20 July 2009 Honorable Senator Warner: Honorable Senator Webb: Honorable Representative Wittman: Like many Americans I have become increasingly concerned about the cost of recent legislative proposals and the potential inability to annually balance the federal budget. I consider it unconscionable to levy a debt upon my children within my own house – which is why I endeavor to live within the financial bounds of my job – and I expect the same from my government. Therefore it should not surprise you that the recent Fox News article that estimates the price tag for federal support stemming from the current financial crisis has me greatly alarmed (Financial Bailout Support Could Reach $23.7 Trillion, 20 July 2009). Vice President Joe Biden’s 16 July 2009 comment to the AARP that “We have to go spend money to keep from going bankrupt” is analogous to me telling my family that a shopping spree in the mall will help my family financially. Logic such as this indicates to me that the elected leaders of my government may be out of touch with reality, unable to make rational decisions and are jeopardizing the financial solvency of our country. Even more important, however, is the fact that the strength of the American economy is tied directly to the perceived capability of our military and therefore extended financial risk emboldens our adversaries. That risk is what causes me the most concern about the future. On a smaller scale – but even more troubling – is that official government analysis available from www.recovery.gov indicates that the $787 billion of taxpayer-funded “stimulus” money is not being provided to those states and regions hardest hit by the current recession. Federal government over-regulation is what caused the mortgage companies to accept “sub-prime” risk in an affirmative-action effort for minority groups but the corrective action is not being properly or logically applied. Since Congress and the Obama administration decide how these monies are disbursed what results is the impression that taxpayer funds are being deliberately diverted to reward politically “friendly” politicians regardless of the risk to the rest of America. That is wholly unacceptable. What is required of you, therefore, is to immediately halt excessive government spending and take the time to conduct a thorough assessment before passing fiscally irresponsible legislation. You MUST adopt a pay-as-you-go governing perspective and abide by an annual balanced budget just as any household should. From my perspective this will require your rejecting the current initiatives to develop a socialized healthcare system, reversing any carbon emissions cap-and-trade agreements that are likely to dismantle American manufacturing industries and to not entertain any additional proposals for “stimulus” legislation. Very sincerely, James Hull |