The latest government shutdown proves that figures can lie, liars can figure and facts are stubborn things.

Congressional leaders shut down the government over $1 trillion in subsidies for the health insurance industry, which has no incentive to cut costs under the “Affordable Care Act.” Meanwhile, millions of Americans are forced into bankruptcy every year because of medial debt.

If Congress really cared about Americans’ well-being, why did they allow 42 million Americans, one in eight, to face hunger while they fought for the health insurance industry?

Here’s the problem. By some estimates 60% of us rely on one federal subsidy or another. Currently, 7% of the population relies on health insurance subsidies, 12% on federal food assistance, and tens of millions need federal assistance to pay their utility bills.

Political elites amass power through dependence. That’s why they don’t reign in health care costs or support a living minimum wage. Utility companies raise rates with abandon even though the U.S. is a net energy exporter.

Congress has one job to do — fund the government. Every year they fail at their jobs, yet many become millionaires while in office.

We’re to blame.

Congress has a 71% disapproval rating, and a 90% recidivism — er, reelection — rate. Once in office, they spend their time dividing us along party lines while racking up obscene amounts of debt.

We can fix it. But only if we vote them all out.

Peter Busowski

Jeannette

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