Bartle: Scott Brown election was wakeup call to Washington

Our elected officials in Missouri seem to be spending more time dealing with Washington (which they have no power to deal with) than dealing with this state's problems. In his weekly column, Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Kansas City, says the election of Scott Brown to the U. S. Senate seat once held by Ted Kennedy is a wakeup call to Washington:

The political earthquake coming out of Massachusetts this week was a game-changer. An epic upset in a special U.S. Senate election there sent a clear message to Washington that voters disapprove of the way this country is heading.

This election shifted the balance of power in the United States Senate enough to prohibit the majority from ramming through a health care bill without any regard for minority opinion. I believe this election result is a strong reaction to Washington’s big government policies, such as the relentless drive toward socialized medicine, out-of-control stimulus spending and oppressive new taxation.

For months, frustration has been simmering among American citizens from the Bay State to the Show-Me State. My office has been contacted by many constituents deeply disturbed about the direction of the country. Like my constituents, I have watched events coming out of Washington with grave concern. These concerns, shared by many in the Legislature, are prompting resolutions by the Missouri General Assembly to Congress containing clear messages of disapproval.

For example, this week the Missouri House of Representatives passed a resolution urging our Congressional delegation to vote against the federal health care reform bill. This resolution will now come to the Missouri Senate for debate.

In a similar vein, lawmakers in Jefferson City are also proposing a constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, would attempt to shield Missourians from federal health care mandates by allowing them to choose their own medical and insurance options—in spite of any new federal law. Another proposal in the Senate would establish a commission to review instances where the federal government has overstepped its bounds and infringed upon our state’s rights. The commission would then instruct the attorney general to plead our case and seek appropriate legal relief.

Voters and legislators alike must take a stand against a federal government, drunk on power that has thrown fiscal caution to the wind. Our fellow citizens in Massachusetts have sent this message in no uncertain terms. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them and to tell Washington that we have had enough.