Or, read the transcript below. We recommend you watch the speech, though, because Schweikert is an outstanding speaker.
Can We Disagree Without Being Disagreeable?I want share something from the heart that actually has disturbed me watching this debate between the House and the Senate over the last few days. It’s time to take a step backwards and reflect on our use of language and tone, and reflect on our civility as a governing body over this last week.
The President got behind the microphones and was literally talking down the stock market, suggesting that it was time that Wall Street should be concerned. One of the intelligence services officials expressed fear that the furloughed intelligence service officers are now bribable because they are furloughed. I've had members come beside me and use words like 'terrorist,' and 'gun to the head.' To all my brothers and sisters here in Congress and for the blogs and the reporters and the political operatives around this country-- You are better; We are better than this.
Take a step backward and ask why the viciousness and the fear-mongering from the liberals when this argument is actually pretty darn simple? Those of us on the conservative side believe we have reached out-- over and over-- to negotiate a resolution. The path to finding a solution is simple. Senator Reid needs to agree to a conference committee, put the members in a room and let them start talking. Two years ago, the Democrats lit up the phones in my office demanding that we talk and negotiate on other issues. So why was that demand acceptable in the summer of 2011, but we can’t demand the same today?
Unfortunately, this same rhetoric of fear is now heading towards the debt ceiling debate and the “you're going to default” discussion. Anyone who says that is looking you in the eyes and lying. Either that or they don't own a calculator.
We've got to understand the math. This country takes in 18% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in taxes and we pay out 2% in debt coverage. In 2014 we have $1.6 trillion in re-financing. The fact of the matter is, any way you see the model, it’s simply implausible that we would miss making our interest payments.
I understand we have different views. I strongly believe the Affordable Care Act, “Obamacare,” is causing businesses to shift full-time positions to part-time jobs and destroying opportunities for our citizens. But I also agree that we need solutions for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
We can disagree without losing our civility and descending into vicious personal attacks. Let’s elevate the discussion back to facts and data and focus on the real issues.
References:
My Floor 5 Minutes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbDP3T7i3O8
The President on the Stock Market: http://money.cnn.com/2013/10/02/news/economy/obama-wall-street-ceo/?hpt=po_c1
Senator Harry Reid on Shutdown Tone: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/4/reid-apologizes-nasty-tone-senate-floor/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment