Political Hay
John Ashcroft’s Coefficient of Unity
The GOP’s focus must be on spending.
Readers of TAS’s website may be familiar with my growing obsession with America’s looming disaster due to over-spending, debt and, most importantly, endless entitlement spending currently on auto-pilot, a kind of ravenous beast consuming most of our seed corn now and into the future.
I have previously described the entitlement crisis as a kind of “Death Star” hovering over this and future generations of our countrymen and women, including my eleven grandchildren.
Sarah Palin is not my choice for president, but her recent description of our hemorrhaging fiscal situation as “generational theft” pushed all my buttons. You go, girl!
As it turns out, I had a chance encounter in an elevator with my former boss, John Ashcroft, former Attorney General of the United States, U.S. Senator, Governor and Attorney General for Missouri. In fact, I owe my current career in environmental and natural resources work to him. He appointed me to his cabinet as director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the state EPA (with parks, energy and soil conservation thrown in for good measure), in his second term as governor. I had more fun in that job than any human being has a right to have — even with the headache of finally resolving the Times Beach Superfund settlement.
John (as he always prefers to be called) invited me up to his office to chat about an upcoming Lincoln Day celebration back in Missouri at which he was going to make a tribute to retiring U.S. Senator Kit Bond. He was looking well and displayed his customary ease in conversation which I have experienced even when he was in public office and up to his ears in alligators. In time, the conversation turned to the debt and whether or not the Republicans will be up to the challenge of reining in federal spending.
I shared with him my concerns about the Republicans’ sorry record on spending, earmarks, entitlement reform, and their own failure to even consider President George W. Bush’s reforms for Social Security.
John Ashcroft considered the matter and first responded with the observation that certainty was not given to us in this world much less in the political sphere. You have to consider the probabilities over time. In terms of the current Democratic dispensation, the prospects were pretty slim that they were going to do anything substantive about spending, entitlements or the debt.
The Republicans, however, despite their past lapses, have the political incentive to tackle spending, even entitlement reform, at least at the outset. He cited the 1990s, admittedly good economic times, when Republicans supported balanced budgets and reformed welfare.
But, again, nothing is certain. John Ashcroft believes that all wings of the party — social as well as economic and national security — have to rally around the spending issue, first and foremost. He believes this for both policy and political reasons. Clearly, the debt cannot continue to grow, indefinitely, without wrecking the country. But, politically, for the Republican Party as a center-right party, John believes that “the coefficient of unity is the highest on spending.” In other words, the spending situation, now in extremis, draws in all elements of the Republican base as well as the restless independent voters who see the current trend as an existential threat to all that makes this country unique and exceptional.
John went on to tie in these fiscal concerns with families and the future of our children. “Stealing from your kids is as ugly a picture as you can imagine,” said the former Attorney General. He even went so far as to liken it to a kind of prospective “child abuse” for generations to come, depriving them of their birthright, as Americans, in terms of economic opportunity, the ability to raise, clothe and shelter a family, and pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as they see it.
While we did not discuss the consequences for national security of debt and escalating entitlement spending, they are self-evident as evidenced by the steadily declining military budgets and commitments of the Western European welfare states over the past 40 or 50 years.
I mentioned the recent proposal by Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) to reform, simultaneously, both entitlements and the tax code, which even the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says would balance the budget without raising taxes. I told John that I would vote for it in a heart beat, but I would not want to predict what the majority of sitting Republican congressmen and women would do since it takes away benefits as well as reduces tax rates. John indicated that he hears very good things about Paul Ryan but was not familiar with his proposal.
I came away from my conversation with John Ashcroft more hopeful than I have been in a long time. His view of both the economic necessity and the political benefits of focusing on spending made sense. It is a necessary starting point in a political realignment that, eventually, must go beyond reducing discretionary spending and actually restructure, reduce, or means-test the big three entitlements of Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security.
