Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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February 2, 2013

Democrats to blame for budget crisis

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

— First, in the interest of full disclosure, I am a Republican, a vanishing species. Your newspaper recently ran two editorials that I found misleading or mistaken.  

One concerned the failure of the U.S. Congress to pass a budget. It blamed the entire Congress for this unfortunate and unconstitutional situation. However, the Republican controlled House has passed two budgets since 2011. The Harry Reid Democrat-run Senate, however, has failed to pass a budget during the entire reign of our current president. This is unprecedented and unconscionable.

The other editorial concerned the “No Labels” movement led by our junior senator. This movement is an effort by moderate politicians to distance themselves from the partisan conflict that currently prevails in Washington. One thing that should be pointed out is that none of the proposals this movement have put forward — including the “no budget, no pay” provision currently endorsed by the House leadership — will have any significant effect on the legislative gridlock that continues to afflict our government.

Most members of Congress are independently wealthy, or at least well off, and won’t be moved by a temporary cut-off of their government salary.

All of the No Labels policies are merely “feel good” suggestions that allow their proponents to preen and feel superior and self-important. Let this movement propose something substantive and I would be willing to support it.

Richard Haggerty

Bluefield

 

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