The Republican Club of San Francisco hosted a dinner with former Congressman Louie Gohment (R-TX) on July 13th at the Presidio Officer’s Club in San Francisco. I had the good fortune of sitting directly across him at the head table.

His grace, pleasantness and Texas drawl belies his tenacity for the truth and in defending America and our American way of life. It’s clear that he loves people and wants the best for his fellow man in our country and abroad. He’s a terrific storyteller with many interesting experiences to share. He doesn’t shy away from tough questions or difficult issues, either. Since retiring from Congress, he shares his message about the difficulties facing our country and what we must do to save it. He feels such a sense of urgency that he asks only for his costs to be covered – he doesn’t seek exorbitant honorariums like so many other retired politicians.

Louie spoke of many issues, including the corruption in federal government now spreading from DC throughout our great land. He fears that if a Republican doesn’t win in 2024 that they’ll never again win the presidency. He’s a fearless supporter of President Donald Trump and MAGA. He’s fully vested in eliminating election fraud, or reducing it to a minimum.

I’d like to share but one of his speech topics then one of his personal stories. 

In one segment of his speech he argued that compassion for immigrants massing on our southern border wasn’t to allow them to enter illegally, but to keep them out. Why? Because an open border enriches the cartels that make billions from human trafficking, drug smuggling and the sex trade. They have become so wealthy that they challenge the federal government. He argued that Mexico should be an extremely wealthy country with a high standard of living. They’re centered between two oceans that provide access to the rest of the world. They’re between two continents, one to the north and another to the south. Their people are industrious and hard working. And Mexico has immense natural resources. The only thing keeping the down is a corrupt government backed by the criminal cartels. His solution is simple. Close the border to impoverish the cartels and permit the people of Mexico to flourish.

Before his speech while waiting for dinner to be served, I asked why he was friends with Dennis Kucinich. His answer was simple: “because he’s honest.” I then asked if he did anything that he enjoyed after his retirement from Congress. That prompted him to talk about his dad, who died two years ago aged 93. Louis B. Gohmert was a well-known architect in East Texas that contributed significantly to its contemporary style. He designed hundreds of homes, schools, churches and office buildings. A common feature of his designs was the use of natural light to fill spaces. When asked about that design feature he noted that “the Lord’s light is always best.” 

Louie acquired most of his father’s works after his death. He asked Texas A&M, his alma mater, if they would be interested in creating a permanent display for them. They jumped at the opportunity. So Louie and his daughter, who was in Germany studying the development of  art displays, began assembling documents for a permanent display at Texas A&M for his late father’s work. 

Anyone hearing him tell that story would recognize Louie felt a strong sense of accomplishment in working with his daughter to create such a tribute to his dad’s memory. I’m convinced now more than ever that we need more virtuous people like Louie Gohmert in government.

Other people that attended the dinner are encouraged to share their stories about him in the comments below.