Beltway Happenings
July 31, 2006--Former Speaker Newt Gingrich delivered a wide-ranging speech at the Young America's Foundation's 28th annual National Conservative Student Conference.  Members of the audience found copies of Gingrich's book "Winning the Future" on their seats upon arriving.   

On health care, Gingrich cited the example of Florida, praising its websites that provide consumers information on hospitals and drug pricing.  On energy, Gingrich spoke glowingly of composites and other advances and foresaw a day when cars might get 1,000 miles on a gallon of gas.  

On Social Security, Gingrich stated, "The White House went about Social Security totally wrong last year."  "It has to grow from you back to Washington," Gingrich said.  "We need this organized by young people on behalf of young people and then imposed on the politicians," Gingrich said.  He called for a 30-year transition and backed legislation introduced by Sen. John Sununu (R-NH) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI). ["Social Security Personal Savings Guarantee and Prosperity Act of 2005"]

On the challenge posed by China and India, Gingrich said there must be reforms in litigation, regulation, taxation and education.

Finally, Gingrich addressed his recent theme of "an emerging Third World War."  "If our enemies get nuclear or biological weapons they are going to use them," Gingrich said.  "We need to understand how serious this is."  (There was a bit of awkwardness when Gingrich a couple of times misidentified Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez as Cesar Chavez).  After the speech, Gingrich took questions. 

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Copyright © 2006  Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in Action