Fiscal Responsibility in Washington - A Top Priority

By Mark B. McCracken

I believe we must make fiscal responsibility a top priority for our federal government.

Consider that banks and Wall Street institutions are failing, the housing bubble has burst, the mortgage / foreclosure crisis, the bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the American auto industry is seeking federal loan guarantees along with and other economic indicators that show the US economy in turmoil. There are too many problems that require financial intervention from the federal government at a time when our federal government is in it's fiscally weakest condition ever.

My greatest concern about the fiscal crisis is that we will pass it on to our children and grandchildren. I am the father of a 5 year old and her generation deserves better than to have this fiscal mess passed on to them. For the next few years, times will be tough, but if we make the committment to strong, smart fiscal policies, we can rebuild our nation and deal with the important domestic issues like health care reform and properly funding education.