Obama needs to eat some peas.

Today's Sponsor

Thursdays with John Hayward

08.04.11

In a July press conference, President Obama explained why he would not settle for a six-month extension of the debt ceiling by saying that preparing a long-term budget would not become easier in six months.  “It’s going to get harder, so we might as well do it now,” he argued.  “Pull off the Band-Aid, eat our peas.  Now is the time to do it.  If not now, when?”

As it turns out, the federal government ate a very small serving of peas.  The rate of spending growth will be reduced by 10% or 15% at most under the agreement that was reached.  Obama is back to talking about tax increases and making “the wealthiest Americans” pay “their fair share.”  He obviously thinks we’re the ones who have to tear off Band-Aids and choke down vegetables, by giving up more of the private sector to government control.

I will not eat my peas.  I’m not interested in any more lectures about “sacrifice” from politicians who never have to make do with less.  When private citizens trapped in the Obama economy talk about making “cuts” to their expenses, they’re not talking about slight reductions in the rate of growth.

I will not be a hostage, or go to the back of the bus.  I will not “get in people’s faces,” as Obama has demanded of his followers.  I am not interested in knowing who follows ATM manufacturers and corporate jet owners on the President’s official list of public enemies.

I do not want a “balanced approach” to deficit reduction, which involves giving more money to a government that has not earned our trust.  I’m not waiting for a state-approved list of “Sputnik moments” to fill Americans with shared purpose.  I will bring my “sacred cows” to the county fair, and match them up against anyone else’s cows in fair competition.  I will not view my income as a gift from the State, or allow it to use tax and regulatory policy to “transform” me.

It is time for the bankrupt and dying State to be transformed.  It is time for the architects of our massive national debt to eat their peas. — John Hayward