There’s a movement afoot. It’s called No Labels — a diverse representation of congressional leaders out to achieve less government and getting what government we do have to work responsibly. Given our leaders’ conduct of late, it’s important that we have sensible minds working together to achieve something. Here’s why No Labels makes sense:
1. Debate. If we aren’t talking about the issues, we can’t educate and win people over about those issues. That goes for the public and our elected officials. Whether philosophical, economic or data-driven, fiscally responsible arguments resonate well with the majority of people out there. Structural and procedural changes need to be made to start getting us back on track.
2. Content. While you may like or have issues with government, it doesn’t mean it can’t work smarter while it’s big, mean and green. (I prefer “out of control.”) Here are some examples of what No Labels is trying to accomplish: no budget, no pay. About time, right? No more continuing resolutions — if you can’t pass a budget, then no pay.
No Labels also wants to cut costs. That means no automatic budget increases for agencies and departments. Agencies must justify any budget increases from the year prior. “Line by line” should be our new favorite friend.
No Labels supports consolidation as well. We need to eliminate duplicate agencies because it doesn’t make sense to have some doing the same work. Actually, some or most of government’s work doesn’t make sense to me. To borrow a line from Office Space: “Yeah… if we could stop adding those agencies… that’d be great.” The process will take time, but it is much needed. Even in government, who doesn’t like cutting waste? Our government should use technology instead of traveling, and enforce strategic sourcing for department contracts within agencies. No Labels advocates this.
3. Results. Have you ever seen 82 members of Congress from left to right get together over anything to do with government responsibility these days? I haven’t. At least No Labels accomplished this. They plan to have 100 reps on board by year’s end. This coalition could be a reasonable voice in the crowded, childish room in our Capitol — influencing legislation on some of the key issues above.
4. Future. Let’s face it: Big government isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. But we can start to engage the public through these common-sense solutions. They make sense and we should support these No Label leaders in both parties. No Labels takes a step in the right direction, limiting government waste and spending by justifying expenditures and forcing congressional members to discuss budgets. It’s good to see consensus, and it should be encouraging to have members from all perspectives calling for accountability and less “-ish” — effective government, basically (if there ever can be).
There are a host of other solutions No Labels advocates in congressional and even in presidential arenas. Like with any organization, there are some issues I question. It’s up for you to decide, but most make sense given the conduct of our government and our “leaders” today.
No shutdown or debt ceiling fiasco is needed when reasonable minds come together. Everyone, even in the party extremes, realizes this conduct cannot last. No Labels is taking a shot to fix this mess — we need to hope it lasts. We need to support it.
Cory Ferraez is a third-year law student from Columbus.
