Today’s financial woes and Congress

Congress, which is 1/3rd of the 3 co-equal branches of government, is the branch that makes financial and budget decisions.

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In today's terms they are the Chief Financial Officers of the Federal Government. So, it follows that the lack of a budget, the increased debt, the scores of pork barrel projects, the sanctity of Social Security and Medicare are all under the control of Congress. Every time they approve spending, they increase the debt and put this country in a precarious fiscal condition. Much of today's financial woes rest on the backs of Congressmen who voted to please special interests rather than to be responsible overseers of our country's checkbook. Then you have those who skipped votes or voted "present" rather than to take a position on spending. Cutting off funding, eliminating waste, reviewing past practices, and simple saying "no" are not easy or popular decisions. A Congressman or woman would be likely to alienate voters and supporters by taking that stance. On the other hand, they might gain the respect and loyalty of more than they lose. We may never know as there are so few who are really financially mature and savvy enough to do the right thing. No wonder their approval rating is below 10%. Hillary Duke FLORIDA

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