SIDNEY – U.S. Congressman Jim Jordan said Monday that rectifying a long entangled political system has a simple first step onto the right road. Unfortunately, many politicians are afraid of taking the step that got them elected, he lamented.

Jordan, R-Urbana, 4th District, repeated his thoughts on the topic of carrying out campaign promises, when he faced questions about major political topics facing during a public session at the Sidney VFW Hall. The session was sponsored by the Shelby County Liberty Inc., a proclaimed nonprofit, non-partisan organization.

Nearly 50 people were on hand as the congressman also offered his thoughts on current political hot potatoes, such as healthcare legislation, tax reform, and illegal immigration. Visitors submitted questions for Jordan prior to the event. Later, the floor was opened for further public discussion.

Jordan began by quoting his favorite bible verse, II Timothy 4:7, which he said drives his never quit attitude in office. It reads, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”.

He told the crowd the main topics are alienating voters. He claimed a main factor in breeding such distrust is vital part of the citizenry’s basic values.

“The objectives here are not that hard to figure out. Just do, what you said you were going to do. It’s just keeping the promises you made while trying to get elected,” Jordan said.

He added that once in office, facing opposition can be challenging. He said some Republicans seem afraid to “go on offense” when making their points.

Jordan pointed to the Donald Trump-Hillary Clinton presidential campaign last fall. He feels a main reason Trump got elected was because he promised voters he was going to repeal Obamacare, build a security wall along the country’s southern border, and make tax reform laws to benefits the working class.

He said roadblocks in efforts to keep those promises have grown beyond reason.

“Some 18 months ago, when there was a Democratic majority, every Republican congressman voted to repeal Obamacare. This last vote, six Republican legislators voted against it. It was the same bill they voted for 18 months ago, but now they are against it.”

Earlier, Jordan said, that when looking at the current political unrest and party in-fighting, former Texas Republican congressman and house leader Dick Armey said it best regarding the GOP, in stating “When we act like us, we win. When we act like them, we lose”.

Obamacare repeal not likely

Jordan said Obamacare will most likely never be repealed. A revised plan is being touted to relax insurance plan options, regulations on premium assistance, and tax penalties, all the while maintaining vital health coverage.

He said the Obama administration lied regarding the health care plan, mounting premiums, high deductibles, and people being able to keep their same doctors.

Regarding a wall being built on the Mexican border, Jordan said the public perception is that “no one trusts Washington (D.C.) to do the right thing.” He said the actions of past administrations involving immigration, and the changing of their course when politically advantageous, have resulted in laws that are harmful to the U.S.

He again pointed to Trump’s campaign promise to build a wall. Jordan said if Trump doesn’t build the wall, people will never trust him again.