By TERRI HAHN
Rep. Louie Gohmert delivered a moving and reassuring speech to Harrison County Republicans as they honored President Abraham Lincoln with at the organization's 45th annual tribute dinner to the former president Friday evening.
"I've been looking forward to be with good people with good common sense and great Texans," he said as he greeted the approximately 175 guests at Cypress Valley Baptist Church.
Rep. Louie Gohmert addresses a crowd of Harrison County Republicans at the 45th annual Lincoln Day Dinner Friday at Cypress Valley Baptist Church.
"This is a bigger turnout than we were anticipating," said Chad Sims, Harrison County Republican Party chairman. "This has been an annual event since 1964, and we're excited about the terrific turnout we get every year and especially this year."
Rep. Gohmert was introduced to the group by LaDarius Carter, president of the East Texas Baptist University Republican Society. Carter compared Gohmert to President Lincoln saying they are both men of God and both voice their opinions "no matter what." Carter also praised Gohmert's candid, heartfelt speaking when addressing issues on the U.S. House floor.
"I really have been looking forward to this all week," said Gohmert, who spoke for more than an hour and updated the congregation on activities in Washington, his concerns for popular issues and his recommendations for their solution.
"I told my colleagues in the Republican Party not to do this ... not to give one man so much power," said Gohmert of President George W. Bush's unprecedented control. "Not since George Washington had one man been given so much power, and George Washington didn't even hardly use it, then gave it back."
His concerns about the power of the office are that President Barack Obama will use the power and compare his use to that of Bush by saying, "I'm not doing anything Bush didn't do."
Gohmert asked the people to trust him as he continues in Washington.
"East Texans are not shy about saying whatever they think," said Gohmert. "When I vote, if it's not what the majority of East Texans agree with, give me a chance to come home and explain."
To support this request, Gohmert explained suspect inclusions in a recent patent bill.
He explained that the bill had likely been written by the lawyers of big business. Were it passed, the result would be devastating to small businesses and individuals who brought cases against large businesses.
"When you come to a fork in the road, do what you know you should do," said Gohmert.
Gohmert also addressed the economy and Obama's "spendulous bill." He disagrees with the measure, saying about half of the funds are scheduled for use in two years.
Gohmert's tax holiday proposal would allow people to keep their normal withholding during a certain period. "Can you imagine the response if people found out all the taxes they paid were coming back?" he asked.
Gohmert said a study showed the people would build, buy and create work for others, stimulating the economy.
Throughout the talk, Gohmert regaled the group with personal tales of love, jokes and kept the serious business light.
"A man has got to know his limitations, and Washington doesn't," said Gohmert, who feels many have an "attitude of arrogance" when considering the citizens.
Many local officials attended the dinner and were recognized by Sims as he opened the floor for speakers.
State Representative Bryan Hughes was among the attendees glad to be in his home district.
"Legislation is in session, so I'm happy to be back home," said Hughes. "I get home as much as I can to report back on what's going on and to hear from the folks I work for."
Hughes keeps in touch with some of his constituents on Facebook, but said there is nothing like shaking hands and looking people in the eye.
