Randy's Blog

RSS Feed
Thomas Jefferson on the Debt
Posted by Randy | September 14, 2010
"To preserve [the] independence [of the people,] we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. We must make our election between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude.” – Thomas Jefferson, 1816

Our Founding Fathers knew that overwhelming national debt would undermine the ability of our nation to act in our own interest. Today, our national debt levels are impacting us here at home and they are impacting us globally. We need a mechanism in place to force Congress to enact fiscally responsible spending measures and rein in out-of-control debt.

I am a cosponsor of H.J.RES.1, a Balanced Budget Amendment, which will force Congress to enact fiscally responsible spending measures, reduce the deficit, and ensure that the money our citizens work so hard to earn is not spent on wasteful spending and programs. The bill requires that Congress not spend more than it receives in revenues, requires the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress, and requires a 3/5 majority vote to increase the debt limit.

A Constitutional amendment will force Congress to eliminate unnecessary and wasteful spending and make the decisions necessary to balance the budget and eliminate the federal deficit.
Comments
The opinions expressed below are those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent those of this office.
  • Sandi Bradley commented on 9/14/2010
    I have a few more quotes for you by Jefferson: "I say, the earth belongs to each of these generations during its course, fully and in its own right. The second generation receives it clear of the debts and incumbrances of the first, the third of the second, and so on. For if the first could charge it with a debt, then the earth would belong to the dead and not to the living generation. Then, no generation can contract debts greater than may be paid during the course of its own existence." "I wish it were possible to obtain a single amendment to our Constitution. I would be willing to depend on that alone for the reduction of the administration of our government to the genuine principles of its Constitution; I mean an additional article, taking from the federal government the power of borrowing." I have more if you want to read the Founders comments on economics. http://www.facebook.com/note.php?saved&&note_id=157683370913067&id=106677312693315
  • Tom Cheesman commented on 9/14/2010
    The Balanced Budget Amendment is precisely what is needed to stop this spending spree ( No more deficits!) and begin to focus on our National debt reduction. Everyone in congress knows this and agrees in principle. So why hasn't it been passed into law??? If conservatives (of both Parties) regain Congress, this should be the number one legislative priority.
Post a Comment
We encourage you to analyze and comment on the posts featured on this blog, but please understand that comments including inappropriate language or personal attacks will be removed from the site. Please note that there may be a brief delay in the publication of your comment. Users are solely responsible for the opinions they post here and their comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Congressman Forbes.



Services

Other Services

Issues

More Issues