If we listen to the voices out of Washington, D.C., one would assume we are on the brink of disaster if we do not “do something” — specifically pass a bill modeled after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s economic recovery plan during the Depression.

Perhaps we would be wise to heed the voice of one who lived and experienced personally the times and policies of the New Deal.

Henry Morgenthau served as Roosevelt’s secretary of the treasury. In 1939, with unemployment figures still in double digits, Secretary Morgenthau addressing the failed New Deal policies expressed the following: “We have tried spending money … We are spending more than we have ever spent before and it does not work … We have never made good on our promises … I say after eight years of this administration we have just as much unemployment as when we started … And an enormous debt to boot.”

Why in the world should we chase after a failed policy?

Instead, why not try a novel idea? Obey the Constitution. This would eliminate spending in all areas except the constitutionally sanctioned expenditures necessary to maintain our security, justice and good order. Such actions would reduce oppressive tax burdens across the board, increase private wealth for all, which ultimately is the only proven way to produce long term benefits to our economy.

Unfortunately, most of our elected leaders choose to ignore the voices of reason, history and common sense, and even sadder, the people continue to place these same people in office year after year.

If we are on the brink of disaster, we have no one to blame but ourselves.

Cindy Redburn

Concord

Editor’s note: Mrs. Redburn was the Constitution Party’s candidate for the 3rd Congressional District in the November election.