The Forum article

Tea Party: Where were you when they needed you?

First of all, let me say that I am in favor of having an Economic Development Department that is concerned with building a future rather than putting the majority of the counties efforts working to convince the Feds that, while we have one of the lowest real estate tax in the state, we can't provide for ourselves. They gave us over 35 years to figure out how to be self-sufficient., and we still haven't been able to figure it out

Second, I believe we need the shop and sports programs in High School, not only because they provide skills for use after high school, but they teach through hands on activities. The educational community knows that boys learn differently than girls. They are less prone to sit for long hours and listen without doing. The pharmaceutical industry is now the teacher's aide - we have Ritalin to numb down boy's natural energies.

Third, I am in favor of having a well-oiled Sheriff's department. All of the NRA members in Oregon with their AK-47 hunting rifles fully loaded wouldn't have a chance against the Drug Cartels sure to return if the Sheriff's department no-longer exists.

And Federally, we need government oversight of Banks, Wall Street and Corporations. None of these entities directly work for the common good, or employee security. They look for profit and will sell just about anything to get it. Reduced government oversight is at the bottom of most of the economic crises we are in today. And you don't see the banks, Wall Street, auto industry, corporations making shifts in areas that may increase costs but are for the better good. Without government oversight, this country would be in even greater chaos than it is right now.

The theory that by not taxing the rich (up to 70% as was done prior to Reagan), they would use that money for jobs. I think you can see that that simply doesn't happen. They look for the largest return and will take it wherever they can get in - not in providing jobs where jobs are needed - in the U.S. Nike is a perfect example. Make as much as possible as cheaply as possible and have the final product shipped to the U.S. BTW: When will Nike be moving its operations to Washington State, like we were told by our state representatives if 66/67 passed? It passed. We're waiting.

How does this all relate to the Tea Party? They talk about wanting lower taxes, fewer government services, and reduced oversight of industry. So, specifically, what does that look like? Specifically, what Federal, State and Local programs should be cut or eliminated?

Here are three immediate local opportunities for the Tea Party to make their point and support the County Commissioners, the School District and the Sheriff's Department in their effort cut or reduce programs that the citizens are not willing to fund.

Or is it all talk? Does the Tea Party have actual recommendation on what needs to be funded and what isn't important for the growth and stability of our city, county, state and nation? Here's your opportunity to provide a budget outlining specific services to be reduced or eliminated. Is it all just rhetoric or can you provide solid ways for us to live within our means without increasing taxes or debts? And please, be specific. Let's see some actual recommendations, and be sure any recommendations you make are mentioned in the Constitution.

Gordon Clay
TheCitizensWhoCare.org