I grew up on a farm as one of ten children. My father, mother, and all the children had responsibilities, including milking cows and hauling crops. As anyone with a small business knows, it isn’t always easy to make ends meet. Sometimes it means taking a second job, like when my father took up teaching fifth grade in order to make payments on the farm. And yes, some years were tougher than others, but we worked hard and sacrificed in order to make the farm business work.
Like my father, I run my own small business. Some months are not as good as others and sometimes it’s a strain to keep expenses within budget. The last few years have been particularly challenging. There are more regulations on businesses and higher taxes. Equally troubling is the uncertainty I face trying to maintain a budget when there are threats to raise taxes yet again. But, there is one thing my business always operates with: a budget. Families and businesses must have budgets. Budgets require self-control and the ability to give and take when unexpected circumstances arise. Otherwise, there’s simply no way to remain solvent.
Now, let’s contrast.
During President Obama’s 1020 days in office, the U.S. government has been in operation without a budget and has so far yielded a deficit increase of $4.72 trillion. If the Senate does not act, the debt will increase by $1.3 trillion this year and another $900 billion in 2013. Senator Harry Reid is not compelled to act and the White House is passively accepting the mountains of debt.
Three years without a budget? Any business would be in shambles without the restraints a budget imposes. Budgets also outline priorities so that necessary expenses are taken care of and “fun projects” are cast aside for a later date. Without a budget setting priorities for our government, our nation’s dire needs are not being met and government accountability is being skirted. Our country is running out of time. At the current rate Washington is burning money, we are on a very near-term collision course with insolvency. It’s time for our government to exercise some self-restraint and be required to live like real Americans: within a budget.
Where are the leaders and the common sense? The American people are outraged and wholly justified in crying out over this ridiculous lack of responsibility with our money. I call upon the Senate to get serious and act on its Constitutional duty. Pass a budget. Not only that, but pass a balanced budget where the expenses do not exceed the income. It’s simple math.
Let me state the obvious: it’s time that we live within our means. If elected, I will be a voice of this kind of reason, the kind you and I along with all Americans live by in our own lives.
A budget, a real one, is the only sensible course of action. It’s time for restraint. It’s time for accountability.
Chris
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