My wife decided to send a letter to our local government officials who include Rep. Steven Palazzo, Sen. Thad Cochran, and Sen. Roger Wicker. This was because she was concerned about government defaulting in our debt. I would like to share this letter with you. She writes:
Dear Congressman Palazzo:
My name is Michelle Rios and I reside in Hattiesburg, MS. I am a longtime Mississippi resident with a deep love for our beautiful State.
I am writing you to ask that you help with reaching compromise with members of Congress and President Barack Obama. Our current situation and lack of resolution regarding the debt ceiling and debt crisis are very worrisome to me and many other Americans. I guess you could say we are part of that “silent majority”. The current political games taking place in Washington by members of both parties are endangering the American people.
Republicans need to find a way to compromise with the President and other Democrats so that we can move forward to a better future. I agree with Republicans that we need to get our fiscal house in order and spend a lot less, but I do not agree with this idea of never adding a new tax or never letting tax breaks expire. Both parties need to look at each other’s points of views, work together and COMPROMISE.
I think extremes do not get us anywhere; we need to find the right balance and keep an open heart and mind. Please do your best to find common ground in Washington and avoid extremist views and positions.
Thank you for your time and considering my request.
Sincerely,Michelle Rios
************** UPDATE Jul 29, 2011 **************
Sen. Roger Wicker responded after the break:
From: DONOT_REPLY@wicker.senate.gov
To: XXXXX@hotmail.com
Subject: Reply from Senator Roger Wicker
Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:13:10 -0400
Thank you for contacting me regarding the national debt. I am glad to have the benefit of your views on this very important issue.
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Cut, Cap and Balance Act (S. 1340) in the Senate on July 7, 2011. This bill would reduce spending by $142 billion, cap non-defense discretionary spending at 2006 levels, and require the passage of a balanced budget amendment. On July 22, 2011, the Senate voted to table this amendment by a vote of 51-46.
Federal spending must be kept to the lowest level possible, and mandatory programs must be restrained. I believe we must meet the financial challenges our nation is facing without increasing taxes on hardworking Americans. Unfortunately, my Democratic colleagues have different priorities, including plans to raise taxes in order to increase spending. I have voted against these efforts several times and will continue to do so.
Be assured I will continue to fight to balance the federal budget and end the deficit. Please feel free to contact me if I can ever be of assistance.
With best wishes, I am
Sincerely yours,
Roger F.Wicker
U.S. Senate