Spot on Michelle as usual. But, I do think that we are overlooking two other culprits when it comes to failing schools, school boards and the Dept. of Education. They have interfered with a teachers ability to teach. They give the marching orders that teachers must follow. How many people can name one person on their local school board. For that matter, how many people actually bother to vote for these people. The Department of Education was created by Jimmy Carter back in the 70's. It is another example of his failed policies. Education should be entire the perview of the states.

Great article Cal Thomas. To the government elite, the Tea Party, aka concerned citizens, are a threat to their comfort, influence and presumed power. It is now the time to change much of the personnel in congress and to elect more representatives that bow to the will of the people and stand on principle. Valerie Jarrett let the cat out of the bag early into the Obama Presidency, when she stated "we are ready to rule". They truly believe that ruling over the people is their position. In 2012 we must show Obama and his feckless enablers that in America the citizens rule by relieving him of his duties.

Michelle, there were many in congress elected in 2010 that were standing on prinicple. It will take another election or two to vote more in. The establishment on both sides needs to be retired because they have grown too comfortable in washington.

It is obvious that you haven't reached 66 and worked for 43 years yet. It is not the programs per se, it is that the government took what was intended for the programs namely FICA and put it into the general fund. Have you ever heard of the so-called Social Security Trust Fund? As far as medicare goes, it will become worthless soon because you will not be able to find a healthcare provider that will accept it. The government pays pennies on the dollar to doctors and hospitals and make them wait forever to collect it.

Any BBA must be well debated and well thought out. But, a fiscal framework must be imposed on congress and the president to avoid the road to bankruptcy. It is obvious to all that our congressional representative do not possess the discipline necessary to control either spending or the growth of government. A long with the Balanced Budget Amendment should also be tax reform. The need for transparency and order dictates that we need either a flat tax or a consumption tax. Both would end the need for the IRS as it exist now. That alone would be a step in the right direction.

This is just but one of Obama not so stealthy attempts to change the American culture in his likeness. This man has no soul, no matter how he tries to demonstrate that he is the crème de la crème. The nest president and congress will have much to do to unravel this tangled web that Obama has spun. Never again should the public fall for words over deeds. Once he leaves the White House perhaps Hollywood can use his acting skills.

While I agree with your remarks, I must say that the government teaching good fiscal hibits is laughable when you consider the national debt. We need to teach the government these lessons by constraining their addiction to spending through a Balanced Budget Amendment.

The government does not have the Midas Touch. Quite the contrary, most things that they are involved in the more incompetence creeps in. Why would anyone, other then those living on the government plantation, want more government encroachment into our personal lives. Medicare is going to be worthless because in order for it to work you must have doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare payments. By cutting payment for services, doctors and hospitals will simply refuse to treat Medicare patients. This is precisely what the Progressives want. It will eventually force everyone into a single payer system. Then God help us we better not get sick.

I believe that he was really referring to the class warfare that your idol, Barack Obama is engaging in. Your last sentence should be directed to Obama, Pelosi and Reid.

Mona the difference between this president and President Bush is that Bush respected the office of the Presidency, Obama does not. He thinks only in terms of what is best for him, and of course his reelection. I look back on some of the other presidents that I voted for and ask myself why. I look at this man and think. I am glad I had no part in electing this narcissistic imbecile.