By: TONY MARKS
Ville Platte Gazette Editor
COURTNEY HENRY
Oakdale Journal Editor
Holding a series of virtual town hall meetings was United States Representative Mike Johnson (R-Bossier City), who represents Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District which includes Evangeline and Allen Parishes.
During the meeting held Thursday, June 4, for residents of Evangeline Parish, Congressman Johnson geared his opening remarks to what he called “the big issue facing the country right now.”
That issue, according to the congressman, is the protests which are in result to the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. “When you have a video that’s that graphic and clear,” he said, “I don’t see how anybody can review that video and come to any other conclusion than he was the victim of a murder.”
Congressman Johnson went on to explain how this “tragedy has forced the spotlight once again on the plight of millions of black men in America.” He added, “It’s very real and heartbreaking, and it has to be addressed. From Congress on down, I think there’s a renewed attention to the issue.”
Our nation, according to Congressman Johnson, was founded on a creed that is explicitly written in the Declaration of Independence which “is an inherent truth that all men are created equal and we’re endowed by God Himself with the same inalienable rights.”
He continued, “We have to recognize the Declaration of Independence is our creed and it has not yet been fully recognized. We haven’t fulfilled it. We can if we work together and learn how to see each other as God does.”
Earlir, on Wednesday, May 27, U.S. Congressman Mike Johnson held a tele-town hall for his Allen Parish constituents while he was making his way to the Capitol for a vote on the House floor.
The congressman addressed several issues that are facing Louisianans and particularly Allen Parish residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said one of the serious challenges of the pandemic is the country is in a near depression due to the shut down of the economy. For Louisiana, in particular, the oil and gas industry nosedive has rippled its effects across the state. He said the good thing about Louisiana is, “we are a resilient people, whether it be tornadoes, flood, hurricanes or a failing economy. We are known for recovering and rebuilding.”
He said the federal government has spent almost nine trillion dollars in aid. The original funds for small businesses were divvied out too quickly and they are hoping to find more funds specifically for small business owners.
Johnson also addressed the issues that face FCC Oakdale. He said they have a task force that meets weekly keeping them up-to-date with Oakdale’s case numbers and any needs the prison has. He also thanked all the employees of the prison for their hard work and dedication during this crucial time.
Johnson also gave an update on what is happening in the nation’s capitol. He said the proxy voting scheme dreamed up by Speaker Nancy Pelosi is a “tragedy for the American people and blatantly unconstitutional.”
Proxy voting is the process by which a member of Congress, who expects to be absent from a vote, gives permission to a chairman, ranking member, or possibly another member to cast a vote on his or her behalf. Johnson said meeting to discuss their constituents and voting on important matters is part of the job description and should be taken seriously. “If we were to vote on something and we ended up in court over it, the amendment or law wouldn’t hold up in court.” The law states it was a proxy, which is not elected by the American people, so it cannot replace the vote of a congressman/woman on Capitol Hill.
Both town hall meetings concluded with the congressman fielding questions from constituents listening in on mobile devices.