U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Benton, who represents the 4th Congressional District, was at the Evangeline Parish Courthouse on Nov. 11 for the Veterans Day.
Following the ceremony, Johnson held a town hall meeting in Mamou where he discussed issues such as energy costs, the southern border, abortion and the vaccine mandate.
“I love Mamou,” said Johnson. “The last time I was here in this facility was the Cajun Music Festival two years ago. When I’m around doing other festivals and up almost on the Arkansas border, where our district goes, I tell them about the Cajun Music Festival and about that pole where they put the stuff on it and everybody’s trying to climb up.”
He added, “We’re in a spiritual battle for the future of the country. There’s no other way to say it. There are a lot of arrows flying around right now. We have some serious problems in this country, and there’s no way to candy coat that or put gloss on it. It just is. The only good news is, from my perspective is, I think all of that is going to change soon.”
The congressman cited Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the house, who predicted next year’s midterm election will be a red tsunami.
Johnson said, “We’re in a battle of competing philosophies of government. I subscribe to what I consider quintessential American principles and values — the things that made us the greatest nation in the history of the world. Ronald Reagan used to talk about all the time that America is the shining city on a hill and we’re the last great hope of man on earth. This constitutional republic is the hope for the whole free world, and a strong America is good for the whole planet because the perception of Reagan’s other doctrine peace through strength. He understood and we understand that a strong America is good for everybody around the world. The perception that we will defend that freedom and preserve liberty is what keeps tyrants and terrorists at bay. If we project weakness, then we invite aggression.”
