begin fixing these problems? I don’t think so. I know I don’t.
It’s the decisions like those made in the Gulf, on our borders, and on our budget that have created a Crisis of Confidence on the part of the American public.
Confidence!
Do you know the definition of insanity? It is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. That’s why I am asking you to join with me and stop the insanity. William Faulkner once said, “A man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” He was right.
We must begin by doing things differently. I am asking you to begin by electing me, a conservative independent, as a representative of the First District of Mississippi. As a school teacher, a husband, and a father of three, I am committed to making the tough choices and doing what is best for our nation and our next generation, free from the lobbying influence that is the backbone of career politicians.
From the beginning, I have promised that I will limit myself to three – two year terms in Congress. Six years total – long enough to make a difference, short enough to avoid the pitfalls of career politics. I have surrounded myself with men and woman of integrity that keep me accountable to the vision I have laid out for the rebuilding of this great nation based on Truth, Integrity and Sacrifice.
To close, let me say that sacrifice has been at the core of what has made this country great. It will take even more sacrifice on the part of every American in the days ahead. Failure to sacrifice could destroy the very fabric of our nation. We must remain committed! We must be ready to stop the insanity in Congress. We must vote out those who seek personal and political power over the needs of our country and its citizens.
I am asking you to something decidedly different by electing a conservative independent as your United States Representative. Thank you for your willingness to listen and be a part our great democratic process. Thank you for what you do for America. May we bless and honor God by the future choices we make.
On Mission,
Les Green
Extending Our Hand
May 24, 2010Extending Our Hand . . .
We have all, at one time or another, been in need. Perhaps it was a financial need. Perhaps it was physical. Perhaps what we needed most was someone to help carry a load. But, whether we want to admit it or not, at some point we have all needed a helping hand.
Let me tell you about a conversation I had recently with a voter. I was in Corinth, where I met hundreds of people attending a downtown festival. I saw a gentleman standing in a storefront, so I walked across the street and engaged him in a conversation. I mentioned my name and that I was running for Congress. He knew who I was and said that he had been to the www.lesgreenforcongress.com website. We agreed that we need a balanced budget but he had concerns about the people who depend on the government in time of need. I welcomed the chance to talk with him about both of our ideas and concerns. I believe this to be an important part of getting America moving in the right direction. But I asked him to really hear my perspective and look at the difference.
I want to use this opportunity to explain my message in more detail. I believe it is not the typical political speech that says either the government can solve all the problems or that nobody needs help and that everyone should be able to do it all themselves. I believe that in the middle are real solutions and real people helping each other.
I know that, in these tough economic times, many people find themselves without a job for the first time in their lives. Some are looking diligently, but are unable to locate work. Others abuse the system. Many, from both groups, will turn to the federal government for short term assistance. Unfortunately, America is out of money – even if the Federal Reserve and Congress pretend that we are not. When we balance the budget, this process will require us to prioritize our spending at the national, state, and local levels of government.
So what does that mean for us, the ordinary citizen? It means that we must remember those in need of assistance and transition to a place where we as individual citizens meet the needs of those around us. The “just go out and get a job” attitude is not plausible. Things are drastically different in this country. From a financial perspective, everything has changed. Government debt, personal debt, and the lack of good jobs is reality. This process will be painful and will require sacrifice on the part of every American. It is time to face the truth of our situation, not without hope or a plan, but with responsibility and honesty.
If you’ve been to my website or heard me speak, you know that I believe we must rebuild the foundations upon which our country was established. Sacrifice is one of those foundational principles. We cannot expect the government to continue to expand; it no longer has the resources or borrowing capacity to keep up the current insane spending pace. However, we can all shift our thinking and start looking for ways we can help. We must sacrifice even more for those around us in need. Everyday, all over the 1st District, people and organizations are helping those who really need it and showing them the path to getting back on track. To be fiscally and socially responsible and move forward as a country, we must invest in the lives of countless citizens who are struggling. Failure to do so would tear at the economic and moral fabric of our nation.
And yet, while we are faced with this giant task, we must each narrow our focus to the needs of those in our own sphere of influence first – those in our own homes and neighborhoods. Whether by a parent, a friend, a teacher, an employer, a church, or an agency, each of us have, at some point in our lives, been helped along our way. We must return the favor. By doing so, not only do we model a new way for those around us, but we also extend our vision and meet the needs in an expanded territory.
In a recent speech, I mentioned that Mississippi is consistently the most giving state per capita in a nation that is the most giving nation in the world. I believe it is that giving spirit that makes Mississippi uniquely positioned to lead the way. We can no longer expect the government to do all it has been doing. This burden will fall on our shoulders and we must respond.
So, as I did the gentleman from Corinth, I am asking you to look at the vision I am casting for our nation. It is not the typical political rhetoric of past campaigns, but rather a clear message about what it will take for our nation to move forward. As your congressman, I will use my influence to connect service organizations and ministries with each other and with those in need. Together, we can make a difference – one person at a time.
On Mission,
Les Green