On Thursday, August 27, Senator Marco Rubio visited the University of South Carolina as part of his campaign for the Republican nomination in the upcoming presidential election. He spoke to students and residents of Columbia about his strategies and vision for America. With comments about regulatory reform and references to Candy Crush, all attendees were left with a clearer picture of his hopes and plans.
Marco Rubio believes that the programs from the '50s and '60s are not an effective means by which to govern and stimulate the economy in 2015. He recognizes that we are amid a global economy in which “we… you are going to have to compete with people around the world.”
First, he discussed money and health insurance. He’s in favor of reforming taxes, and mentioned that the United States is the only G8 country that taxes its corporations twice. The more you invest into your business, the less you should pay the IRS. Senator Rubio recognizes that our national debt and deficit must be reduced. Social Security and Medicare's current structure is not sustainable for the long term, and we also need to deal with health insurance in a way that is reasonable. He is a proponent of each individual, or employer, purchasing their own health insurance from a variety of options. In this way, quality will increase and cost will decrease.
Next, he emphasized the future of expertise and education. Senator Rubio is expecting a “21st Century Renaissance” to the tune of multiple jobs shifting to technology. People often worry about jobs in the future, expecting that certain professions will be completely overpowered by machines rather than traditional manpower. Rubio mentioned that this movement would actually provide higher paying jobs to more people and better education as well. By again teaching people to “fix things” and providing flexible programs with alternatives to traditional college, Rubio believes this Renaissance could be far greater beneficial than we expect.
To further illustrate his dedication to flexibility in education, he believes bipartisan legislation is the cornerstone of reducing student loans. He wants to focus on competition from innovative programs to help decrease the cost of tuition and provide relief for students floundering in debt. However, he also recognizes those who prefer using their education for different purposes post-graduation. He notes, “If you decide to go live in a tent and find yourself, they made a bad investment.”
Senator Rubio is also unafraid to mention imminent threats to our nation and the world. He mentioned North Korea and nuclear weapons, China and how 50 percent of the world’s commerce traverses the South China Sea, Moscow and unpredictable leaders, and Iran and radical jihadist groups. In response to these threats, Rubio supports a strong national defense. He says that military spending is not what’s driving our national debt. Yes, the military industrial complex is an issue, but destroying or depleting the military is not the solution. Branching outward, on the subject of foreign policy, he wants our allies to feel comfortable to rely on us, and our enemies not to test us. A “foreign policy of moral clarity” is in order. Although few specifics were given on his plans for this, keep following him to hopefully hear more of his policies abroad.
Senator Rubio ended his remarks with a comment that “America doesn’t owe any of us anything.” The future is now, and we should embrace the new economy rather than fight against it. Before the opportunity for questions, he quipped, "I like water," and there were chuckles around the room. Most questions asked dealt with limited government, student debt, and poverty -- topics already discussed in his comments. One questioner inquired, “How can the Republican party convince its opponents, base, and moderates alike that the individuals within it genuinely care about others and are compassionate?” Rubio’s no-nonsense response? “By being compassionate.”
G8: The G8 countries are eight countries (France, Italy, The United Kingdom, Russia, Canada, The United States, Germany, and Japan) deemed highly industrialized and who meet annually at a summit to create policies. http://www.cfr.org/international-organizations-and...
IRS: Internal Revenue Service; most commonly known for collecting taxes. Look up the history of this bureau/department to further understand its role today! http://www.irs.gov/uac/Brief-History-of-IRS
National debt: Think total. The national debt is the accumulation of debt from the federal government borrowing funds to pay for budget deficits.
Budget deficit: Think simply. The difference between what the government spends and receives each year.
Social Security: For unemployed, disabled or retired—benefits.
Medicare: Health insurance for 65+ seniors and certain disabilities.
Just for fun -- Medicaid: Health insurance for free or little cost. This program is run by both the federal and state governments so eligibility varies.
South China Sea: Trade. Location. Oil. Crucially important to international relations. http://www.businessinsider.com.au/why-the-south-ch...
Radical jihadist groups: Jihad is the Muslims’ duty to maintain Islam. The term “jihadism” and the flag has represented al-Queda since the 90s. Usually connoting violence or an armed struggle, insurgency and terrorism are also associated with the term.
Military industrial complex: Essentially companies that make weapons are treated differently/become more powerful/have more access to better legislation in their favor
“I like water.” Senator Rubio was tasked with the GOP (Grand Old Party or Republican Party) response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address in 2013. Pundits, bloggers, and viewers alike noticed Rubio pause to take a sip of water in the middle of his speech. Rubio’s comment on Thursday harkened back to this event.
