Columns

The anguish in people’s voices as they call our office every day is heart-breaking. Many are wondering how they can pay their bills, whether their job will still exist in a week, whether their retirement savings have been decimated or whether they’ll lose the shop they’ve spent their lifetimes and life savings to build.

In the last four national elections, Americans made it clear that we won’t accept the economic stagnation we’ve suffered during this past decade. Obama’s policies of higher taxes and greater regulatory burdens suppressed economic growth to a dismal 1 ½ percent annual average – about half the post-war growth rate of three percent.

Lower premiums, increased choices and improved care: these were the promises made to America by those who imposed Obamacare. Exactly the opposite has happened. Last year, premiums increased an average of 25 percent and this year we’re warned they’ll increase 40 percent. Last year, only one provider remained in a third of American counties. This year, entire regions have no providers at all. In 2015, American life expectancies actually declined.

The great irony of the Republican decision to bust the budget sequester is that barely two months ago, congressional roles were reversed.

Column by Congressman McClintock, published in the Wall Street Journal, August 24, 2013.

Americans have always reached out to those in need, and the devastation suffered by victims of Hurricane Sandy requires the federal government's assistance to make the repairs required by storm damage. Disasters that overwhelm local and state resources have always been shared by the nation and that's as it should be.

In its editorial ("Why Does Anyone Need a 100-Round Rifle Clip," August 5), the Bee notes that I "failed to respond" to its inquiries. The editorial amply demonstrates the reason: the Bee is notorious for stating one-sided political manifestos, listing its heroes and villains, and offering no opportunity for a balanced debate. In the event I am mistaken and the Bee actually welcomes a differing viewpoint, here is mine.