Byron Dorgan: “I always enjoy hearing my friend from Oklahoma. But I regret he feels that what is happening in America today somehow…”

“I always enjoy hearing my friend from Oklahoma. But I regret he feels that what is happening in America today somehow relates to 1992, implying that when Democrats assume power, somehow things are going to collapse, and we find ourselves in a tough situation because all they want to do is spend, and all this and that. The fact is there is plenty of blame to go around with respect to what has happened in this country. It is not one party, it is both parties. I say to my friend: We have seen a hemorrhaging of red ink in this country the last 8 years. I am not going to spend time talking about it--but I could, and almost should, except I don't think it contributes too much at this time to point out that we decided to go to war and not pay for a penny of it in 8 years, to charge it all and run up the Federal debt. Look, there are a lot of things wrong. A lot of things have been done wrong by the past administration, by Republicans and by Democrats. I understand all that. That is not the issue. The question is what do we do to put it right. You know, there was a situation in Miami the other day. They had 35 jobs for firefighters and a thousand people showed up to apply. Now, look at these faces. Look at the faces of these people, one by one. All they hope for is an opportunity. A thousand of them showing up, thinking perhaps they will get a shot at one job, because there are only 35 available.”