We are dealing with probabilities, compounded by the vagaries of human nature. Yet, hope is a theological rather than a rational or natural virtue. Indeed, it is hope that brought most of our ancestors to these shores in the first place. So we cannot give up on the land of the free and the home of the brave.
About the Author
G. Tracy Mehan, III served at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the administrations of both Presidents Bush. He is a consultant in Arlington, Virginia, and an adjunct professor at George Mason University School of Law.
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Agreement from the Midwest| 2.26.10 @ 7:06AM
While "generational theft" is powerful imagery, I think after reading John Ashcroft's allusion to accruing so much debt as 'child abuse' that decrying the spending as "economic child abuse" is even more powerful.
Doorgunner| 2.26.10 @ 8:00AM
John Ashcroft is, in my opinion, the most principled and decent man to hold Federal office in my lifetime.
It must have been somewhat intimidating working for him.
S.L. Toddard| 2.26.10 @ 8:09AM
Another "deficit hawk" who is also an advocate of perpetual wars that will cost trillions.
Incoherent.
Doorgunner| 2.26.10 @ 9:27AM
Please, instead of posting a youtube video -with the usual attendant juvenile comments attached- provide us with an accurate, verifiable quote of John Ashcroft advocating a "perpetual war".
We'll wait.
S.L. Toddard| 2.26.10 @ 8:10AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woLQI8X2R6Y
Margie| 2.26.10 @ 4:27PM
Thank you for posting that beautiful rendition of Let the Eagle Soar, sung by John Ashcroft. I admire a conservative man humble enough and with such a love for his country, to get up there sing proudly like that.
Is this your supposed criticism of him being an advocate of perpetual wars?
if your intention was to mock him, you have succeeded in mocking yourself. You are a true imbecile.
Ken (Old Texican)| 2.26.10 @ 9:02AM
SL
I sure wish you could exert the same amount of energy fighting the 35% of our fed expenditures on welfare and entitlements.
PG| 2.26.10 @ 9:25AM
If they are going to means test SS and Medicare then isn't it appropriate to lift the limits on what the 'wealthy' can save toward retirement? I don't think that will happen, so the net impact will be to punish a large segment of the middle class by reducing their government provided benefits and continuing to limit the tax qualified savings they can do on their own.
Al Adab| 2.26.10 @ 11:09AM
Lots of meat in this article. By all means stop the bleeding as the financial drain is taking our life's blood. There are always many ways to skin the cat as it were. Lots of ways to achieve the goal. Not every "Problem" or wish must be accomplished through government action. Management of parks for example could easily be done through private management firms- so many golf courses are.
SS is another. Simply maintain the payroll deduction of employment "tax" but allow the individual to place it in a personal IRA or 401. Allow use for medical needs but otherwise have it unavailable till say 591/2 years. Not only does every retiree become a millionaire, but the capitalization of the national economy would be huge.
Many issues in our public life are susceptable to similar approaches. Lets study them.
Ken (Old Texican)| 2.26.10 @ 11:41AM
Ladies and gentlemen,
I hope you will red today's article at Townhall.
The guy pretty much nails it.
http://townhall.com/columnists.....ers?page=1
Al Adab| 2.26.10 @ 1:23PM
Saw it too. TH is good site. I learn a lot.
Margie| 2.26.10 @ 4:08PM
Ken,
That is indeed an excellent article. Glen Beck seems to have a big problem. He is creating a third party extravaganza. I think he's oh so wrong. His thinking is wrong. It has nothing to do with "not liking him." He is likeable enough, and funny as heck along with the 2 other fellows on his radio show when they get it going. A sheer joy to listen to mocking the Left. Excellent comedy, and mucho kudos!
But this article pointed out the precise problem in his thinking the third party way.
Like Mark Levin recently said, his flirting with Ron Paul isn't so good, either.
