The TEA Party can call themselves whatever they want, and in the case of about 40 members of the House they prefer the ‘Freedom Caucus.’ It’s a misnomer. In reality they are continuing their far right extremism and challenging Paul Ryan in the same manner which inspired John Boehner to resign.

This radical group has removed itself from all protocols and courtesies of true Republicans. It refuses to deliberate the budget proposed by President Obama, and continue to just say ‘no.’

“If we are going to pass a Republican budget, it should reflect Republican ideals,” said Representative Mick Mulvaney, Republican of South Carolina and a member of the Freedom Caucus that is leading this charge. “That means lower spending.”

Mr. Mulvaney is obviously uninformed about the workings of government in the United States. I suppose that I must educate this extremist.

The ‘budget’ is neither Republican or Democratic. Whoever the president is, he or she offers a proposal, which is intended to be debated by Congress and in turn offer counter proposals. This requires a great deal of effort, effort obviously rejected by the Representative.

America no longer has a ‘working Congress;’ it wants taxpayer and lobbyist money, but refuses to perform the job for which it was elected. The American electorate must bear the responsibility for electing unqualified radicals and obstructionists.

Paul Ryan was once the ranking member of the House Budget Committee. His choice to surrender some of his power to receive votes as the Speaker has made his position tenable at best. He is experiencing the same difficulties as his predecessor thanks to the TEA Party darlings pretending to be Republicans.

Sadly, this situation is typical of what the President has faced throughout his tenure. Although he has attempted to work with Republicans, they have refused. This is the result of a move so far to the right they are wrong.

Moderates get things done; extremists destroy what is. America will no longer exist as a nation if this path continues. Gridlock will never end and the American people will suffer.

The deficit should not be Congress’ primary concern; the needs of the American people should be paramount. A diminishing middle class should be the first concern of legislators, but their support of the one-percent negates that fact.

The GOP would like the American people’s number one concern to be ISIS, and its number two problem government spending. However, they continue to support waste by the Pentagon, and fail to address domestic concerns which are a far greater danger to the American people than a terrorist group.

2,977 innocent Americans were killed on 9/11; this horrendous fact at the hands of terrorists must never be forgotten.  However, since those cowardly attacks, more than 420,000 innocents have lost their lives from gunshot; most are women and children.

If you fear ISIS, or al-Qaeda, you are being very foolish. This is a problem for our government. You should fear for the security of your family, and the future of your children. Governmental policies ignore the need for reform inside our nation’s shores. It has spent enough money on the rebuilding of foreign nations; it’s time to take care of the American people.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Photo Courtesy of Matt C

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