JOBS: Take the lead anytime now

Dear Mr. Labrador:

I just read your email dated Sept. 9, and I am really curious about something. Since you and the rest of Congress knew we had a jobs crisis for the past two-plus years, why hasn't Congress addressed the unemployment problem? Why do you think you need to wait for the president to take the initiative?

I realize you're fairly new at this job, but I would think you and all of your cohorts would realize that, since you are empowered by Article I of the Constitution to take action, you would step up and lead this country out of its morass, instead of waiting for the Executive branch to act.

Of course, my question is rhetorical. We both know why Congress, especially the House of Representatives, hasn't acted. It's because the Republicans would rather sit back and let the Executive branch fail, instead of stepping up to the plate to lead. You are the quintessential dogs in the manger.

Unfortunately, We the People are caught in the middle of this sick game of "Keep Away." If you supposedly know that the president doesn't know how to create jobs (and it's obvious that he doesn't), then why don't YOU and your cohorts in the Capitol draft and pass legislation that will actually solve the crisis? Why don't you actually serve We the People? Why don't YOU do something?

JOE LYKINS

Coeur d'Alene