Tonight our Congressman, John Kline, held a town hall meeting at Lakeville South High School. Attendance was terrific: around 1000; very few empty seats. The audience was well-behaved - a few people interrupted John's speech but nothing that wasn't handled well. I'll just write some key points from the 90 minute session.

Terms: deficit - occurs when expenditures exceed revenues - a term to define ANNUAL losses; national debt: the accumulation of deficits over years. For calendar year 2009, the deficit will be $1,600,000,000,000 (3x the highest EVER in the USA). The debt total, if Obama gets all the programs he wants will be $21,000,000,000,000 in 10 years. Spending is out of control!

Earmarks: defines as federal funds for special projects; the allocations are NOT made on merit but rather who has been around the longest. In 2008, 30,000+ earmarks; John just said, "No more." in 2009, over 8500 earmarks in the omnibus bill alone. A warning from Congressman Kline, "If you see the word 'omnibus,' watch out!"

We need tort and medical malpractice reform. Medical bankruptcy cannot be "fixed" by the government but rather needs to put ideas on paper as to how to resolve.

When Obama says "You can keep your insurance" it's misleading because it depends which bill (or idea) he is referring to. Then again, it may mean something else.

Any plan needs incentives to provide care at people's home.

Insurance industry and executive compensation do need reform. Issues are how and how much? Should the government do this? No.

Solutions will be in a separate post.

Cross-posted at Look True North.