Straight Talk

The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision
of what is before them, glory and danger alike,
and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it
--Thucydides
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Our North Florida Congressman and tireless veteran's advocate, Vietnam-vet Allen Boyd, sent the following newsletter to his constituents January 17, before the market meltdown began. Being on the House Budget Committee, he is well-aware of the profligacy which has occurred in the administration of GWB. Some excerpts:

"In 2001, President Bush took office with an advantage that few presidents have enjoyed: a 10-year budget surplus of $5.6 trillion. On his watch, this surplus has vanished, and in its place, we have record deficits, a rising mountain of debt now exceeding $9 trillion, and a struggling economy. We are facing an economic emergency because of this Administration’s irresponsible and failing economic policies over the last seven years, which have trickled down to our states.

"Both the state of Florida and the federal government, at the recommendation of many economic experts, are now considering economic stimulus packages to provide a quick boom to our struggling economy. Yes, we need to target specific needs in our waning economy in the short term, but this must be coupled with long term solutions. Our fiscal and economic problems, both on the state and national levels, cannot be dealt with only in the short term.

"As U.S. Comptroller General David Walker said in Tallahassee on January 14, our fiscal challenges are even worse than advertised over the long term. Walker indicated that without a change of economic and budgetary course, every single household in America will owe $455,000 to finance our country’s liabilities and the promises we have made under the Medicare and Social Security programs.

"As a fiscal conservative and budget hawk, I have been talking for years about the need for strict budget controls, such as pay-as-you-go rules and spending caps, and responsible entitlement reform to make the Medicare and Social Security programs solvent for years to come. While most people will agree that these are important efforts, they would rather focus on issues that they consider more pressing, whether it be the war in Iraq, health care, or immigration. What they do not see is that all of those serious issues are related to our fiscal situation. We cannot support our country’s priorities if we are flat-out broke.

"While the presidential candidates have focused on the short term problems with our economy, none of these candidates to date are talking about ways to deal with our long term fiscal challenges. The solutions will not be easy, but this is a national conversation that we must have if we want our country to remain strong and free. If we do not have a president who is willing to solve our fiscal situation and our economic problems in a bipartisan, responsible, and effective way, then the consequences we are currently facing will become exceedingly worse."

We are proud of Congressman Boyd for speaking plainly and truthfully.