My answer to Corker and Alexander is to start at the top. Cut from the President on down to Senate and House salaries. Pay for your own health insurance. Cut in half your retirement benefits and leave the poor and middle class alone. Medicare and Social Security should be left alone.

If this does not happen, no one should be re-elected. This is the only way the leaders can show that you are trying to do the job you were elected to do. The poor and the middle class cannot carry you any longer. 

Emilia Genter

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Emilia Genter, you are right on. I'm surprised there are not a plethora of responses. We vote for and trust these people to go to Washington to work for us and then they go up there and work for themselves. They have set themselves on pedestals and don't consider who sent them there until it is time for re-election. There are exceptions to this of course. I believe Senator Corker has used his knowledge and wisdom for our good. He didn't need the job and he is certainly a man we can hang our hope on. 

However, Senator Alexander needs to come in from left field and get in the game. I think his best days have left him behind. As far as Rep. Fleischmann, I have asked him face to face to be the first to "man up and stand up" but it's not in his best interest to do that. Oh yes, I'm sure he will lose an important committee placement if he does "man up and stand up" but committees don't mean a hill of beans when we are losing our country. 

Paul Smith, chairman of the Democrats of Hamilton County, I'm sure you are drooling over my rant but rest assured your Congressmen are even worse. Emilia has hit the nail on the head and until this problem is taken care of, things will only get worse. If there should ever be a bipartisan effort, it should be for the voters (we the people) to bring any of these clowns home who put themselves first at our expense. 

I will remain a fiscal conservative with a heart for others whom need to receive mercy and grace because of circumstances that are beyond their control. 

J. Pat Williams

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To clarify, the vote on the fiscal cliff did nothing, not one penny, to reduce spending, it only increased taxes. Also, they were in a tight spot, I agree, but that is when toughness is needed and what they were sent to be. Corker and Alexander, both voted for the bill and helped pass it in the senate. Mr. Corker seems to think that gives them leverage in the upcoming debt ceiling debate. 

 As for the local reps., Fleishmann and Dejarlais both voted against the bill. 

The only thing that happened was the cliff got higher, trillions higher. The fall from the cliff is going to happen, there is no alternative. If you don't believe me, call Mr. Corker, Fleishmann or Dejarlais, they will confirm it. As for Alexander, your guess is as good as mine where his mind is, I gave up on that a long time ago. 

Joe Blevins
Guild, Tn.