-Caveat Lector-
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From: Steve Lilienthal <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To:
Subject: fcfnnn041502 Inside: C.T. Rossi's Commentary:
Remember April 15th
On Election Day
Date sent: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 09:04:42 -0400
Free Congress Foundation's
Notable News Now
April 15, 2002
The Free Congress Commentary
Remember April 15th On Election Day
By C.T. Rossi
This is the week when the revolutionary fire of the Founders burns
like molten metal in the hearts of all, when the true dream of America
returns to her people. This is the week when Uncle Sam comes calling
with the tax bill. Some, upon signing their check to the IRS, may
daydream of donning Mohawk garb and setting off for a new Tea Party,
but most taxpayers are filled with a rage more akin to Danton than
that of Sam Adams. But like an alcoholic who experiences that "moment
of clarity" only to succumb to the drink once more, on April 15
everyone is attuned to the reality that government is wasteful and the
taxation structure oppressive. Unexplainably, though, the burning
hatred of taxation is quickly overcome by the pervasive political
apathy that afflicts the majority of Americans. That forgetfulness is
what Congress relies upon.
High-minded Lockean political philosophy aside, the revolt of colonial
America was a revolt against taxes. The Battle of Alamance in 1771,
two years before the Boston Tea Party, was an armed revolt by North
Carolinians against the dreaded British "stamp tax." The rebels,
under-trained and under-armed, were slaughtered by the redcoats and
the leaders summarily hung - all this because the colonists felt their
taxes were unjust. It was as much the brutal British response at
Alamance as the unfair taxes that led to the American Revolution.
Unlike His Majesty's officers, the IRS tends to use more subtle means
of intimidation but like George III, Congress is quick to lavish
itself with the money of its citizenry.
When Congress first convened in 1789, member received $6 a day for
their trouble. Just a scant 15 years ago, the salary of a United
States Congressmen was $77,400 while today that salary has risen to
$141,300. So where once public service was an avocation, today it is a
career and a lucrative one at that. Name another job that features the
ability to self-appoint raises at will.
In an attempt to slow the feeding frenzy this beast, President Bush
sought to keep this year's congressional raise to 2.6 percent.
Instead, Congress is looking for a 4.1 percent raise for themselves
and their staffers. The reason Congress is seeking the higher rate is
quite telling about the amount of self-importance and ego-mania loose
inside the beltway.
President Bush, as part of his military spending requests for the war
on terror, is seeking the 4.1 percent raise for the men and women of
the armed forces. Congress agrees that the raise is in order but they
also believe that their contributions to the anti-terrorism campaign
are equally as valuable. Concerning the pay hike the newspaper The
Hill provided a quote from a House spokesman stating, " Congressional
staff who are creating legislation are just as important as someone
who is serving on the front line." Rest easy at night America, your
safety is being legislatively crafted.
Truly, Congressional avarice knows no bounds when such a
rationalization will do. The events of September 11th don't mark the
ascension of Congress and staff as our legislative protectors, rather
they note the complete and total failure of Congress and their staffs
and their legislation. If our representatives and their minions are so
adept at "crafting legislation", one must beg the question as to why
September 11th happened. Is not Congress responsible for "providing
for the common defense"? Was it not Congressional interference, most
notable the "Torricelli Principle" (emanating for the U.S. Senator
from New Jersey) that handicapped America's intelligence abilities to
a point where the events of September 11th were made possible? Had
American operatives been free to pursue the necessary means to combat
terrorists covertly, September 11th might have remained the date when
Pete Rose broke Ty Cobb's baseball hit record.
In the insular world of Washington, Congress thinks that their every
piece of legislation is an ukaz to the world. The American people's
docility to many of their governing habits (most notably taxation),
which at best can be called irresponsible, has led them into hubris.
To think that the live gunfire that front line soldiers face requires
no more courage and dedication than a bureaucrat having to take a late
lunch or battle beltway traffic can only speak to a complete
detachment from reality or an insatiable greed willing to belittle
America's most dedicated citizens for the sake of a few more bucks on
the take-home stub.
On April 15, Americans will be exposed to the domestic terrorism of a
government with an insatiable appetite for cash. Unfortunately, the
blame rests on us that we do not remember unfair taxes, government
waste and bureaucratic arrogance come November. Maybe one day we will.
C.T. Rossi comments on cultural issues for the Free Congress
Foundation.
Monday's FCF News on Demand
Visit www.fcfnewsondemand,org to hear these stories:
Senator Wayne Allard: Tax Cuts Should Be Permanent
William S. Lind: U.S. Sacrificing Israel To Enable Attack Against Iraq
J. Bradley Jansen: New Trouble from WTO
More and more people are listening to FCF News on Demand. Be sure to
let your friends know that they can hear leading conservatives talk
about issues that are important to you and to the future of our
country. And be sure to let your local radio stations and talk show
hosts know about FCF News on Demand too.
For media inquiries, contact Steve Lilienthal
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Visit Our Website at http://www.FreeCongress.org
This publication is a service of the Free Congress Research and
Education Foundation, Inc. (FCF) and does not necessarily reflect the
views of the Free Congress Foundation nor is it an attempt to aid or
hinder the passage of any bill. Free Congress Foundation * 717 Second
Street, NE * Washington, DC 20002 * 202.546.3000 * Fax: 202.544.2819
Project Manager: Angela Wheeler * Copyright * 2001 Free Congress
Foundation - All Rights Reserved.
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