In an interview with the National Journal, President Obama was quoted saying he would be “happy to sit down” with Republican members of Congress and go through the budget “line by line” to address the enormous fiscal challenges this country is facing because of the unsustainable ending.
The President has made similar offers in the past, like when I took him up on his offer to go over the health care bill “line by line” – which to this day I am still waiting to hear back from him. Even still, I would certainly like to take President Obama up on his offer and meet at his earliest convenience to discuss areas in the budget that can be reduced or eliminated. That is why I, along with several of my colleagues, are sending the President a letter – once again – taking him up on his offer.
In the interview, President Obama claims that “everybody’s for a balanced budget amendment in the abstract.” In fact, I am a cosponsor of H.J.Res. 1, Congressman Goodlatte’s balanced budget Constitutional amendment, which is specific, concrete legislation pending right now in Congress. It would require the next and all future Congresses to balance the budget, except in the case of wars or military conflict. Given the President did not offer any of his own solutions, I would encourage him to develop consensus around this particular legislation.
This country’s ever-expanding debt and deficits are a fiscal crisis. Ultimately, the government has to live within its means, just like everybody else. An important part of government reform is spending less than you take in. Despite my opposition last year, Congress also spent an amount similar to the Administration’s proposed levels of $3.9 trillion, which will be 27 percent of the gross domestic product. This has created the largest federal government since World War II, which has averaged about 19 percent of GDP. This year, the Congress has failed to pass a budget altogether.
Our government needs accountability and balance because our future depends on it. That is why I hope that this time President Obama is serious about sitting down with members of Congress and going over the budget “line by line” in an effort to work together to come up with best solutions to get our nation back on track towards fiscal health.
By sitting down and going through ways to balance the budget together, we can attain a mutual understanding about why many House Republicans are raising concerns and move forward towards solutions. Additionally, I would be happy to share some ideas on how we can enact bipartisan reforms that will decrease the deficit.
As someone who is truly concerned about the direction in which this country is headed, I hope the President’s offer is sincere this time and look forward to engaging on ways to move our country forward – something that has been lacking for much of the last two years.
For those of you old enough to have actually read the following in school I offer it as a warning to all Conservatives and Republicans alike who may feel Obama is sincere. As you will see sometimes sincerity has some bad consequences for those who fall for the line.
Some of you are not old enough to remember or have read this poem as it is not often seen in schools since the “progressives” took over the educations system some years ago. It is not read or taught because it is a reflection of the “progressives” way of doing things and that just won’t do, now will it.
The Spider and the Fly
Mary Howitt
Mary Howitt
Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,
'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there."
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."
"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly.
"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!"
Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!"
Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, " Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice;
I'm sure you're very welcome -- will you please to take a slice?"
"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be,
I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"
"Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."
"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you 're pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."
The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
"Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"
Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue --
Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again!
And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.
