Mark Sanford: Where Things Stand On #Shutdown

Dear Friend,

We’re a week into the government shutdown, and I wanted to send you a quick update on where things stand. Accordingly, I’ve taken the liberty of including a few samples of this week’s writings or activities that give some level of perspective on the shutdown and it’s larger implications. Toward that end, here are links to the Island Packet and Post & Courier op-eds that I think describe some of what’s happening here.

Understandably, many people are upset given the way in which both they and their government are impacted by the shutdown. And while we might all agree that this is not the way for government to be run, there are some big issues at play that are worth every one of us to consider, regardless of where we are on current Washington spending levels, the Affordable Care Act, or the tenor of the debate in Washington.

Two quick thoughts.

First, we could pass a so called “clean” Continuing Resolution tomorrow, but without resolving the underlying budget issue we will find ourselves right back in the current impasse in a few weeks. Any of the Continuing Resolutions being offered by both Republicans and Democrats take us to just mid-November or mid-December, and to fix this larger financial log-jam there has to be resolution of where the House, Senate and White House are on spending.

Second, there’s a new level of political gamesmanship on this shutdown that is disturbing. There have been 17 government shut downs over the last 36 years. Many occurred when Democrats controlled the House, Senate and Presidency – all occurred over policy differences. They are the bluntest of leverage points in politics, and in every instance were used to try to advance the perceived will of the majority of those who sent them. In this instance though, the President has chosen to close things like the Lincoln Memorial, which has never been closed at any point in our country’s history, as way of gaining political advantage and I have spoken up on how this makes no sense to most of the people I talk to.

Here’s the speech I gave on the House floor on Thursday and the one I gave on Friday.

So my simple thought in all this is that we really need to get serious about spending before its too late, and despite the shutdown, the office is getting stronger each day in its ability to project that voice in Washington. I thank you again for your part in allowing me that privilege.

Thanks as well for taking the time to read this, and if you agree with this take on things, please pass this message along to five of your friends…or for that matter send me the email of 25 friends!

Take good care,

Mark Sanford

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