Preserving Our Democracy - Opportunities Must Exist for All

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran spent part of his Veteran’s Day schedule addressing more than 160 local business leaders at the Chamber’s Federal Issue Forum on Monday. Moran told the crowd that he was deviating from his typical speech at Chamber events to address an issue that is of utmost importance to him – preserving our democracy.

The Senator from Kansas expressed concern about the increased popularity of discussions about the need for socialistic type policies. Moran said, “We can look to Wichita for evidence of how free enterprise and the American Dream go hand in hand. Where we can confirm that free markets and individual initiative, not socialism, create economic well-being.”

Noting that the call for socialism can be attributed to some Americans feeling that the economic deck is stacked against them, Moran said that a lack of progress in the nation’s capital has also fueled the search for other answers to the growing economic inequality experienced by many voters. The Senator reminded the attendees that citizens lose hope when they feel ignored. And they look for other ways to get things done when they see their leadership engaged in partisanship and gridlock.

Moran said, “There is no doubt that our free-market economy, individual and liberty are under fire in the call for socialist policies. We must work together not only to defeat these proposals, but to show the American people and those who fought to protect our way of life that we can solve our country’s pressing issues in a way that upholds the Constitution and in a way where individuals can realize their potential in the greatness of this country.”

Concluding that partnerships are imperative for preserving our democracy, Moran said, “I’m proud to call the individuals in this room partners. Partners in our work to fuel the future of Wichita.” Chamber members had an opportunity to pose several questions following Moran’s presentation. Those questions reflected concern about the need to address infrastructure, trade and immigration.

At the end of the program Moran was presented the Spirit of Enterprise Award by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for embracing free market principles and the crucial votes that he casts to expand economic growth for Kansans and the nation. Moran’s consistent support of free enterprise was also hailed by the national organization.

Please see our Facebook album for more photos from the event.