Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.) discussed trade, social security reform and the overall value of his life experiences with the GW College Republicans Wednesday night.

Kolbe, who was the first Republican to serve southern Arizona, offered insight from his 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.

He identified trade and social security issues as his two passions in government.

Social security is the third rail of American politics, he said, implying that any politician who touches the issue would be zapped. The time has come for us to touch that rail and start talking openly about social security.

Kolbe said during his time in the House, he worked on social security reform that will benefit older and younger generations.

(Social security) is a system that stinks for young people, he said.

One of the problems that afflicts the social security system is the gap between benefits being paid and incoming revenue, Kolbe said. He attributed this problem to the increased life span of Americans.

You will get less out of the system than you put into it, Kolbe said to the young crowd. Social security goes negative real fast.

Kolbe, who is vice-chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, also touched upon the topic of free trade in his speech.

You should have the ability to trade, buy or sell with other countries, said Kolbe, who is a self-described avid proponent of free trade. It’s your right to choose goods, services and prices.

Kolbe dismissed the idea of fair trade, saying it is merely a code word for protectionism.

Never let anyone tell you that it’s not in your best interest to have free trade, he said.

Kolbe said issues of trade will be critical in Washington this year with Chinese relations on the table. He endorsed the inclusion of China in the World Trade Organization, saying the country needs a rules-based system of trading. The WTO is still waiting for China to modify its practices before it can become a member, Kolbe said.

The congressman also spoke about his record of 24 elections with only one loss while also emphasizing the benefit of an occasional defeat.

If you can’t learn from failure, it’s truly a lost experience, he said. After losing, I learned that I was OK as a person.

Despite all his work in the House, Kolbe’s dream job doesn’t require him to draft bills and vote on legislation.

What I really want to do when I grow up – I want to be a teacher. he said. I’d rather teach with college students than do anything.

Maybe I’ll come back here and teach someday, he said, saying he was impressed by the tremendous degree of political knowledge that the students present possessed.

But for some students in the crowd, Kolbe already is a teacher.

I learned a lot from him, said sophomore CR member Mark Soohoo. He’s a dynamic speaker – entertaining and informative. A lot of issues (he talked about) make a lot of sense.

He’s a good guy, said sophomore Ian Quinn. He seems like he’s willing to work with all sides to make progress.