Georgia US Senator David Perdue Visits Blue Ridge

By: Tiffany Roath
Fannin County was proud to host Georgia US Senator (R) David Perdue on Saturday June 20, 2015 to a BBQ luncheon held in his honor at the Blue Ridge City Park. The crowd was small but enthusiastic to hear the Senator speak about his short time in Washington since his decisive win this past November in a tight race against Michelle Nunn.In a ceremony opened in prayer by Stan Helton followed by Howard Lawson of the Fannin County Republican Party leading the Pledge of Allegiance, Harry Doss introduced Senator Perdue who gave a brief but informative speech.

The Senator admitted that he has been deeply discouraged by the state of our nation but his focus was primarily on regaining fiscal responsibility and maintaining our personal freedoms. Both he says are under fire from a president that has shown little restraint in the way he has

“manipulated and abused”

his use of executive actions.

When asked what he feels are successes since he has been in Washington he was proud to point out that educational programs such as Common Core and No Child Left Behind were now going to be delegated to state run programs instead of federal. Putting the implementation of these programs in the hands of the States to implement as they see fit. This is of particular interest to those in Fannin County as the school system recently adopted a charter system that will affect the 2015-2016 school year.

The biggest response from the crowd was the moment when Senator Perdue spoke about the need to protect our Faith and our Freedom from those who seek to take the rights of both away. Nationally he referred to this as a

“full blown crisis”.

This resonated with the crowd who gave him the victory in Fannin County this past November by an overwhelming 76% of the votes.

He voiced his concern regarding the shrinking state of every branch of our armed forces while China has doubled theirs as well as the likelihood of a nuclear Iran.

Senator Perdue engaged with the crowd making eye contact as he gave his personal promise to hold him accountable to uphold and fight for more Economic Opportunities, Fiscal Responsibility and lastly, to fight for our Independent Liberties.

In closing Senator Perdue quoted Ronald Reagan who stated

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same.”

Johnny Scearce, Presidant of the Fannin County Chapter of the Republican party was asked what he thought the biggest challenge for the Republican party would be in 2016 and he said that we needed to unite. When asked his personal opinion on Donald Trump announcing his canadecy he said

“ his message is resonating with the American people. He may surprise us”.