Looking Nationally...

At a time when our state is spending money without restraint, without responsibilities, and without accountability (leading to our recent tax increases), I look to any leader who can discourage that fatalistic process. Last night, in his State of the Union, President Obama spoke out, quite strongly, against excessive spending. He stated, in no uncertain terms, "I’m proud that we passed the recovery plan free of earmarks, and I want to pass a budget next year that ensures that each dollar we spend reflects only our most important national priorities."

Calling the stimulus/recovery plan "free of earmarks" seems to rely on technicalities rather than budget reality. But, taking Obama at his word, he has an upcoming chance to make a hard stand against earmarks by vetoing the spending bill passed by the House today. Taxpayers For Common Sense lists $7.7billion worth of earmarks in the bill. Congressional Democrats claim that it contains only $3.8billion. Either way, that is far more than the country can afford, now or ever.

Among the earmarks is $200,000 for a tattoo removal program in California. I admit that I didn't vote for Barack Obama and that I differ with him on a great many political issues. I'm certain, however, we would both agree that tattoo removal is not among "our most important national priorities."

When House Republicans opposed the bill, Democrats attacked them, wondering why they didn't oppose spending during Bush's administration. This is a fine question to ask, but not a reason to continue reckless spending. Despite being a lifelong Republican, I'm happy to have seen my party lose power, if it has turned them back towards fiscal conservatism (among other ideals). President Obama has been looking for ways to reach across the aisle. This seems to be his best opportunity.

Within California, it will certainly be a lot harder for state politicians to justify their yearly spending on failing programs if President Obama, the leader of CA's majority party, rejects that process of mindless spending. "My administration," he said, "has also begun to go line by line through the federal budget in order to eliminate wasteful and ineffective programs. " Today's House bill contains an across the board 8% increase in federal program funding. When President Obama keeps his word and vetoes this bill, as I hope he will do, it will send a powerful message to state and local governments across the country, reverberating locally in our state capitol and city halls.

At the end of the day, politicians are conservative, liberal, or moderate based not on what they say, but rather on what they do. For California to see fiscally conservative policies enacted nationally can spur us to do the same. If the inspiration comes from a source as seemingly unlikely as President Obama, all the better. If he can do it, can't we?

Yes we can.