Open for Business

The Federal Government is open for business again.  This was a tawdry exercise by any reasonable standard.  I realize that both political parties took a hit in the polls, but it's hard to avoid the conclusion that the conservatives have a lot of mud on their faces, elbows, knees, and backsides.

Frustration has been growing, even in northern Michigan.  Yesterday a small crowd of "working families" staged a protest outside the Marquette office of Rep. Dan Benishek, a retired surgeon and the Republican Congressman from Michigan's 1st District.  On the one hand, Benishek has disclaimed any responsibility for the shutdown.  On the other hand, he was one of the Members of Congress who a few weeks ago signed a letter to President Obama threatening a government shutdown unless the President agreed to defund the Affordable Care Act.

Yesterday's protestors demanded that politicians stop playing political games and focus on pensions, social security, and the country's debt issues.  One said that "our senators here in Michigan [should] take a real lead, take a close look at those corporate tax loop holes."  Another said that we should "have the wealthiest pay their fair share."

"We sent Benishek to Congress and we sent a problem when we were looking for a solution," said retired veteran Jim Alderson.

Benishek's office in Washington responded, "Dr. Benishek always welcomes input from citizens in Northern Michigan.  Dr. Benishek shares the frustration many families in the U.P. have with what's been happening in Washington.  Dr. Benishek is hopeful that a bipartisan deal being worked on in Congress today will reopen the government and prevent the nation from defaulting."  (I think we got the idea that Benishek is a doctor.)

Today, after voting to reopen the government, Benishek declared, "I'm deeply concerned that a defaut could lead to higher interest rates and even a larger national debt.  We can't let that happen.  Moms and dads up here in Michigan shouldn't be hurt just because Washington can't get its act together."

Dr. Benishek is one of the reasons we've had this trouble.  Moms and dads "up here" ought to take note of who brought this upon us. •••