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to give an exact figure because funding for the war has been hidden in emergency spending bills. Let’s find out the truth about this.
• Remember who you represent. The Republicans in Congress seemed to think that they were sent to represent the interests of themselves and other Republicans. That’s not so. I really shouldn’t have to say this, but Congress represents the interests of all Americans, even those that voted against you.
• You have a temporary job. Remember that you were sent to Congress to do some work, not to feather your own nes^ - or those of your supporters. For the good of the country, it seems that the time has come for people in power to stop spending at least half their time raising money so they can be re-elected, where they can use their positions to reward their supporters, who will then give them money to help them be reelected. And on and on in a vicious cycle. ’ That leads to the kind of corruption that we saw in some members in the last Congress. Don’t go down that path. Let your work speak for you.
• Be accountable. This is the first time in more than a decade that Democrats have controlled both houses of Congress. Don’t blow it. Remember that it’s an honor to be sent there, but one that can be retracted in less than 23 months. Address the issues of the moment as well as you can, and remember that the actions you take will reverberate for decades, maybe generations.
Be serious in your deliberations and work with the president and the other members of Congress to find practical solutions to our problems. Do that, and you have a fair shot to be re-elected. Otherwise, you too could be looking for a new job two years from now.
George Rowand is the business editor of the Fauquier Times-Democrat.
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