Tea Party members are called crazy and extreme for pushing for a balanced budget amendment in general, and the specific proposal of "Cut, Cap and Balance" (CCB) What we think is crazy, and extreme is to continue to ignore a problem this country has known about for decades but can't be ignored forever. For once, let's push our legislators to do the unpopular but responsible thing, versus continue to feed us sugar-coated lies. "Cut, Cap and Balance" is a compromise. Ideally the debt limit would not be raised. CCB would compromise by allowing one more increase, but only with assurances the problem will be addressed.

Opponents of this legislation like to hide behind the guise of caring about seniors, the poor and middle-class. As Sen. Alan Simpson pointed out, those hurt the most by a financial meltdown will be the most vulnerable. If you want to save Social Security, Medicare and programs for the poor, encourage the passage of CCB.

The power elite in Washington is running scared right now, and will say anything to avoid having their power curtailed. They realize that a balanced budget amendment will force them to make unpopular decisions and will no longer be able to buy favor with voters. Their smoke and mirrors act, aided and abetted by most in the media, is reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz, desperately trying to prevent the curtain from being pulled back. Many Americans, even seniors, would rather take the medicine now, versus handing a worse situation to their kids.What is your choice?