Gen Next OC and US Senator Thune

February 19, 2009, 9:30am

Summary:

Thanks to Senator Thune, for joining Gen Next OC!

Detail:

In an intimate meeting with Members, Gen Next had the privilege of hosting U.S. Senator John Thune. Covering topics ranging from the stimulus plan to housing markets to tech policy, Members engaged a dynamic and relatively young U.S. Senator.

In one statement describing our current economic crunch, social security and our future, Thune said, “We are asking the future generations to sacrifice for us so we may have a better life now, unlike the pioneers of our country who went without for their children and their futures. It's a complete reversal of generational ethics.”

When discussing the subject of taxes and entitlements, many Members were concerned about the current and future costs.  Thune mentioned that entitlement reform is one area he would like congress to think about. The conversation also delved into small business issues, entrepreneurship, trade, competitiveness, H-1B visas and more. In addition to issues, we also spoke of themes and principles to guide us.  As one guest stated, “We all want to be capitalists on the way up and socialists on the way down, and it just doesn't work like that.”

Senator Thune not only offered candid answers to questions, but he reached out to them for their opinions and suggestions, making for a fascinating discussion.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Senator Thune for his time and moreover the polite and forthright dialogue with Members.

Senator Thune, the youngest current member of congress, held a seat in the House of Representatives before defeating a sitting Senate party leader in 2004. The committees for which Senator Thune sits are: Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee, the Armed Services Committee, the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee, and the Small Business Committee.