The Republicans and Democrats who gathered Sunday agreed there are problems with health care, the immigration system and the economy. Their differences came into focus when they talked about the causes and solutions.

Before the Super Bowl kicked off, Democratic lawmakers and Republican officials met to discuss the major issues of the day at Trinity United Methodist Church.

Harold Thomas left just wishing the discussion had been a little longer.

“It was a good forum to let the community get perspective on what’s going on. I think we need more things like that,” he said.

The differences were apparent from the first question about health care -- if only the differences in emphasis.

Rep. Jerry Govan, D-Orangeburg, said Congress needs to ensure workers can continue to have health insurance even when they switch jobs. And they shouldn’t be disqualified from obtaining health insurance because of a pre-existing condition, he said.

There are an estimated 38 to 48 million without health insurance and “it’s a shame to have that many Americans without health care coverage,” he said.

The Rev. Charles Butler, S.C. Republican Party second vice chair, said the primary issue is cost and, “If we don’t bring down costs, then the problems we have now will continue to exist.”

Orangeburg County Republican Party Chairman Jim Ulmer said, “Competition works. It helps keep costs down.”

Opening competition among insurance companies could drive down health care costs, just as Wal-Mart helped drive down costs at other pharmacies by lowering its price for generics, he said. Ulmer also spoke in favor of tort reform.

Rep. Bakari Sellers, D-Denmark, said the Obama administration’s plans for a health insurance exchange providing people with insurance options would foster competition.

He also mentioned Blue Cross-Blue Shield of South Carolina, claiming it has one of the largest surpluses of any Blue Cross operation in the nation.

“They have buckets of money there and I think that’s a problem,” he said.

Sellers said there’s also a need for a better primary care system to help deal with problems such as childhood obesity and diabetes. Patients who don’t have access to primary care end up having their cases handled in the emergency room.

Govan said illegal immigration is a challenge for the state’s schools, hospitals and other institutions, but urged compassion.

“We provide for people regardless ... because we’re a compassionate people,” he said.

Butler said “All of us can agree immigration is a good thing,” but there are issues of national and economic security. Comparing illegal immigration to someone breaking into a home and stealing, he said the U.S. must secure its borders.

Illegal immigrants are taking from the system and not giving back, he said. Saying that he’s seen Hispanic people working on roads, Butler said immigrants are taking away jobs that were traditionally held by African Americans.

“We are being displaced more by illegal immigration than anyone else,” he said.

Sellers argued against comparing illegal immigrants with burglars.

He credited the state’s Republicans with tightening up rules to prevent employers from hiring illegal immigrants, and said creative ways need to be found to ensure everyone is a productive citizen who pays taxes.

Ulmer called illegal immigration a national security issue, saying al Qaida could bring a nuclear weapon across the border in suitcase. He also noted Mexican drug gangs have entered the U.S.

Immigrants can legally come into the U.S. temporarily under the guest worker program, and more workers could be allowed, he said.

But amnesty would encourage more illegal immigration, he said. “They’ll think, ‘They’ll forgive me one day.’”

Govan said if the U.S. wants to control illegal immigration, then businesses will have to stop hiring illegal immigrants.

“If they can’t produce a green card, don’t hire them,” he said.

On the economy, Sellers said President Barack Obama has worked to provide tax relief and stimulus cash, among other things.

He also argued that an educated workforce is needed to help children compete globally.

Butler said, “As a community, we need to turn back to the Lord.” If so, he’ll ensure there are jobs, he said.

And on education, Butler said “we need to get our edge back.” And that includes putting prayer and discipline back in schools, he said.

The forum was sponsored by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Orangeburg Wesley Foundation and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Sen. John Matthews, D-Bowman, was unable to attend the forum as originally scheduled. Dr. Rashad Darby, a CVS pharmacy supervisor, also participated in the discussion.

n T&D City Editor Gene Crider can be reached by e-mail at gcrider@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5570. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

 

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