Joe Speaks Out Against Government Waste

In last Monday’s memo, I talked about my views on taxes and spending, comparing them with the record of Walter Jones. This morning, I’d like to give you my views on tax increases, the tax code and a follow up to last week’s discussion on wasteful spending.

During my recent trip to Washington D.C., I was proud to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge during a meeting with Americans for Tax Reform. This was a commitment to you, the citizens, to oppose any and all tax increases. Walter Jones signed this pledge and broke it during this past Congressional session. My word is my bond and I will never break the pledge, or the trust of the people of Eastern North Carolina.

As I travel the Third District, I hear uniform disenchantment with our current tax code. The fact that law abiding citizens wonder if they are breaking the law when they sign their tax return is testament to just how confusing the tax code is. Polls indicate that citizens fear an IRS audit more than a mugging. (Some would argue you couldn’t tell the difference) There are several ideas floating around Washington, including a “Flat Tax” and the so called “Fair Tax”. As your Congressman, I will seriously consider all options, because it is time for a change.

Finally, last Monday’s memo mentioned Walter Jones’ abysmal score (18%) on the Club for Growth’s “RePork Card” and it generated a firestorm of response. Many of you went to the Club for Growth’s website (www.clubforgrowth.org) and saw for yourself not only the scores, but details on what your taxpayer money was used for.

Here are a few of the projects our Congressman voted to fund.

$200,000 for a Lobster Institute

$628,843 for grape genetics research

$878,046 for the Catfish Pathogen Genomic Project

$50,000 for the National Mule and Packers Museum

$129,000 for the home of the "perfect Christmas tree" project

Why would our “Conservative” Congressman vote for wasteful projects like these? Walter knows he must bring home some funding to the Third District in hopes of appeasing the natives who are obviously restless due to his shift to the political left. The only way to get funding for his pet projects is to vote for the Democrats' projects. Don’t believe me?

During an appearance in Kinston last Monday, Walter bragged of his relationship with liberal Democrat Charlie Rangle. Why would the ultra-liberal Rangle befriend a Republican? Maybe it was because Walter voted to appropriate $2,000,000 for the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service in New York City. Two Million Dollars!

Friends, if you’re looking for a Congressman who will sell out their principals to try to bribe you with pork, you’ve got your man in Walter Jones. However, if you’re ready for a Congressman who will fight to put an end to wasteful spending, then I’m your man.

Sorry, but the lobsters, grapes, mules and catfish will just have to suffer. See you on the campaign trail!

Joe

Quote of the Week: "I want that camera turned off before I take questions from the floor!"

Walter Jones, last week, demanding at a public meeting that a video camera be turned off before he opened the floor up for questions. Wonder what he is so nervous about?