Dear Congressman Chaffetz

Dear Mr. Chaffetz,

First let me thank you. You were the only one of our legislators to take the time to answer my letter. I appreciate your effort and concern. It makes me feel as though perhaps the people do have a voice in Washington, albeit a small one. I also appreciate your directness in answering questions and issues without the usual Congressional doubletalk. Simple, clear. The rest of your group could learn a lot from you.

We differ on how to handle the economic crisis, though we share many of the same concerns. The first stab at the stimulus bill was certainly bloated and partisan. It was night and day better than the former administration's bail out, but you're right, it had the appearance of being cooked up in a Democrat back room. And I don't trust the Speaker or her friends.

What bothers me is how the Republicans all chose to play partisan games instead of represent the will of the people. Last November we made it very clear that we wanted Washington to take a new direction. We want change. We need it desperately. We watched as Congress lavished our money on Wall Street. Yet when it came time to do something positive for the citizens you refused.

We're in serious trouble. We're losing our jobs and homes at alarming rates. Personally I just lost my business, am facing a career change after more than 30 years and we barely saved our home from the auction block. I'm no different than millions of other citizens. While we're trying to keep from drowning, we see how financial and insurance companies are abusing our hard-earned dollars; how fuel and other corporations are making all time record profits; how our own legislators have the power to correct things but won't. Your answer... do nothing that directly impacts and lifts the rank & file, and give more tax breaks to businesses.

And to add insult to injury, after the bill passed without you, some are quietly supporting it while others are still refusing to accept funds for their constituents, people who want and need them.
With all due respect, I hope the members of Congress that have an "R" next to their names will put away Newt's book of party tactics and start listening to the people who voted them into office. And those with a "D" need to wipe the smirk off their faces. We need you all to work together for our interests for a change. With every election, those that don't will find themselves back in the private sector, watching Congress and hoping they'll represent them... for a change.

Sincerely,

An Open Letter To Congress

Ladies and Gentlemen of our Legislature:

We watched with interest as you responded to the financial crisis on Wall Street. Saw how you came together swiftly and worked as a team to help your friends in that industry. And while there are serious issues with how the money is being handled, still you acted.

We now watch with nausea as you seem intent on derailing any attempts to solve the greatest national crisis since the Depression. Instead of unifying for the common good you play partisan games. You negotiate your struggle for power. Plot to block the voice of “the enemy” at every turn. Waggle your fingers at everyone but yourselves for causing and not ending this terrible recession. It would be appropriate if each of you, Republican, Democrat, junior, senior, leader, rank and file, were to wear togas and play fiddles. You do the Washington Two-step while we, the people, are losing our homes and jobs at alarming rates. Normal Americans can’t afford to put food on the table or take their children to the doctor, but corporations are making record profits, stealing tax dollars for bonuses, hiding assets, and you sit in your hallowed halls with your backs squarely turned against the very people you were elected to represent.

The Whole point is…. You’ll do it for your “buddies” but not your country. That’s sick and VERY Un-American.

We realize it may be too much to ask you to give up your love affair with lobbies and corporate interests. Heaven forbid we should expect you to stop the influence peddling, pandering and wallet padding. And we mustn’t even think of hoping that each of you will obey the law and take responsibility for your actions and hollow promises. But just this once, when we really need you most, couldn’t you take a few minutes of your precious time and work together for the sake of the people?

It’s time to fish or cut bait. Take down the party pennants. Put down the microphones and swords. Belly up to the discussion bar, lock the door and don’t come out until you can shake hands and act in our interest for a change. If you don’t the problems will only get worse and we can’t afford that. And stop blaming the president we just elected for everything. America wants change. We made that clear with our votes. If you get with the program, that change will come. If not, there will be no one to blame but yourselves.

And keep in mind, your jobs are at risk, too. We, the people, are watching. What you do now will determine how we vote. Over the next several elections there may end up being no incumbents left in Washington. Unless you’re content with that prospect, choose right now to do your job. Put aside your petty squabbles and party differences. Leave the egos at the door. Take a stand for our sake, for the sake of your country. It’s the right, and necessary, thing to do.

A Concerned Citizen