The Deafness in D.C.

The people speak.  The people protest.  The people cry out.  The people vote.

And still, Congress refuses to listen to the voice of the people.  Why are you in Washington D.C.?  Were you not elected by the people to carry out their desires, to represent the voices of many, to speak on our behalf?

Why have you grown deaf?  We have clearly and loudly proclaimed our disgust with your job performance.  We have communicated with certainty our desire that you work to solve our country’s complex problems in a cooperative manner.  We agree that fiscal responsibility must be achieved to secure our future.

Yet, despite our unified voice, you remain not only divided, but unwilling to work for the greater good. 

It’s time for real change.  That means a New Congress – one comprised of people who represent the majority and who are there for the purpose of keeping America strong with the promise of a prosperous future for our children and grandchildren.

It’s time for term limits.  It’s time for campaign finance reform.  It’s time to put an end to professional lobbyists and special interests.

REFORM CONGRESS NOW!  The People Have Spoken!

Washington Is Missing In Action

A foreigner visiting American these days might well think there are actually two US governments at work in Washington DC.  Likely, this visitor would sustain a whiplash injury from watching the volley from liberal left to conservative right and wonder silently “surely these two opposite agendas don’t work together in one government.”

Sadly, that is the truth.  These two sides don’t work together in one government.  Not by a long shot.  These sworn enemies can’t agree on even the most fundamental issues facing the United States.  Let’s just use one such issue as an example.

Anyone reading this who believes that the Social Security and Medicare system is currently on track to be insolvent in the not too distant future, please raise your hand.  Oh, that would be ALL OF YOU!  Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand for the past 15 or 20 years, you should know this fact:  Social Security and Medicare can not be fiscally sustained as currently constructed.  Period.  Fact.  No arguments.  It is incontrovertible.

Whether you are Democrat, Republican, Independent, Libertarian or Green Party, the above certainty remains.  So, what are we going to do about it?  Which of the following is the right answer:

1. Congress should go on summer recess because this (among others) is an easy problem to fix;
2. The President should go to Martha’s Vineyard on a family vacation because it is the responsibility of Congress to fix this and the President needs to be rejuvenated;
3. Congress and the President should stay in Washington and work until the country is on a sound fiscal track even if that means foregoing vacations.

How many of you picked 3?  That’s what I thought!  Our visiting foreigner also picked 3.  Hmm, he doesn’t even live here and he understands that some problems must be resolved no matter the cost or  personal inconvenience.

I’m a small business owner.  I understand budgets – just like most Americans understand that they must live within their own means.  I also understand that when times are tough or there is just too much work to be done, as the one in charge, I can’t go on vacation.  Last year, I took my first vacation (aside from a long weekend) in 4 years.  That is because I take my responsibilities seriously.  I get it that if I don’t take care of important issues I’ll be in big trouble financially.  Why can’t Congress and the President “get it”?

I admit I am strongly in favor of the smallest, most efficient federal government possible.  Whatever that makes me I accept the label.  Frankly, I’m surprised all Americans don’t want the smallest government possible.  But, apparently big government does appeal to a number of people.  Can’t we all agree though that we owe it to seniors and the disabled to guarantee that the funds are there to fulfill the promises of financial assistance at the time when they most need them?

Senators, Representatives, Mr. President – we the people urge you to get serious and get to work.  We’re waiting, hoping, and expecting each of you to fulfill your duty to serve your country.  You were not sent to Washington to join a country club.  You were sent to serve.  To show us the meaning of the common good.  To be an example of self-sacrifice and national pride.

Where are you?  It’s time to work.

Is Anybody Home?

Hello Washington DC?   Is anyone home?  We have a few rather, uh, critical problems to address.  Is anyone listening?

Congress is on recess.  President Obama is taking his third? trip to Martha’s Vineyard for vacation.  And, the country is literally in crisis mode.  Does anyone care?  Does anyone find this unacceptable?

Does our constitution allow citizens to go to Washington and take over in their absences?  Too bad, I think most of us could do a better job – by far.

What an unbelieveable situation.  Hope and change.  I pray we get it in 2012.

The Sickening Stench of Congress!

There is an overwhelming and sickening stench permeating Washington D.C.  The unmistakable aroma of special interests, deceit, and self centeredness is bitter and nauseating to everyone except those amid the putrid cloud of decay and corruption.  Our politicians are so accustomed to living and breathing this putrefaction that they don’t appreciate the fact that they are the source of the stink!

Perhaps a common sense approach to ridding our surroundings of offensive odors should be applied in Washington.  What do we do when our rotting garbage stinks up the kitchen?  Haul it out!  Bag it up, cinch it tight, and throw it outside – later to be taken far away to a dump where we do not have to suffer with its malodorous mess!

Hmmmm!  That gives me an idea!  Why can’t we do the same in D.C.?  Let’s act like a democracy, use common sense, bag up and toss out the offending cause of pong in Congress.

Will you join me?  Let’s talk about how to disinfect the Senate and House of Representatives so we can reclaim America and it’s core values.  It takes a grassroot effort to make change happen where the status quo has nearly unlimited power.  But, it can be done.  Join me and let’s take back and reform Congress so that American can again be strong in every respect and a shining example of the balance of freedom, democracy and moral values.