Bob McCarty Writes

Because of the current slump in the housing market, people who “flip” houses — that is, they buy, refurbish and resell properties for a profit –  are having a hard time making money.  Perhaps, instead of focusing on individual properties, people involved in this business — and, for that matter, all Americans — should join together and FLIP THIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES instead!

Why “flip” the House of Representatives?  Two reasons:

• First, all spending bills originate in the “People’s House;” and,

• Second, out-of-control spending is at the root of the problems confronting this country today.

How does “flipping” the House work?  After reviewing information on the web site of A&E Network’s FLIP THIS HOUSE, I determined that “flipping” is a process that begins with education; therefore, in order to educate members of this once-prestigious body of elected officials, I developed the following Ten Tips for Flipping the House of Representatives:

1.  ABSENTEE MANAGEMENT DOESN’T WORK. Members of Congress must be on the job and not on the campaign trail all the time.

2.  DON’T BE AFRAID TO CUT SPENDING. Few will fault you for it.

3.  YOUR TIME IS MONEY — TAXPAYERS’ MONEY. So use your time and money wisely.  That means fewer overseas junkets and trips to spas and resorts.

4.  AMERICANS CAN SPEND THEIR MONEY MORE WISELY THAN YOU CAN. If you don’t believe it, ask them.

5.  KNOW YOUR CONSTITUENTS’ WANTS AND NEEDS instead of assuming you know them.

6.  TALK TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE PLANNING TO DO TO THEM OR FOR THEM before you do it, not after.

7.  YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPEND EVERY TAXPAYER DOLLAR IN THE U.S. TREASURY. You can even return the leftovers.  Really, it’s okay!

8.  DON’T SPEND MONEY YOU — OR, MORE ACCURATELY, WE — DON’T HAVE.

9.  CONCENTRATE ON LEGISLATION MOST IMPORTANT TO ALL AMERICANS instead of focusing on the issues that offer financial benefits to you and your re-election campaign.

10. DON’T BE AFRAID TO FIRE ANYONE — YOU INCLUDED! We’re not.

NOTE: Those members of the House who do not take notice and implement these tips will be assisted out of the building by their constituents.