As one watches, hears and reads reports of government in fiscal crisis by falling tax revenues, increasing debt, unfunded programs, we are witness to the realities of the principle that indebtedness is slavery.

The federal government has grown our official national debt to $12 trillion with projections that it wil exceed $14 trillion (depending on the analysis you use). But never fear, it is claimed that this will not add to the debt as the bill includes more than 14 new taxes. The cap and trade legislation adopted by the House and yet to be addressed by the Senate creates an entirely new cost to business and new forms of taxation.

Taxes are debts to be paid by the taxpayer.

It is worthwhile to ask the question, “If indebtedness is slavery, who is the slave master and who is the slave?”

Of our national debt, $800 billion is owed to China. Who is going to pay that? The administration has asked China to purchase more debt. China is reluctant and is investing in gold as a better option. Are there lessons here?

The policy of excessive debt and spending does not work for an individual, nor a family, nor a business, nor local, nor state government. What makes any sane person think it will work for our nation? Do members of Congress and the administration have an intellectual dysfunction or are they intentionally destroying our economic stability?

Is it not time to demand Congress turn to fiscally responsible policies? Do they know what time it is? Tell them: “Stop spending borrowed money. Stop creating debt. Reduce government expenditures. Develop a plan to immediately reduce the national debt and implement it. Cut your own pay and benefits by 50 percent until the debt has been reduced to less than $1 trillion and the budget is balanced. Become truly transparent and accountable in your actions and tell the people the truth.” That would be new to members of Congress so we will have to repeat the demands often … often.

Conrad Green

Poulsbo