GOP ‘Held Our Nation’s Economy Hostage’

May 29, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: Got a spare $100,000? Buy some used Chapstick! That’s what Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene did at a recent Republican fundraiser. Evidently, that tube of lip balm was desirable because it smooched Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s lips.

I have little to say about how a person of means spends her wealth, although I am curious as to what people in her latest hometown of Rome, Ga., where the median income is $38,987, think about it.

I do, however, have more to say about Greene, Ben Cline, and sundry “Freedom Caucus” Republicans who successfully held our nation’s economy hostage with the debt ceiling “crisis,” while trying to extort draconian spending cuts. For the confused: the debt ceiling is not about future spending; it is paying for money already approved by Congress and spent. Congressional Republicans behaved like a restaurant customer who, after the meal is consumed, refuses to pay unless the chef lowers the price of the meal’s ingredients for future dining.

Details on the “deal” reached over the weekend remain sketchy. The original Republican proposal was a 22% reduction in federal spending, almost all of which was aimed at the poor and needy. For example, they targeted veteran outpatient services, food assistance for 1.7 million women, infants and children, access to Head Start and childcare for children, and Meals on Wheels for seniors. Still stirred into the deal are work requirements as a prerequisite to receive public aid. Evidently, those who receive assistance need to “prove” they are worthy.

The infuriating part of that is the ongoing utter failure by McCarthy, Greene, Cline, and their privileged ilk to recognize that the wealthy receive incomparably more federal assistance through tax breaks, rebates, tax deductions, mortgage interest deductions, deductible business expenses, grants, loan guarantees, price supports, and farm subsidies. We are a nation that provides welfare for the wealthy — and lots of it! We assume those privileges are deserved but look down on those who struggle.

The “deal” has yet to be approved by Congress and that will be a hard sale for McCarthy. If the deal fails, however, and if Republicans shoot the hostage, all will suffer. But never fear. Greene and other congressional inside traders will still be able to buy Chapstick!

WALTER C. BOUZARD Rockbridge County