Practically every year since the 2010 midterm election when Republicans took over the House of Representatives, there's been a political and media drama in Washington about government shutdowns over faux "cuts" in spending and/or the idea that the debt limit might not be raised.
It is discussed in near apocalyptic terms – with the threat of Social Security checks not being issued, federal monuments and parks being closed, soldiers in battlefields not getting the support they need and so on.
But did anyone notice the federal government has been shut down since noon Friday?
That's right. It's been closed except for essential personnel for four and a half days – not because of a political dispute, but because of Mother Nature in the form of winter storm Jonas.
Can I ask a rhetorical question? Has anyone noticed any changes in the quality of life across America as a result?
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Of course not. It has not been a hardship for anyone. It's the dirty little secret in Washington that Americans are not and should not be dependent on the federal government. No one is wringing their hands about this government shutdown that cannot be blamed on Republicans.
It's an important teaching moment in this presidential election year.
Because, come March 2017, when a new president is in office the predictable psycho-drama will be upon us again – maybe even earlier, like one year from today.
That's when the current debt limit will be reached and Democrats and their many friends in the news media will be wailing and gnashing their teeth about the absolute necessity of borrowing hundreds of billions or trillions more dollars just to keep America running.
To date, Republicans in Congress have shown no stomach for holding the line against what amounts to a recipe for unlimited government. Instead, they have caved like a house of cards before the fight even begins. They have appeased Barack Obama and the Democratic minorities in the House and Senate every time. They have been a model of capitulation and collaboration with this immoral, unethical pattern of unaccountable, irresponsible governance.
Is that likely to chance a year from now?
Only, I suggest to you, if a president is elected who understands this game and rejects it – not next year upon taking office, but right now, during this campaign.
It's time for all Republican candidates to take a pledge, a solemn vow, an oath not to raise the debt limit in 2017 but to use it as a means of reigning what has effectively become, contrary to the spirit and letter of the Constitution, unlimited government.
This should be the No. 1 issue in the campaign for a number of reasons:
- It's just the right thing to do;
- It's a politically popular idea among the overwhelming number of Republican voters and a clear majority of Democrats and independents;
- It's the only way to cut massive government fraud, waste, abuse and corruption, illegitimate authority and overreach while returning rightful power to the states and the people;
- It takes planning now. It requires a stark warning. The future president will need a mandate to make it work.
The latest government shutdown due to a snowfall is a perfect opportunity for one or more enterprising and thoughtful presidential candidates to make that case.
Whether it's Donald Trump or Ted Cruz or someone else vying to become the next president, somebody needs to look forward to 2017 now and start setting the stage for this showdown, which is as predictable as a winter storm.
The spiraling debt represents, quite possibly, America's No. 1 national security threat. It is unsustainable as a matter of simple economics. It's time to make the case.
Without question, the presidential candidate who makes the case effectively will see benefit politically. What better moment than now – before the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary?
Media wishing to interview Joseph Farah, please contact [email protected].
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