By Sean Halliburton, Goose Creek, S.C.

I read an article submitted by Senator Robert Ford regarding our nation's economic difficulties and his willingness to place blame on the Tea Party for stalling the policies of the Obama Administration. I believe Sen. Ford to be an honorable man and his opinion, even if I do not agree with it, is his point of view. However, as identifying those individuals that have changed the direction of the country by promoting fiscal responsibility and a return to our founding principles is not a matter of obstruction, but one of patriotism.

The government and politicians do not understand the complexity of the business model and how regulations, taxes, and uncertainty affect the bottom line. As a Health Care Manager, our business model is constantly under review where you are uncertain about cuts in Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement, financial obligations to be compliant with the recent health care law, and a growing list of rules that are constantly changing and taking a considerable amount of time to understand. In addition, the environment and attitude of this administration towards the business community has been less than inviting with their relentless attacks on individual success have prompted a greater divide by feeding into the "Occupy" movement. But it is clear, that until the government embraces the free market and reduce regulations, businesses will choose not to hire.

Unlike the government, the private sector has to produce. If we do not, then our business does not succeed. We do not have the option of raising revenue through taxes; we have to match what we take in and manage our revenue against our expenses. This is something that the government is unwilling to do. In Sen. Ford’s article what stood out was not what he said, but the year he started to say it. In 2008, the Democrat Party maintained a super majority in the House and Senate. For two years, they could pass anything they wanted to and the Republicans could not do anything. What did they do, they spent $700 Billion dollars on a stimulus package that did nothing, an additional $500 million dollars on Solyndra who filed for bankruptcy months after receiving it, the Dodd-Frank legislation that has handcuffed the financial market and of course, spending a trillion dollars on the health care act that will bring 21 new taxes on individuals and businesses. In addition to all this, the Obama administration plans to let the Bush era tax cuts expire. Are you impressed now that this administration has created more debt in 3 ½ years than 8 years of the Bush Administration! If you find yourself driving into the rear end of the car in front of you; your choice is to step on the gas or apply the break. The Tea Party has applied the break.

It is understandable that Senator Ford and the Democratic Party is inviting to others. Why would they not be?  There are those who wish to achieve the riches of life without ever working for them. There are those who wish to get a pay check without a day of labor. There are those who believe they are entitled to the biggest house on the block even if they do not qualify or can't pay for it. Most importantly, we continue to subsidize irresponsibility by constantly coming to the rescue of others and rewarding poor behavior. Yes, this may be popular among some in our society but it is not what the Tea Party believes in. Hard work should always be rewarded and never penalized. We must reward the risk takers and investors; they are the life blood of our way of life, and make government accountable to living within their means. Why is that a bad thing?

Senator Ford, we have tried the progressive economic theory for two years, without obstruction, and it has been a disaster. This country is broke and the idea of punishing success and taking more from others is not a recipe for economic growth. If you do not believe me, look at Greece. You apparently admire their mythology. How is it working out for them?

Now, I am a member of the Tea Party and believe we should return to the founding principles. But, do I like the idea of gridlock, not at all. What I would do is challenge you and others in government, to sit down and come up with a solution that makes Democrats and Republicans nervous to come out of that room and knowing full well that the decision they made is what’s right rather than what’s popular for their ideological groups. It is only then, when government truly works for the people, that bi-partisanship becomes an effective government tool.