Now that I have subscribed to Screech Kennedy's e-mail alerts, I was alerted that Congressman Kennedy is actually the champion of fiscal discipline.

He sent this out to his supporters (and me):

In an effort to curb out of control spending in Washington, Mark Kennedy cast the deciding vote for fiscal responsibility early Friday morning, helping pass the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. He issued the following statement:

“Washington shouldn’t have a blank check, and as a CPA and businessman I’m happy to see us act to reduce our federal deficit. This bill reduces spending in a way that reflects our Minnesota values and sets priorities. We owe it to our children to lower the deficit.

“Only in Washington would you hear slowing the rate of spending increases called a ‘cut.’ This bill preserves important student financial aid, Medicaid and safety net programs while providing low income heating aid.”

“It’s [sic] never easy to restrain the growth of spending, even modestly. There are so many special interest groups advocating for more spending. But my job is to stand up for hard working, taxpaying families in Minnesota (Editor's note: This does not include the moochers who use food stamps and Medicaid). That’s what this bill does. It protects important programs while getting spending under control. The answer is not higher taxes and even more government spending

So, Screech (can I call you that?), Minnesota's priorities are to cut funding to Pell grants? Or to not assist the state of Minnesota in collecting child support? Are you now courting the deadbeat dad vote? Are Minnesota's priorities represented in the trillions of dollars in tax cuts for the wealthiest of its citizens? Why is fiscal responsibility a priority over programs for the poor but you insist on cutting revenue sources as well? I want a pledge right now that you will oppose any and all new tax cuts until there is a balanced budget then. If fiscal responsibility is your new battle cry, you better damn well stick to it. As a CPA, you do know that you can't exactly balance the books if you cut revenue every since chance you get.