Budget Stimulus Debate: Give Peace a Chance
April 20, 2009
When I first spoke with my pastor years ago about possibly serving our community and state, he told me “Politics isn’t Sunday School.” That phrase has stuck with me (and been proven, time and time again). But tonight, maybe the two worlds collided? My daily devotional made me think – maybe this stimulus “battle” can get behind us; if we give peace a chance.
“It is Satan who kindles the flames of contention in men’s hearts, and then stands and warms himself at the fire” – Thomas Watson (c1620-1686).
The devotional goes on to say “God is a peacemaker….He is referred to as the God of peace… and Jesus is described as Prince of Peace….While our peacemaking includes being ambassadors for Christ and spreading the gospel…it goes beyond that, too….it includes working toward unity within our body of Christ….our love for one another greatly affects our influence with those outside the church….being a peacemaker means getting involved in difficult relationships for the sake of the gospel and God’s glory…it’s what sons of God must do.” It ends with “Bottom Line: Being a peacemaker is about putting others before yourself because it isn’t easy work. It’s necessary work, though, and it’s what God calls His children to do.”
Now, I’m not sure if I’m making my point or not but I’m getting at is this: Can’t our state leaders get together and compromise on the stimulus funds? Let’s be honest….what it’s going to take is this: Governor Sanford, Speaker Harrell/Cooper, Senate ProTem McConnell/Leatherman to sit down (leave egos at the door – if possible) and just say “how far will you/can you go” to move on with this?
Seriously. That’s it. One group wants to spend $700 million the way they want and the other guy wants $700 million spend the way he wants.
Right now, lines are drawn in the sand. The Senate will debate their version on the floor this week but it appears we’re heading to spending it all. Unless something miraculous happens this year. Has the “William Wallace Caucus” grown enough to make a bigger difference this year in our party? “The Common Sense Caucus” had some gains in the House this cycle but not enough to put us in the majority of our own party.
Folks, I was one of 8 in the House who voted against the stimulus but when I saw that wasn’t gonna happen (108-8 was the vote to spend it) I worked with like-minded colleagues to get as many reforms as we could in the budget to protect taxpayers . Likewise, since it appears the House/Senate are intent on spending the money anyway, can’t we (House/Senate) at least protect the taxpayers as much as possible? Can’t the Governor do the same instead of risking all the money being spent?
Look, I’m for principled stands and I truly believe spending this “Budget Stabilization Money” is gonna come back to bite us in 2 years but here’s what I see happening: House/Senate spend all the money in the budget; governor either can’t veto items or either he does veto items BUT they get overridden; then the whole $700 million for next 2 years is spent.
Remember, everyone appears to be on record “not wanting to spend the money” so why not put SOME aside for debt repayment instead of spending it all (mainly on recurring programs)?
Seriously. If we can’t get 5 grown men to compromise and move a little, God help us. Of course, anyone paid attention to the Budget and Control Board lately?
(Note: I fully expect both sides (and both parties) to dislike what I have to say; but, then again, maybe that means I’m on to something here…or maybe I shouldn’t post at midnight and should’ve just gone to bed earlier. We’ve got some long weeks ahead.
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7 Responses to “Budget Stimulus Debate: Give Peace a Chance”
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Nathan, I agree with you BUT why should the legislature entertain working with a governor they loathe so much? It seems to me that they (the legislature) don’t care what happens to South Carolina so long as they put the governor in his place (budget overrides)! I suggest doing away with the office of governor (right now) and replacing it with a bobblehead doll that only bobbles yes. Bobby, Glenn, Hugh and Bubba could take turns whacking it on the head for approval. On special occasions they could have Cindy come over and give it a whack!
Well, why not take a portion of the stimulus money, say, 20% and pay down debt with a matching amount of state money, leaving the rest for schools and law enforcement. Compromise is what must usually be done in order to get anything done with competing agendas.
Well, why not take a portion of the stimulus money, say, 20% and pay down debt with a matching amount of state money, leaving the rest of the stimulus money for schools and law enforcement. Compromise is what must usually be done in order to get anything done with competing agendas. I hope their heads do get together on this so we don’t lose the $700 million.
What a dangerous philosophy this stimulus is. Here we go again spending money we do not have as a country. There will be negative consequences to this reckless spending
Nathan,
I agree with many of the reforms that Gov. Sanford is proposing, such as selling the golf course, legislative accountability and removing some of the unneeded government positions. I also agree with consolidating school districts to reduce school costs. However, I believe that our Governor is dangerously wrong with this lawsuit and refusing to use the money for our schools. Here is a compromise: Use the money for the schools and corrections. Take the next two years to craft a budget that removes the waste and designate these savings to debt reduction. That way everyone wins. You are correct, if everyone would check their egos at the door, we might be able to do this. You are in my prayers that you may indeed be a peacemaker in this situation.
I attended a local public high school without the luxury of air conditioning or heat & for crying out loud received a solid Education. Did not ride in an air conditioned school bus, (my friend was also my school bus driver) used only a text book, (no computers) drove to Memorial Stadium to watch our football team (no football field on the school grounds) shared a gym with a Baptist Church & gee was smart enough to be accepted into a major University. I am so tired of hearing about Education. I choose not to have kids. Where are my tax breaks after 30+ years paying high mileage for better schools. After yesterday I feel I have no representation & lot’s of taxation. Yes, my Governor Mark Sanford was right on his principal’s. Exactly what is the point in having our Governor – like me, no power.