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Brown-Waite Fields Questions from Students

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: March 11, 2009

HUDSON - The sight of the nation's capital lit up at night still inspires U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite whenever she returns to Washington, D.C.

"I still get goosebumps up and down my back," Brown-Waite told several social studies classes at Hudson High School during a recent appearance.

A four-term Republican from Brooksville, Brown-Waite accepted the invitation from the students to speak on citizenship and field questions.

First, she advised students to stay in school, which made all the difference for her after growing up poor in New York. She was the only one in her family to finish college.

Brown-Waite keeps a copy of the U.S. Constitution in her purse and handed out copies to students. She said she believes in state rights, but recognizes laws of different states can create conflicts.

All too many members of Congress fall into the trap of losing touch with their constituents back home, she cautioned.

Taking questions, Brown-Waite said she had opposed the federal stimulus package of $787 million, which passed recently. She thinks it won't create enough jobs while adding a trillion dollars or more to the federal deficit.

In the meantime, tax increases on wealthier Americans making more than $200,000 could have unintended consequences for small businesses.

"I was not an easy sell," Brown-Waite said about lobbying for the stimulus by White House staff.

Nor did she care for last September's bank bailouts. Banks apparently took federal taxpayer money but didn't increase loans. Instead they bought other banks. Some bank executives threw lavish parties.

In a speech Monday in Tampa, however, Alex Sanchez, the chief executive of the Florida Bankers Association, insisted that banks in Florida are in business to make loans, even if they are getting a bad rap at the moment for allegedly hoarding federal bailout dollars.

"Accusing a banker of not wanting to lend is like accusing a restaurateur of not wanting anyone to eat there," Sanchez said.

In her talk with the students Brown-Waite said of the bank bailout legislation, "When I looked at the bill, I said this is a giveaway."

Problems arose in part because some people bought too much house, she thinks. She feels the pain of the recession personally since her own house has not sold after a year.

"Everyone is taking a licking in this market," Brown-Waite observed.

Despite her conservative roots, Brown-Waite added that she wants affordable health care. "Maybe it's because I grew up poor."

As for President Obama, "as an American I want him to succeed," Brown-Waite responded to one question.

Brown-Waite urged the students to get more involved. She exhorted them to work on campaigns first to get a taste of politics and find out if they like it before seeking office themselves.

Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.

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