Anson burlingame, guest columnist: Living within our means

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January 11, 2010

Anonymous The Joplin Globe Mon Jan 11, 2010, 08:08 AM CST

“Mainly, we are going to have to live within our means and be very careful.”

That is the most resounding sound bite I have heard from a politician in a long time. If only that sentiment can grow and resonate, politically, to turn the tide of incessant and extraordinarily dangerous growth beyond our means in government.

The statement was made last week by Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, Speaker of the House for Missouri.

No greater danger exists for our country than the demand for more and more from government. Whether couched in terms of moral obligations, entitlements, rights, need, etc., we simply cannot meet them all. Someone must say “no.”

In one sentence, Richard has defined what should be the plank of the Republican Party locally, statewide and nationally: Stop increased spending and growth of government.

Mr. Richard, if you enforce your commitment to “live within our means,” I will support your future political efforts. Stay out of the ridiculous Republican infighting over other issues, stop calling Democrats names, just stick to the policy so simply yet profoundly stated.

And, in sticking to that fundamental policy, you will answer all the uproar over health care, war and peace, cap and trade, etc. If we cannot pay for it as we go, it never should get on the table for debate.

If new programs are absolutely essential, then cut some old ones to make room.

One note for consideration. The Kansas City Star recently published an investigation linking Richard to a powerful Joplin family in terms of campaign finance. Local liberals are in a feeding frenzy to sling mud at him.

The Globe and Mr. Richard have not publicly aired the implications in the local newspaper. The rebuttal is simple, but needs to be made, publicly. To reflect fairness, the Globe should air that issue in a front page article with quotes, accusations and rebuttals from all.

Clear the “stink” raised in the Star article, then get on with doing the right things for all in Missouri.

Anson Burlingame lives in Joplin. His blog, “I’m Not Sure, Are You?” can be read on the Globe’s Web site at www.joplinglobe.com.

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Anson burlingame, guest columnist: Living within our means

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