Clint Lovell | 2.26.10 @ 11:43AM
Mr. Ashcroft is another "sometimes" fiscal conservative who wants to get rid of big government (or so he says) except where he wants it. Like a lot of people in our party, Mr. Ashcroft is no different from the liberals we routinely lampoon for wanting a huge government presence in our lives. The liberals want to take our money so they can take our freedom away and the people on Mr. Ashcroft's side just want to take our freedom away. They decry the spending and confiscation of our money on the one hand, while they want more government laws to prosecute us for sins on the other hand.
Which is it, Mr. Ashcroft? I am no supporter of abortion, but to say you want it outlawed and the government to enforce this law is no different than a liberal wanting excessive wealth outlawed and having the government enforce their law. Same principle, different hypocrites.
If we are going to go places as a party, we have to get rid of the hypocrisy within our own party that makes us look just like the liberals. Either you want more government or you don't. Hiding behind "law and order" politics is no different than hiding behind "responsible government spending" politics - it's all more government to benefit different groups in our society. As long as we do these things the liberals will still have the right to beat us because we deserve it for being no better than they are.
Quartermaster| 2.26.10 @ 6:48PM
"I am no supporter of abortion, but to say you want it outlawed and the government to enforce this law is no different than a liberal wanting excessive wealth outlawed and having the government enforce their law. Same principle, different hypocrites."
That statement utterly inane! The two are not related at all, unless you see murder as something the government should not prohibit. The comment is not only poorly written, but it betrays either a total lack of thought, or you were so tired that you had no business reading, much less, writing about anything.
I have no trouble with anyone acquiring wealth as long as it is done honestly.
Clinton Lovell | 2.27.10 @ 6:22PM
I see my point regarding the hypocrisy of our own party was somehow lost on you.
One party wants to put people in jail who do not act the way they do (abortion being murder in your sole judgment) while the other party wants to take money and freedom from people who don't act the way they do.
Yet you are upset by this comparison. I think perhaps you may finally be thinking and not liking the fact that I cut a bit too close to the bone.
You claim to have no problem with someone who acquires wealth "honestly". This makes you no different from Mr. Obama who says he wants the wealth "to go to its rightful owners" - as both of you want to be the one to decide and be the standard for our morals. A pox on both your houses! We want neither - keep your moralizing and hypocrisy to yourself!
Blackwatch| 2.27.10 @ 9:54PM
The very fact that abortion of a child could be labeled anything less than murder in" your" morality is repugnant. I can't wait for the day the SCOTUS overturns the "abortion" of law known as "Roe vs. Wade" and returns this to the 50 states to decide individually. Your "morality" seems to be highly twisted if killing a baby is not murder to you.
Pat| 2.26.10 @ 1:55PM
Republican commentators and those Republicans fortunate enough to remain in government aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed. They see the Democrats vulnerable in the area of spending, throwing enormous amounts of tax dollars at social problems per their usual habits – but the Republicans have a chance for “original thinking” at this moment in history – sure, there’s a knee jerk tendency to contrast themselves with Democrats based on fiscal responsibility concerns, but is that wise? Consider those magic beans Obama bought from the Wizard – Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the country, running somewhere between 14 & 15% officially, over 20% when you count the underemployed. Detroit itself has an unemployment rate around 35%. Given those numbers, your first assumption would be that Obama is vastly unpopular in Michigan, his Stimulus Bill helped his friends and political allies line their pockets but did nothing for the common guy or gal seeking a job.
Your first assumption would be dead wrong however, Obama is more popular in Michigan, based on recent polling, than he is within those states with much lower unemployment rates. His magic beans are still functioning despite his poor job performance – why? The common reasons are that Michigan is a Democratic state, whatever that’s supposed to mean - or, Obama is popular because he’s “officially” black and both Detroit and Michigan residents consider him one of their own. But, popular explanations aside, many Michigan residents know the Republicans will do nothing for them, at least with Obama there’s a slim chance something will trickle down eventually, they’ll find a job through handouts from Washington, maybe not a permanent job but something – any help would be welcome.
