What does common sense tell the American public concering the debt ceiling?
- Raising the debt ceiling again will not make the United States solvent.
- Taxing the rich has never generated more jobs or economic prosperity.
- We are bankrupt because our government has failed us. The consequences of pandering to special interests and buying votes with entitlements are evident.
- Everyone must live within their means including the government: cut spending.
- Hard times are here and hard decisions must be made.
Whether the politicians in Washington are correct in their assertion that the sky is falling is not the question. The American people have a decision to make:
Whether citizens were capable of subordinating their self-interest to the greater good of the whole community – public virtue – was the central issue in debates about the form American government should take.
Common sense tells any responsible American that our future is dependent on accepting the good of the whole community over our personal wishes. Is it possible for one man to actually make a difference in these times? Thomas Paine was able to energize the remnants of an army in December 1776 with these words:
These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to tax) but “to bind us in all cases whatsoever,” and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.
Is it hard to stand up for common sense and be an American who understands public virtue? The only obstacles standing in our way are our elected officials, our lack of faith in God and country, and denying that we have enslaved our children if we do not act. Times may have been simpler in 1776 but the men and women were resolute in their convictions. I am firmly convinced that tyranny is upon us and it will not easily be conquered. You only have to ask yourself how much time is left and how you will act. Do you trust yourself to act in the tradition of our founding fathers and mothers?
David DeGerolamo
U.S. Debt Ceiling Increase Remains Unpopular With Americans
More are concerned about higher level of spending than risk of economic crisis
PRINCETON, NJ — Despite agreement among leaders of both sides of the political aisle in Washington that raising the U.S. debt ceiling is necessary, more Americans want their member of Congress to vote against such a bill than for it, 42% vs. 22%, while one-third are unsure.
Republican tax stand a bust with public
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — House Republicans who refuse to consider tax increases as part of a debt ceiling deal are out of step with most Americans, according to two new polls. That’s bad news for Republicans who are betting the farm on resisting Democratic efforts to raise taxes on the rich.
When looking to reduce debt, politicians can employ two tactics. The first is to cut spending. The second is to raise taxes. Most budget experts say you need to do both.
But House Republicans — an overwhelming majority of whom have signed a pledge to this effect — refuse to consider any kind of tax increase, not matter who it hits. Turns out, most Americans don’t share their conviction.
A full 67% of Americans favor a deal to raise the debt ceiling that includes taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations, according to a poll released Thursday by Quinnipiac University.
And according to Gallup, only 20% of Americans want a deal that consists only of spending cuts. That’s the position of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and many of his colleagues.
