Stick to the Real Issues

Even though Democrats have controlled Congress for nearly three years and the mortgage crisis can be traced back to policies started under the Clinton administration, 62 percent of Americans blame the current economic mess on Republicans, according to Rasmussen Reports.

The reason? We have allowed the Democrats to define the issues, shape the message and control the dialogue. If we want to reclaim any congressional seats next year, or even take a stab at the presidency in 2012, we must do a better job of telling our side of the story.

We are not going to do it by complaining about the president taking his wife to a Broadway play in New York. Every president is entitled to time off -- and away -- from the Beltway. And, yes, wherever they go, whatever they do, we have to pay for the security detail. It goes with the office.

On the other hand, we should be taking aim at a radio-phone-email campaign the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has launched against six House Republicans for their votes against President Obama's $787 billion stimulus package. This campaign, which started today, targets Rep. Brian Bilbray of California's 50th congressional district; Rep. Charlie Dent, Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district; Rep. Peter King, New York's 3rd congressional district; Rep. Thad McCotter, Michigan's 11th congressional district; Rep. Tom Rooney, Florida's 16th congressional district, and Alaska's Rep. Don Young. (Hey, haven't the Dems done enough damage to Alaska?)

The campaign is based on half-truths. For instance, the phone script being used in Michigan says, "Congressman McCotter even voted against the economic recovery plan, which is at work now to create or save over 109,000 Michigan jobs."

Yes, it is true that McCotter voted against the stimulus bill, which was passed in early February. But it is not true that the stimulus is doing anything for Michigan -- even though it was supposed to create jobs immediately. According to Michigan labor statistics, the state lost 38,000 jobs in April alone. If I lived in Michigan, I'd be asking the Democrats for my money back!

These are the facts we need to get out there -- along with real-world solutions. Only then will we be able to get our nation back on track.