Walsh chooses partisanship over progress

In an interview at last week’s Conservative Political Action Conference, Congressman Joe Walsh promised to shut down the federal government – something the far right leadership won’t even do — if he and his party can’t manage to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

The freshman congressman, who has never before held public office, threatened to gamble with the full faith and credit of the United States government in order to “choke” the deficit-cutting law, which stands up to out-of-control insurance companies who deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions and strengthens Medicare while cutting waste and fighting fraud.

Even more offensive, Mr. Walsh reveals that, even after the tragedy in Tucson and the subsequent bipartisan demand for civility, he “didn’t come (to Washington) to get along.”

Congressman Walsh may boast about representing the fringe of his party, but he cannot reasonably claim to represent the interests of his district. We don’t want “symbolic votes,” and we’re tired of uncompromising partisanship. Republicans and Democrats have a historic opportunity to work together to ensure our government lives within its means, while making long-overdue investments to maintain global competitiveness.

Partisanship or progress. It’s your choice, Mr. Walsh.

Jacob Plainview

Gurnee