Can the GOP learn from the past or Deja Vue?

On November 15, 2010, Senator Mitch McConnell, in his position as GOP Minority Leader took the same position of House Minority Leader John Boehner with a moratorium on earmarks. After the Senate Republicans had voted on this position Senator Jim DeMint stated: “Earmarks have greased the skids for runaway spending and bad policy for decades,” he said. “It's time for Congress to stop focusing on parochial pet projects, and instead focus on cutting spending, devolving power and decisions back to states, and working on national priorities like entitlement and tax reform.”

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And yet now it seems that strong suggestion by the White House and some GOP members and agreement has been reached to include many inflated cost measures unpaid for with offsets, in order to maintain current tax rates as opposed to increases scheduled to take place January 1, 2011. Too many times statements are made in order to pay lip service to the voters by all ingrained politicians, our hopes are quickly drenched by the rains of just another unkept commitment as again they succumb to the slightest thought of pressure. Although for the wrong reason, the current Democrat Congress seems to have mixed views of the President’s suggested tax proposal. This report in a way is somewhat heartening, for the result may end up being to the benefit of many Americans. Many that voted for the up coming new Congress are beyond tired of over spending, and the failed direction by regulation and the usurping of our Constitution to alter our republic into something not meant to be. Our only direction in governance need be fiscally responsible and policies that foster job creation. Knowing that our economic problem isn't taxation but spending, our only resolve initially must be drastic cuts in spending and emphasis on job creation. Anything short of this goal from our legislators is total disregard for the wishes of the electorate. Where it is regrettable that there is a large number of unemployed it is unsustainable to maintain continued financial support for these rolls by what is currently 99 and a suggested increased to 151 weeks. (just shy of three years) Not a segment of the economy remains untouched. However we must begin to look at an orderly but rapid reduction of the extended unemployment benefits. These funds have been a bridge to search for employment and are not meant to be a lifetime entitlement. Even the untouchable needs to be breached. Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security are important areas that also need attention. Some of the benefits might be grandfathered in but inevitably continued sustainability as they currently exist is impossible. So let there be some awakening before the new Congress is installed showing if nothing else that the people have been heard.