BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Playback58@gmail.com

FRANKLIN—Finding a mutual relationship from which to work and advance the nation was the theme of a presentation by U.S. Rep. Randy Forbes, R-Va., during Friday’s Franklin Rotary Club meeting at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

“We need a common ground of how we can move the country forward,” said Forbes, who is running for re-election in the Fourth District on Nov. 6 against Democrat and former Chesapeake Councilwoman Dr. Ella Ward.

He said that working together on health care could have positive results. If the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or diabetes could be delayed even by two years, it would completely change the curve of health care.

“That’s what we can do if we find common ground,” Forbes said. “We have to stop screaming at each other, and instead, build relationships. It’s not Washington that’s polarized; it’s the country.”

Such cooperation could help steady support systems in the country.

“There are four great pillars keeping the United States strong,” said Forbes, who added his concern that these are shaking.

The first is the economy.

“If tax rates go up, some analysts say this could result in the loss of 700,000 more jobs,” he said. “The health care bill could mean another 800,000 jobs lost. Cuts to defense and the space program could cost 3 million more jobs.”

The rule of law is the next pillar. Forbes emphasized that the philosophy that the ends justifies the means is wrong.

Third is religious freedom.

“I will go to my grave fighting for your religious freedom,” he said. “We’ve got to re-strengthen that.”

Fourth is a strong military defense, which he believes is being jeopardized by the aforementioned cuts and reduction of ships.

“What can we do? Stabilize the four pillars and pass that torch of freedom to our children and grandchildren,” said Forbes.