Bush makes litigation reform stop in Macomb.
President George W. Bush made his first stop in Michigan since his re-election, and the main topic of his agenda was asbestos litigation reform. Bush spoke to an invitation-only crowd at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts Jan. 7. He was joined by four other guests, one being an expert on asbestos and litigation, with the remaining three speaking of personal asbestos litigation experiences.
Many local politicians were in attendance including U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, Congressmen Mike Rogers and Joe Knollenburg, State Rep. Leon Drolet and County Commissioner Nicholyn Brandenburg.
The President greeted the audience and immediately spoke of the need for community colleges.
“I believe the community college system is a vital part of making sure that America remains a competitive place to do business; after all, one of the ways to ensure that our business sector is strong and vital is to have a work force that is skilled and trained,” he said.
He also spoke of the war in Iraq, as well as the destructive tsunami in Asia.
“Jeb (Bush) tells me of the extraordinary efforts that are being made on behalf of the suffering people by aid workers and most particularly by our United States military. We’re good fighters, but we’re also incredibly compassionate people. Our military is flying chopper lift after chopper lift after chopper lift to get needed supplies to help alleviate the incredible suffering that is going on. I am proud of the efforts we have made, and I will be proud of the efforts we will make,” he said.
Bush spoke of the upcoming elections in Iraq, saying he is excited for the people of Iraq because they will have a chance to go to the polls Jan. 30, stating: “It’s an amazing accomplishment.”
He also said he would like to thank the troops for this historic moment.
The President touched on job security and Social Security. He said during the month of December, 157,000 new jobs were found, saying this is “good news” and “more and more people are finding work.”
The audience cheered when Bush spoke of Social Security reform.
“We’ve got to be wise about how we spend your money. We have to tackle big problems, like the Social Security problem. We have a problem with Social Security. The number of payers paying into the system are dwindling on an annual basis so that when the time baby boomers like me get ready to receive the promise of the government there’s not going to be enough money in the system. And so I’m saying to Congress: Let’s fix it now,” he said.
He said he doesn’t have a specific plan and is listening to all suggestions, with the exception of senior citizens. Those who are retired or near retirement will see no change to their Social Security check, said Bush.
“I’m talking about how we deal with younger workers. Most of them think they’ll never see anything to begin with. I believe one interesting change, one innovative response, is to allow younger workers to take some of their own money and set it aside into a personal savings account so that will earn a better rate of return.”
As for his main topic, asbestos litigation, Bush said the legal system needs reform. He emphasized the need to change medical liability and class action lawsuits because it has an impact on the economy.
Bush said $80 billion has been spent on asbestos litigation and has bankrupted many companies.
“It’s a national problem that requires a national solution.”
Each of President Bush’s guests spoke about asbestos reform, some from Michigan, and said it is a tremendous problem that requires immediate action.
Frank Sullivan, president of a company that is currently in asbestos litigation, said his business has spent $200 million already in payments to people who have sued him.
“I feel bad that people have had so many problems,” said Wendy Frost, daughter of Rep. Miller, who listened to Bush’s comments. “Congress needs to act on this.”
Bush ended his time at Macomb, saying, “We have a duty to solve this problem.”
Agostinho Fernandes Jr, president of Gleaner’s Food Bank in Detroit, said after Bush’s talk: “He could have a successful career as a talk show host” because he seemed so casual and had the audience at ease.
Drolet said Bush’s stop in Macomb County was “more interesting than expected,” and “the stories from the people of Michigan added a lot of interest and drama.”
Bush, who seemed very relaxed and at ease during the discussion, was described by Drolet as “a guy you’d like to have for your next door neighbor.”