GOP goes weak at knees on budget cuts

Once a foothold was gained in the forests of Belgium that winter, the opposition, the anti-freedom totalitarian socialists, began their push-back. The line on the map began moving back in the opposite direction around Bastogne and was known as “the bulge.” Hitler’s field commander sent a demand for surrender to General Anthony McAuliffe, commander of the 101st Airborne Division, stating that consideration of civilian casualties should be reason enough to surrender. General McAuliffe, a true leader and American hero, replied with a single word: “Nuts.”  

The House did the job required by law with H.R. 1. They spent ninety hours in debate to pass a budget, and sent it to the U.S. Senate. The GOP leadership in the House needs to understand that the American people who put them in office could them as the 101st hunkered down and taking fire at our “Budget Bastogne.” But, as we have come to expect the House leadership has gone weak in the knees, and fallen back by approving the three week continuing resolution, and called the $6 billion in cuts a “down payment” on budget corrections. Then they ridiculed the 54 who voted against it who were demanding deeper and more substantive reductions. What they do not comprehend is that re-enforcements and support is on the way if they will just “hold the line.” 

Recognize that the House, as required by the constitution, has already passed legislation funding the federal government through September 2011. It is Harry Reid’s Senate who have failed to bring that bill to the floor, amend it as they see fit, and go into a conference with the House to resolve differences. If the government shuts down, the fault will lie squarely with the Democratic Party-controlled Senate. Remember, these same Democrats are the reason that the government is operating on short term continuing resolutions, as they failed to pass a budget when they had overwhelming control of both houses of Congress. Now, they are still trying to dodge responsibility. Incredibly, Senators like Jim Webb and Mark Warner who claim to their constituents that they are fiscal hawks have been complicit in Reid’s failure to lead, or perhaps his attempts to mislead.

The House GOP seems to have a government shut-down phobia. Yes, the liberal media will blast the blame bomb at the House GOP. So, what? The people that put the GOP in the majority know that already, and are fully prepared for the finger pointing and blame game. We say, “Hold the line – shut it down!” $6 billion in cuts in light of $1.4 trillion in deficit is much like pouring a tea cup into the ocean. It is, once again, symbolism trumping substance.  The brave 54 who stood up for fiscal responsibility should be heralded for their bravery. Those who habitually capitulate with the left should be called out as cowards, especially those in leadership. Those who went a bit soft in the spine, or weak in the knees, should reconsider their positions and remember their campaign promises. 

We see that members like Virginia’s Scott Rigell (R) have made it clear that they have had enough of this short term game playing, by voting against the most recent short-term CR. Rigell is right. There is not more time for these D.C. games. The Senate needs to take the budget crisis as seriously as the House of Representatives has. They have until April 8, and the clock is ticking.   Between now and the next CR debate perhaps the House GOP should get together, pop some corn, and watch the last few scenes of “The Patriot” with Mel Gibson, and pay special attention to the “hold the line” scene. Remember, our freedom is at stake.

A reminder to the freshmen; consider that the people who worked so hard to put you in office want you to keep your commitments. You were sent there to fix this mess, and not to worry about making friends with the long-time inhabitants of the swamp on the Potomac. Grow a spine; we did not elect a bunch of garden slugs. 

Mark Kevin Lloyd is the chairman of the Virginia Tea Party Patriot Federation.