The College Republicans and College Democrats jointly hosted United States Congressman Connie Mack on June 9. Congressman Mack expressed his appreciation for this cooperation. "We shouldn't be fighting about Republican and Democratic ideas," he said. "We should be together, fighting for freedom."

LAKELAND, Fla. (June 10, 2011) – On June 9, Florida Southern College students had the exceptional opportunity to discuss political issues face-to-face with an elected official who shapes national policy. United States Congressman Connie Mack (R-14) visited FSC to speak with students, faculty, and members of the community about his work and his outlook on the country's concerns, with a particular focus on the economy.

The College Republicans and College Democrats jointly hosted the event, with students from both sides joining in the discussion. Congressman Mack expressed his appreciation for this cooperation. "We shouldn't be fighting about Republican and Democratic ideas," he said. "We should be together, fighting for freedom."

FSC students posed questions on topics ranging from voter registration laws to Social Security reform to the recent scandals involving former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Congressman Anthony Weiner. Congressman Mack graciously addressed each of these subjects, discussing the current trends and debates in Congress as well as his own proposals. He particularly came alive when discussing issues surrounding the nation's debt, deficits, and economy, such as in response to the students' concern about the shaky job market they will be joining upon graduation.

Congressman Mack believes that America can create jobs by lowering corporate taxes and loosening regulations, breaking what he perceives to be governmental barriers on entrepreneurial growth. "The model of a free-market approach has always worked," he said. "Good things happen when businesses grow." He also outlined a new proposal, called the "One Cent Solution," that he has crafted to balance the national budget and cut federal spending.

In addition, Congressman Mack discussed his role as chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, where he works to develop free trade agreements in South America. "Day to day, you don't see or hear much about Latin America, but these countries are some of our largest trading partners and very important to the U.S. economy. Free trade agreements level the playing field so our businesses will be able to participate in these markets," he said. Congressman Mack is currently working to establish trade agreements with Panama and Colombia.

FSC's student organizations were pleased to host the event, which provided an opportunity for students to learn about the political process from someone with over a decade of service as an elected official. Congressman Mack's visit was one more example of Florida Southern College's tradition of providing engaged learning opportunities for students.

For photos from Congressman Connie Mack’s visit, see the fsc.mocs photostream on Flickr »