December 2010 E-News

Statement

Welcome to the December Edition of E-News! In today's 24-hour news environment, providing you with timely information on federal efforts and legislation important to Idaho and our country is a top priority for me. This electronic newsletter, along with my website, iTownHall meetings, podcasts, Facebook and YouTube gives me the opportunity to keep you informed on issues important to Idaho, the West and our country. In every edition of E-News, I include a short survey that affords you the chance to weigh in on key issues of the day, and it helps keep me informed of your views.

Reaching as many Idahoans as possible is extremely important to me, and you can use the "Tell a Friend" form on the lower left to pass this along to friends, co-workers and family members. It is my intent that E-News provides you with an interesting and informative resource to help you keep informed on developments in Washington that affect our state, and that you will let me know of anything that I can do to improve E-News and other communications tools.

Although the holidays are a time for cheer and joy, it is hard to focus on festive times when our country is facing very tough economic times. Our national debt is at an astounding all-time high of over $13 trillion. Our unemployment rate has remained at an unacceptable level, and we have all heard stories of, or personally experienced familes devastated by the loss of their homes and livelihoods. As we celebrate this holiday season and think of all the blessings that life brings us, we should also take a moment to consider the future of this great land. Our country is at a turning point-a fork in the road-and the decisions that we make now will affect our children and grandchildren and their ability to pursue the American Dream.

The November midterm elections gave Americans all across the country a chance to express their views about the path that we have been on for the past two years, and people from all walks of life made their views known loud and clear. But, some in Washington still do not want to hear that message. Even as this Congress, with literally dozens of defeated members in the Senate returns in a "lame duck" session, the Administration and many in Washington are looking for ways to push their big government agenda before the newly elected Congress takes over in January. Despite the clear message from voters to reduce spending, taxes and big government, there are still some who seem to believe that more class warfare on taxes and new budget-busting programs are what Americans want. I do not believe that, and will continue to fight to make sure that Congress listens to the voters of Idaho and across the country in the remaining days of this Congress, and when Congress returns to Washington for the new session in 2011.

Also, this year, with our economy in such a challenging state, it is more important than ever that we consider what we can do to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Just take a minute to stop and look around you; there are many people in need. Every day there are opportunies for us to make a difference to those around us. You can help out an elderly neighbor by by shoveling a driveway, visit someone in a retirement home or send a greeting card or a message to someone serving our country overseas. There are countless ways that we can give of ourselves each day. With so many of our fellow Americans in need, it is a meaningful way for us to show the true spirit of this special season.

Many demonstrate steady acts of compassion: donating to canned food drives in local schools; collecting coats for those without them during the cold months; tutoring struggling students; and visiting with seniors. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines compassion as "sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it." Recognizing the kindness and giving spirit throughout Idaho, I am not surprised by the numerous examples of compassionate Idahoans. However, I am constantly impressed by the magnitude of their generosity. Idahoans dedicate countless hours, often overcoming their own personal challenges, to serve others throughout our communities. This abundance of altruism is truly inspiring.

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