Rand Paul makes stop in London to recognize first responders

Madison Nantz, The Times-Tribune, Corbin, Ky.
·2 min read

Oct. 30—LONDON — Last Thursday, Republican Senator Rand Paul visited the London-Corbin Airport to speak on the issue of inflation and trade, as well as express appreciation toward the community's first responders.

Prefacing Sen. Paul's speech, Air Evac Lifeteam's Senior Program Director Dan Durham, spoke regarding the I-75 shooting which occurred on Sept. 7 and prompted a 12-day manhunt.

"As a lot of the nation started looking at London and Laurel County over the next few days, watching that situation unfold that night, we saw that first responders from London and Laurel County came together," he said, noting that they went in blindly because "that's what first responders do."

Durham additionally expressed his gratitude to be in the company of Laurel County Judge Executive David Westerfield, State Sen. Brandon Storm, London Mayor Randall Weddle, Laurel Sheriff John Root, and, of course, Sen. Paul.

During his speech, Sen. Paul discussed a widespread reduction in poverty over the past two centuries — crediting capitalism, property rights, and international trade.

"We're richer because we trade with other countries," he said, urging that "trade is actually what made our country rich."

Sen. Paul opined about the benefits of foreign investment, such as Japanese and German companies employing Kentucky citizens, emphasizing that the country could thrive by balancing openness with thoughtful immigration policies.

"We need to not get to this point where we think trade's a bad thing," Paul stated.

The junior Kentucky senator went on to express concern over $35 trillion in federal debt, voicing his opinion that this burdens the economy through inflation and rising interest payments.

"Interest on the debt is now greater than what we spend defending our country," he said, blaming both political parties for unnecessary spending. "We've got to look at all the spending," he said.

Sen. Paul additionally encouraged the younger generation to explore careers in trades as they can be lucrative. "If you're an electrician, you'll be middle class. If you become an electrical contractor, you'll be richer than every doctor in town," he said.

Paul concluded the speech on a positive note, expressing pride in the country's resilience, saying, "I'm optimistic about our country. I'm very happy that we have a country that has, you know, Air Evac, that has people committed to rescuing people. I'm glad we live in such a good place."

Following his time at the airport, Sen. Paul went on to visit two other Eastern Kentucky cities, Middlesboro and Harlan, Thursday.