The need last week for Congress
to pass legislation raising the debt ceiling plunged the United States into a
political and economic crisis likely to have repercussions in the next election
cycle and to complicate recovery from our current economic woes. At least one
factor in creating this crisis was a campaign sponsored by Americans for Tax
Reform to have members of the federal House of Representatives sign a pledge
not to vote for a net tax increase under any circumstance. Two Democrats and
all but six of the 240 Republicans in the House have signed the pledge.
Kevin Yoder, a freshman
Republican from Kansas, refused to sign the pledge. Yoder is a self-avowed
fiscal conservative. He gives two reasons for refusing to sign the pledge: his
responsibility is to his constituents not to Americans for Tax Reform and
nobody can foresee every possible eventuality.
Although I disagree with
Yoder’s political and economic views, I find his refusal to sign the pledge
refreshing and applicable in many contexts. First, Yoder has the courage of his
convictions. He recognizes that his oath of office imposes a duty upon him on
behalf of his constituents. Second, admitting to not know the future embodies
an estimable humility and self-confidence in the face of ambiguity.
1 comment:
Bravo for Yoder. Few of our "respected" congressmen will vote the way the people desire. I just wish all those who voted for pledges were prosecuted for their actions when they don't comply with their pledges.
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