Today, the credit rating agency, S&P, lowered the U.S. credit outlook to “negative”.  The agency identifies the reason as uncertainty as to whether meaningful debt reduction will ever occur.  Not surprisingly, the Obama administration is downplaying the announcement, saying that it “underestimates the ability of America’s leaders to come together to address the difficult fiscal challenges facing the nation.”  If it were not so serious, this statement would almost be funny.  When was the last time your government inspired confidence?  When was the last time you felt our nation was in capable hands?  If you can’t remember, it is time for fundamental change.

To all of those who would like to focus the discussion away from social issues, I offer this reminder.  As long as the Federal government is involved, social issues are economic issues.  Our current deficit and debt are at least partially the result of social programs.  Outside of national defense, border, or trade policies, identify one government program that does not at its core address social or domestic issues.  Do not be mislead, bringing social programs into the upcoming budget debate is entirely appropriate and absolutely necessary.  If the Federal government spends one dime on a social issue, the American people should have the opportunity to determine whether they support that program.  Social Security, health care, Planned Parenthood, or any other pet program cannot be exempt from scrutiny.  It is our “Great Society” which has brought us to this point in our history.

What must get done?  What cannot be allowed to end?  What bills have to be paid?  These are questions that might very well be asked in any household across the U.S.  As families attempt to budget their lives, they first establish priorities.  Food, shelter, electricity, and fuel likely top the list.  No matter the circumstances, these things must take priority.  While this seems a fairly simple and reasonable approach, Washington seems to have never considered such.  While our borders are a joke, we fund Harry Reid’s cowboy poets.  While Americans are without jobs, we fund the EPA’s efforts to curtail business.  While American soldiers defend our freedom, we fund needle exchanges for drug addicts.  It is evident that it will require our voice to explain the budget process to Washington.  Start with what has to happen and work your way down.  When you run out of money you are done, no matter how noble the program or how many votes it might garner.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is in jeopardy.  The Smithsonian, the National Zoo, Yosemite and Yellowstone National Park will all be forced to close their doors if the government shuts down.  The media is parading a host of disappointed tourists before the camera.  While fascinating to witness, where is the outrage over Washington spending this nation into oblivion.  What good are all of our National Parks if we bankrupt our nation.  What difference will it make that we had the best of intentions as we stand before the ruins of America.  Friends do not be distracted by the horror stories.  We may yet prevent the greater horror.

JaredBlankenship.com

Harry Reid has said that the Tea Party is made up of a bunch of extremists who are delaying the budget process.  He has forgotten several key points:

1.  The Democrats controlled both houses and failed to even prepare a budget all.                                                                            

2.  These extremists are average American citizens, not some special interest group.

3.  It has never before been considered extreme to live within our means. 

4.  The American people are not stupid.