Hope through change

Yesterday, my hope that America will turn this economic crisis around was renewed and reaffirmed.

I had the pleasure of meeting with newly elected Tennessee Rep. Stephen
Fincher (R), a farmer who decided that he needed to leave his home to
try to help save the country he loves.

What a refreshing change from the blank-eyed automatons who so often
masquerade as members of Congress. No realpolitik talk from Fincher,
just a clear, concise vision that America needs to stop spending more
than we bring in.

Some of the establishment on both sides of the aisle may view Fincher’s
take on the world as idealistic craziness, but idealistic crazies
founded this great nation. 

Idealistic crazies risked their fortunes and lives to set the foundation of the greatest nation that the world has ever seen. A nation that has brought unprecedented worldwide prosperity. A nation that is still populated by people like Stephen Fincher, who believe that the 21st century can continue to be an American century, if we just get our economic house in order and return to the free-enterprise principles that have benefited both America and the world.

When I left Fincher’s office, I remembered a conversation that I had with another freshman GOP congressman, Todd Rokita, from Indiana, in January.

Rokita told me that he wasn’t concerned about getting reelected in 2012, because his job was to make a better future for his constituent’s children and grandchildren.

As we witness an almost unprecedented budget debate on the floor of the House of Representatives, I am relieved that Americans elected Stephen Fincher, Todd Rokita and a whole freshman class of “crazies,” who put our nation before politics.

“Crazies” who believe that tackling the tough problems today, rather than deferring them to the next generation, is not only necessary, but is the whole reason they gave up their lives to come to Washington.

“Crazies” who have the audacity to believe that America’s greatness is ahead of us, if we only make the short-term sacrifices today.

“Crazies” who believe that the American Dream is achieved through private-sector investment, hardworking entrepreneurs, whether they be shopkeepers or farmers, who get their hands dirty to make and sell products, and create jobs in the process.

Having been in D.C. for more than 25 years, I thank God for “crazies” like Stephen Fincher, a man who sees the big picture of what is at stake in the budget battles and is unafraid to say what needs to be said.