I was appalled by comments made by the Democratic leadership on the Hill yesterday.  It appears that in the face of what might be the collapse of the American economy, those we have elected may be tucking their tails and running.  Why?  Because they have no idea as to what they are doing.  Take a look at this…

Sept. 18 (Bloomberg) — The Democratic-controlled Congress, acknowledging that it isn’t equipped to lead the way to a solution for the financial crisis and can’t agree on a path to follow, is likely to just get out of the way.

Lawmakers say they are unlikely to take action before, or to delay, their planned adjournments — Sept. 26 for the House of Representatives, a week later for the Senate. While they haven’t ruled out returning after the Nov. 4 elections, they would rather wait until next year unless Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke, who are leading efforts to contain the crisis, call for help.

One reason, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said yesterday, is that “no one knows what to do” at the moment.

“When you rush to judgment, you usually make mistakes,” said Sherwood Boehlert, a former Republican congressman from New York. “This is something you can’t go on forever without addressing, but Congress in a short span of time is best served by going home.”

You can read the full article by clicking here.  I can remember when I was in the military that when an operations order came down, a combat unit had to find the best way to deal withthe situation and then execute so that the mission was completed.  But our representatives, the people we have elected to represent us in Congress, are going to abandon ship again in a few days for a legislative break.  They did it with the energy crisis, that still has no solution in site, and they’re doing it here again, leaving the future of our economy in the hands of two people, Bernanke and Paulson.

There is clearly a lack of leadership in Washington, and the matra for change is ringing louder with each passing day.  But change won’t happen if we simply put a new face in the White House.  Change needs to resonate within the walls of Congress as well.  My opponent has been in office for 26 years.  He has served as the chair on the subcommittee for social security, and social security is still broken.  Sander Levin serves as the chair of the subcommitee on trade, and our nation’s trade deficit continues to increase, eroding jobs from our communities, our District, and our country.

In the last monthwe have bailed out one financial institution, one incredibly large insurance company, and two enormous mortgage giants.  And we have done this with money we do not have.  Our budget deficit is now over $9 trillion, more than doubling since 2000.  As a slap in the face, the backbone of America, our small businesses, have no such luck or help when times are tough.  When was the last time Uncle Sam offered to help you out of a mess?  More importantly, why is it even Uncle Sam’s job to fix your problems? 

I have a three year old son named Noah.  When he gets into trouble, I don’t come running to him and offer a golden parachute so he can safely land while those affected by his actions suffer dearly.  Of course not!  Noah either goes in timeout or gets spanked for his misdeeds.  He needs to learn that poor choices and bad actions must be punished, and that there are consequences.  So what does our government do?  We give AIG and Fannie and Freddie and Bear Stearn a reward when they deserved a good spank.  These companies should have failed, and we could have picked up the pieces and made better decisions afterwards.

The job of the Federal Government should be to fight wars, deliver mail, guarantee student loans, pass a balanced budget, and not much more.  So Joe Biden must have been off his rocker yesterday when he said on Good morning America, and I quote…

“We want to take money and put it back in the pocket of middle-class people.  It’s time to be patriotic … time to jump in, time to be part of the deal, time to help get America out of the rut.”

That is patriotic?  Joining the military is patriotic.  Flying your flag is patriotic.  Putting your hand on your heart during the pledge of allegiance is patriotic.  Higher taxes, giving more power to the federal government, and becoming a socialist nation is not patriotic.

Not taking a legislative recess and fixing energy and healthcare and social security and the economy would be very patriotic.  Especailly when these patriots voted for their own pay raise.  How patriotic is that?

I am running for Congress in Michigan’s 12th Congressional District because our elected representatives have lost touch with the people they represent.  I’m running for Congress because failed Washington policy has let down yet another future generation of Americans, and I do not want my children to inherit the mess we have gotten ourselves into.

I’m also asking that people stop voting for political parties as if it is some kind of religion.  Trust me, being a Republican or Democart doesn’t get you into heaven.  I am running in a Distrcit that is more than 66% Democratic.  These people have been voting for Sandy Levin for more than a quarter of a century.  If Democrats wnat to vote chnage this year, I invite them to vote change across the board.  Vote for non-incumbants.  Clean house.  It is the only way we’ll see real change in Washington, and the only way we’ll be able to provide a legacy for our children instead of a new dust bowl.

I welcome your comments and feedback.  My name is Bert Copple, and I’m ready to be your next congressman.

HOPE.  FAITH.  CHANGE.

www.bertcopple.com