"Give Me the Money or the Kid Gets It"

In every fiscal crisis, politicians have been quick to use the most vulnerable and bravest among us as pawns to acheive their political goals. The most recent example is President Obama's insistence that Congress raise the nation's debt limit without any reduction in the president's runaway spending.

Addressing the issue, President Obama said that if Congress didn't raise the country's credit card limit that military personnel would not be paid, Social Security receipients would not receive their checks, MediCare providers will not be reimbursed, meat inspectors laid off, and children will not receive lunch in school.

I realize this is political theatre on President Obama's part, but we elected him to rise above this nonsense, and be a leader. Instead, President Obama is the worst among them. He threatens those who need this bankrupt, dysfunctional government the most just to score political points. The politicians, their cronies, and staff will be paid of course.

This reminds me of the veto session in November 2010. Governor Pat Quinn, fresh off a narrow re-election, wanted a 67% income tax hike on every resident of Illinois. Governor Quinn threatened to cut all state funding to school districts if the Legislature didn't cave to his demand for more money. The governor was saying, "Give me the money I want or the kids get it."

I noticed just after President Obama made his remarks, he flew, at taxpayer expense, back to his Hawaiian vacation where several rounds of golf awaited him. Any chance we cut the vacation and pay the troops and let the kids eat lunch?   Of course not.

Perhaps a little leadership by example is needed. Maybe the First Family shouldn't spend the Holidays in Hawaii this year while so many Americans are threatened by this crisis he contributed so much towards. But no. Liberal special interest groups will still receive their grants, Obama Administration officials, Congress, and staff will get their paychecks as usual. 

Congress is scheduled to vote on a bill that will extended the debt limit 90 days, but in the event the limit is reached in April, the salaries and benefits of the president, Cabinet,Congress, and all political appointees will be the first to be defunded. President Obama will still use this issue for Kabuki Theatre, but perhaps he will not extend this production if his appointees are serving pro bono.

President Obama was re-elected, but he needs to start delivering on the promise of "Hope and Change" instead of acting like a southside hustler.