Republicans have a chance this year to constantly talk about creating jobs, reducing systemic unemployment – but they need credible ideas. Simply linking job creation with tax cuts won’t cut it for many and responding to folks desperate for employment with the old “let them eat cake” dismissal is both cruel and a disservice to constituents who want and need help. They have a golden opportunity to offer their own remedies and folks who are tired of waiting for “the Stimulus” are inclined to listen, but fresh ideas are needed. It will require ideas which usually don’t emanate from the mouths of Republicans, but it’s worth a try, there’s little downside to such an attempt and everything to gain by the effort.
Indy Voter| 2.26.10 @ 2:14PM
One thing we must do is stop this march to nationalize education, look at the proposed budget, it's a cradle to career mentality the Feds are proposing driving up spending
http://www.nytimes.com/interac.....udget.html
No cap to Freddie / Fannie - On Christmas Eve, when most Americans' minds were on other things, the Treasury Department announced that it was removing the $400 billion cap from what the administration believes will be necessary to keep Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac solvent.
WSJ has lots on F/F
Best view of historical debt / deficit I've seen yet
http://hillbuzz.org/2010/02/16/debt-and-deficit/
Folks, we are in big trouble but readers here know that, can we order up more blizzards in DC to shut down Congress?
Margie| 2.26.10 @ 3:55PM
I loved your article, Mr. Mehan. When it brings out the anti-war Lefties with the insults, you know what you say is right on the money.
I also enjoyed hearing about your conversation with former Attorney General Ashcroft. He has true wisdom. His vision is a correct one, and I can only hope that the Republicans will see this article and truly consider the strategy, which is an excellent one for them to focus on.
John Ashcroft, a truly honorable man. He would certainly make a wonderful President!
Thank you.
Ken (Old Texican)| 2.26.10 @ 6:53PM
Margie, Amen.
Mr. Mehan,
I do want to thank you for that personal glimpse of a good man. I also hope you read down through these comments. There are some fine men and women here, learning...and teaching.
I am personally very encouraged by the "new media" as exemplified by Am Spec. The olde media has lost its stranglehold on American thought to a large degree, and I often wish Am Spec could do an internet pay-per-click campaign with our internet guy. He has helped our company become a national presence...on a shoestring. An example of his work can be found at :
http://judgeroy.wordpress.com
I personally know that he has helped us bring thousands of solid folks to Am Spec for a sip of cool water.
I would be delighted to introduce the editors here to him.
You are entirely correct about John's view of spending and debt being the one thing that can bring sensible Americans together.
Fresh ideas:
1. Help every American understand that splendid medical care can be had...right now.
2. We can provide that care much more efficiently than routing folks through emergency rooms.
3. We can configure our tax obligations to build a "bigger pie"...or in Jack Kennedy's words, "lift all boats". That truly is the answer...always has been.
4. Recognize that "slackers" are never happy, and help them find meaning through productive work.
5. Make the feds step back and let local communities watch after the "safety-nets".
Heh there are a million of them...but we are smart enough to figure them out without gubmint oversight/tyranny.
J.Glynn| 2.26.10 @ 10:28PM
Ashcroft prefers to be called General Ashcroft.
Yosemeti Sam| 2.27.10 @ 10:59AM
" ... In other words, the spending situation, now in extremis, draws in all elements of the Republican base as well as the restless independent voters who see the current trend as an existential threat to all that makes this country unique and exceptional...."
Current trend?
Well now, who would be directly responsible
for this threat other than Darth Vader BHO and his co-alien-conspirators in the Democrat controlled Congress?
Pingback| 2.27.10 @ 5:27PM
CENSORED NEWS: Black Mesa Indigenous Support: Regional Coordinators | Educational Cal links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Brian| 3.2.10 @ 7:04PM
After 30 years of the Repubs stabbing me in the back on every issue, they want me to trust them yet again. Not this time!
Air Jordans | 8.14.11 @ 11:10PM
is good