Friends,
One year ago, the US House did two things that will harm our economy and increase our national debt.
First, they engaged in a lengthy and damaging stand-off over raising our debt ceiling that resulted in our nation’s credit rating being downgraded for the first time in our history.
Next, they passed the terribly conceived Budget Control Act of 2011. In short, they rigged up a threat of massive and sudden budget cuts across the board to hold themselves hostage to an agreement through a bipartisan panel. Their panel never came to agreement, so the cuts they wrote off as impossible are now law and will begin in early January next year. We are only beginning to see how these random cuts, that will be done quickly and haphazardly, will harm our economy through job loss and interruption of services.
Furthermore, both of these events are largely responsible for the lack of confidence in our business community that is slowing economic growth now. Businesses and investors are afraid to expand, hire, and recapitalize because, under these circumstances, they have no idea what taxes and federal spending will be like in 2013.
This crisis – and that’s what we’ll soon call it – was caused by Paul Ryan’s Republican “Young Guns” who were willing to take our country to the brink of default for their own narrow, political views. The President, most Democrats, and many moderate Republicans were willing to bring things to the table to do what our legislators historically do after good debate – compromise. The “Young Guns,” which includes my opponent, Rep. Ellmers, would not allow any compromise and had enough numbers in the US House to block any bill.
This series of events was a historic first for our country and a real step backwards. It’s what convinced me to run for US Congress. In my combined 32 years of military and community service I learned how to get along with diverse groups to accomplish things for our nation and our community. The true spirit of service is missing in too many members of Congress who ran as angry extremists, such as my opponent. To the contrary, I am running to serve all the people of our Second District. I want to go to Washington as a native North Carolinian, veteran, and businessman to represent you and our traditional values of good government, compromise, and common sense to move our country forward.
Help me get elected this November and let’s work together to get past the divisiveness and on with advancing our country for our children as our forefathers did for us.
Thanks for your support,
Steve
Editor Note: Steve Wilkins is the Democratic Nominee for Congress. Support his campaign to bring leadership to the 2nd Congressional District of NC.
Mr. Wilkins,
I certainly agree with your assessment regarding a leadership vacuum. Leadership that is vacuous is perhaps a better way to describe the current situation. The narrative of Republican foot-dragging and willingness to risk the welfare of all Americans for their narrow agenda is one that must be told over and over again. Good luck and God speed, sir.