2011 Federal Budget

I sent the following to the Speaker of the House and my representatives as a possible government shutdown looms on April 8. They need to grow up and look the interests of the country, not themselves.

It's Common Sense!

Dear Speaker

April 8 is approaching and there is no word if the US Congress is close to passing a budget for fiscal year 2011.
As a Federal employee I have become disgusted over the years with Congress's inability to have a budget passed when it is due - October 1 of every year. Instead, there are continuing resolutions as Congressman and Senators add on their favorite projects. One year my agency’s budget was held up because abortion legislation had been tacked on. Another year several special interest projects were tacked on, one being the study of trout fishing in West Virginia.
Why does Congress allow the Federal Budget to be used by special interests? The budget needs to be independent, so our Federal Government can function timely and competently.
Instead, here we are six months after the budget due date and fighting is still going on. There is talk of a government shut down if things are not resolved by this Friday.
Why do Federal employees and the American public have to suffer because of Congress's in competency? Will you or any of your staff not be paid if the government shuts down? Will any of your mortgage payments, school tuition payments, health care, and basic needs be put in jeopardy? Probably not, Congress has a way of protecting itself and leaving the rest of us to our own means.
Please explain to me what shutting down the government proves? To other countries it shows our leadership as two little kids fighting over a ball and neither is giving in until they get what they want. I have seen commentaries on how the US Congress is looking more Third World all of the time. Negative posturing with no practical or positive solutions does not project the image of “the Leader of the Free World“.
I hear Representatives and Senators saying all the time they know what the American people want. Who did they ask? Do they really think the majority of Americans want to see big business get more tax breaks, while funding is denied to childrens programming on public TV? Do you really think the American people want to hear that the financial institutions that lead us into a financial melt down can pay higher bonuses than ever to their employees and not pay a penalty tax for using our tax dollars for a bail out?
Maybe Congress is big business friendly but the middle class is tired of picking up the bills while corporations get all kinds of write offs. GE had one of their best years ever but paid little to no Federal tax. Why?
Be responsible. Get the budget passed. Compromise and act like adults, not spoiled children.
As a Federal employee I'm willing to do my part. I took a pay freeze; I saw my health care premiums increase and my out of pocket increase. I pay more for gas and food because of the current world situation. I will do my part. You need to make sure everyone does their part. That government cuts are across the board, that nobody is protected. The oil companies do not need subsides, they seem to be making out just fine on their own, as do the power companies and every major financial institution. Everybody needs to pay and suffer equally and that includes Congress.
Forget that you are a Republican or Democrat, forget that you will need to be elected again, become a caring, concerned US citizen and do what is right for the country, not your personal agenda.

Thank you!

Michael Wolfe