Lindsey Graham: “All I’ve ever done is try to solve problems.”

Pictured: Lindsey Graham (Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)

“All I’ve ever done is try to solve problems,” says Lindsey Graham at the Business Owners luncheon at Hall’s Chophouse. A packed house, including some of Charleston most successful business owners, listened to Lindsey Graham discuss the challenges facing our country.

“I believe in America.” “[We may be messed up], but we’re less messed up than the rest of the World,” says Graham to chuckles in the audience. But, “I have never been more worried than I am right now of another attack on our Country.” He addressed our failure to contain ISIS in Iraq stating that they have just four goals: “ Bend every Muslim to their will, faith on their terms, Destroy Israel and Kill Christians.” He begged our leaders not to make the same mistake in withdrawing from Afghanistan as we did in Iraq

I’D RATHER LOSE MY JOB AND GET [THE PORT] RIGHT; ‘CAUSE WHAT DAMN GOOD AM I IF I GET THAT WRONG?

He told the crowd that he has to work with Democrats because they have ports too. And, we need to make sure we get the funding that’s been raped from our port. I agree with this sentiment. Graham added, “If we don’t keep our port afloat, it would shut us down,” in South Carolina.

As to immigration, Graham says, “I’m willing to give illegal immigrants a second chance, but our way, not yours,” meaning that first we must secure the border, force business to hire only legal workers (and if they hire illegals, we take their businesses). “Criminals, gang members, felons, have to go,” he says. And, you “have to learn English….If you don’t speak English you have no chance in America.”

Specifically to Charleston, Graham said, “Charleston people have made Boeing successful beyond its wildest dreams.” That’ why they are building all of the extended version 787’s here. That’s a testament to the people of Charleston. It’s a “game changer….Charleston is a great brand.”

And, most importantly he talked about the future. He stated, “I fear our country is going to lose the ability for your children to do better than you’ve done.” The theme of his speech could be best summarized by its beginning. He said, “People respond to incentives.” We are incentivizing bad behavior, entitlement, illegal immigration and allowing the World to build unrest. He added, that its unrealistic to think we are ever going to build consensus and deport all these people. I agree with him. Graham stated, “There will always be democrats” that we have to negotiate with or we get nothing done.

One guest at the meeting privately responded to my sentiments (that this was a great message) by saying, “that’s what he’s been saying for a long time.” People just aren’t hearing it.

From the purview of Charleston, I know this: Lindsey Graham has been instrumental in fighting for our bases, our Veterans, our Port and our Boeing. I’ve disagreed with Graham on several issues, but if he can help Charleston win on those four issues, the alternatives to our Senior Senator are far more disturbing.

Senator Graham lost me on immigration a year ago, but today reminded me that there are many important things to our region which he has handled brilliantly. And. perhaps, I’ve been like many others too quick to pick a fight over immigration instead of find something better than what we have now. I’m willing to listen; are you?