I recently received a typical self-laudatory and self-justifying email from one of my Texas Senators, John Cornyn. (Reproduced at the bottom.) Below is my response, posted to his office via his official web site.

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Dear Senator Cornyn,

We do not need a balanced budget amendment.

We need senators and representatives who can do their jobs. Leaders who know when to raise taxes, and when not to. Leaders who put country ahead of party and politics. Leaders who don’t make defeating their political opposition “the number one priority”, ahead of jobs, the nation’s debt rating, or our country’s future.

I have just one number to say to you: 1937.

You, sir, are among the worst examples of Republican “party first” politics.

You should be ashamed of yourself and your party.

Sincerely,
Michael R. Honig

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If you are having trouble viewing this message, you can view the message online.

August 04, 2011

Sen. Cornyn: Washington Needs a Balanced Budget Amendment
Click to watch Sen. Cornyn’s message on the  need for a Balanced Budget Amendment

Dear Texan,

America’s debt crisis is far from over, and we still have a lot of work to do to restore fiscal discipline to our federal government.

I believe the best way to change Washington once and for all is to add a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. This is yet another example of how Washington can learn from Texas about fiscal discipline. Families across Texas have to balance their budgets and make tough choices to live within their means—there is no reason their government should operate any differently.

I hope you’ll join me in supporting this common-sense approach when the measure is brought up for a vote this Fall in Congress.

Thank you and God Bless Texas,
U.S. Senator John Cornyn