Eva M. Clayton: “I am also delighted to enter into this debate. It is said the measure of good government is not where we stand and what…”

“I am also delighted to enter into this debate. It is said the measure of good government is not where we stand and what it does when times are good, the true measure of good government is where we stand and what it does when times are tough. That was the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King. I think it is appropriate at this time in history that we recall his wisdom, appropriate this weekend. Soon Congress will consider a proposed amendment to the Constitution that would mandate a balanced budget. This is not a minor matter. This is a very populist concept and really needs to be debated by those of us in Congress and also by those in America. The vote we take on this proposal will echo in our lives for years and years to come. That is especially true if the provision requiring a three-fifths vote to raise revenue remains on final passage. I support the goals of a balanced budget. As a local government official, chair of the board of commissioners of my county in the State of North Carolina, I had to live under a balanced-budget amendment, not only amendment, but a mandate. We did that, and I felt that is, indeed, the way government should function. That is, indeed, the way this body should function. I also realize that we must accept the reality that in the near term we face and must accept to make some sacrifice. That sacrifice must be borne by all Americans.”