May 20, 2005

Several years ago on the old Phil Donahue Show, the host was leading a discussion about the economy when a member of the audience stood up and said, "I don't see why the taxpayers should have to pay the national debt. The government created the national debt, and the government should pay for it!"

I was reminded of this when a 6th District resident returned a questionnaire that I had sent out in my last district-wide newsletter. This constituent had added the comment at the bottom: "GOVERNMENT MADE DEFICITS - Not the people. Only MADE WORSE FOR THE PEOPLE."

Over the years I've learned to value every comment, question and opinion because even when I have a different point of view, I learn something about the areas where I have to work harder to reach a common understanding with the people I represent.

Everybody has his or her own knowledge and experiences to bring to the table. This is one of the reasons why I try so hard to meet with the people in the 6th District as often as I can. Through honest, two-way communication, we can all learn a few things that we need to know.

Plenty of people have alerted me to problems which require government action, and like a person who drives his car into a repair shop, describes the problem and expects the mechanic to figure it all out, they expect me and others in government to find solutions.

Sometimes some proposals don't pass muster, and people tell me about that as well. For instance, seniors have expressed their concerns about personal accounts financed through Social Security taxes, and I've taken their comments to heart and do not support the President's plan as currently outlined.

At the same time, just as people explain their problems to me and expect me to help figure out how to fix them, one of my roles is to discuss with people how the government works and what some of the problems and constraints are that we have to deal with.

For instance, for those who say that the federal debt is the federal government's fault rather than the taxpayers' fault, I have to explain that we all elect our representatives to manage the government for us all. Most members of Congress work hard to satisfy their constituents' demands for health and education services, military defense and a whole lot more while at the same time trying to respond to calls for lower taxes and zero deficits.

Our government is owned by the people, and when the bill comes, the only place to send it is on to the owners. With minor exceptions, the government's only sources of revenue are taxes and borrowing, and debts have to be repaid.

I've recently received thousands of responses to my questionnaire, and I'm in the process of tabulating them. I want to thank everybody who participated. I take your views seriously and will publicize the results as soon as they are ready.

While I try to learn more about what you think, I want to make it easier for you to know more about my job and the issues facing Congress. That's why I'd like to recommend my Web site.

I also produce an electronic newsletter via e-mail in which I provide information on congressional votes and my various activities in Washington and Wisconsin. It's free, of course. If you're interested, just sign up at www.house.gov/petri/subscribe.htm. I will welcome you to the conversation.