Politics Versus People

As the political fight about the National Budget heated to the boiling point, I couldn't help but shake my head in pure disgust as once again it was politics versus people. 

In the latest Rasmussen Poll 61 percent of Americans give lawmakers a poor rating.  This is a failing grade.  That being said, if it were any other company,  then every one in the House and Senate would be replaced, but this is Washington and pay is definitely not attached to job performance.

They've talked, argued, promised, accused, cajoled, threatened, used scare tactics, pointed the finger and played out their tug-of-war like small "brats" on the playground.  They've manipulated the nation as puppets.  One side says one thing.  The next side says the opposite until it's so confusing that we can only guess at what the truth is. Washington has become so partisan that each party now views the other as "them against us". 

How did we get to this point?  By spending, spending and more spending.  Spending money we don't have, borrowing money we can't pay back,  jeopardizing our children's futures, robbing Peter to pay Paul and using the oh-so-clever "shell game" with billions of our dollars. 

Each time the debt ceiling was raised the American people have been told that it's essential to our country's financial rating.  But, I must pose the question, why is it then that each time the ceiling is raised, we must exceed that level?  When the everyday Joe finds it difficult to pay their credit card debt, or they miss a payment or default, their credit limits are lowered.  In stark contrast, however, Washington just keeps raising the credit limit. 

Washington, perhaps it's time to bite the bullet, suck it up, stop kicking the can down the road, and spend only what we have....not what we think we need.  I understand that having a lowered rating is not a good thing and can impact us for a long time to come, but our credit worthiness around the globe has already been compromised.  Maybe it's time to be reigned in. 

It's hard to hide the fact that we (like many other countries) are in financial hot water.  When I hear that it doesn't really matter if we cut $90 billion here, or $35 billion there...because it's just a minute fraction of our national budget, I'm dumbfounded.  Remember, "A penny saved is a penny earned." 

It makes me think of the story of John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil.  He made a study once and found that he could use several drops less of solder and that the metal hoops around the barrels would still be strong.  By simply decreasing those drops of solder, he saved tens of thousands of dollars.   Who says pennies don't matter?  

If the CFO of any corporation thought the way Washington does,  they'd be out the door looking for a new position.  But, the government's accounting practices certainly don't parallel those of ordinary people or businesses. 

To our lawmakers in Washington, this is what I have to say:  Do what's right for America....for all of us.  Stop brokering backroom deals, twisting the truth, and holding us as emotional hostages while you play out this drama.  Please allow us to focus on earning a living, and caring for ourselves and our families. ....not the political debacle you've created.

Until you do the job that the American people elected you to do, you will not be receiving a paycheck.  Your bosses get paid first!  Yes, that's right, we ...the American taxpayers.  You have forgotten who works for whom.  It's easy for you to tell us to tighten our belts.  It's easy for you to tell those receiving government benefits that once again they won't be getting a raise, but you have not lived by the same rules!  If you have to "prioritize" who gets paid, then remember this, you should be at the bottom of the ladder, not the top.

I know of no other business where the employees tell the employer that they're giving themselves a raise or some other benefit.  I realize that this is politics and government...you don't play by the same rules as us, but my question is why?  Why do we allow this?  Please - start earning your salaries and the respect and trust of the American people!  We deserve so much more. 

As always, live an inspired and patriotic week!