PERSONAL ADDRESS TO CONGRESS: December 7, 2011 Members of Congress and Ladies and Gentlemen: Thank you for allowing

me to come before you to speak my thoughts. I feel they are important, pertinent and appropriate for the time in which we Americans find ourselves. First, let me explain my position in the scheme of things in relation to the citizens of America. My name is Al Feinstein and I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I am an Architect by profession. I have served honorably in the Air Force with 4 years of active duty and 4 years of inactive duty, from 1954 through 1962. I have no political ambitions. I have never held an elected office, nor do I wish to. I have neither the inclination to hold such an esteemed position, nor do I have the thick skin required for the constant criticism and scrutiny of the media and the citizens. The only way I know how to share my comments to you is to be straightforward and candid; the only method of getting my position understood. With that, my basic premise is to politely ask all members, I emphasize, all members, of Congress (both houses) to resign immediately. I feel that the makeup of both houses in past years has completely failed the citizens (or as Thomas Jefferson referred, the sovereign) of America. And, I will tell you how. Here are some facts. The approval rate of Congress according to the latest polls show that only approximately 9 percent of Americans have confidence in its members, whom we the voters have put into office. Congress has failed to adopt a federal budget even though the laws require it (thereby breaking the law?). It has, in recent sessions, resorted to frantic, last minute negotiations in order to agree on a budget of some inadequate kind. It was unable to agree to fund the Federal Aviation Administration until the very last minute which caused national anxiety. The newly selected committee (The Super Committee) failed to present ideas to help with the deficit even though the idea of the committee was to do exactly that (was it pre-ordained since the committee was made up of six Democrats and six Republicans?). After such meetings and negotiations, the members of Congress went on vacation rather than solve the problems. The political party system has not only failed, but shows its partisanship in all facets of governing the United States of America. The members of Congress are arguably more interested in personal gain and protection than helping the citizens of America (this is obvious in the extraordinary rules regarding the members of Congress special insurance, special retirement requirements, special perks, special access to financial opportunities, voting on their own pay raises, etc.). It is obvious to me also that the members of Congress can be compared to sheep in that they follow the guidelines of their respective parties, financial supporters and lobbyists without regard of the needs of America. How many times have we seen this unabashed

scene play out lately? It is embarrassing to the citizens of America and to other countries who depend on us and our system. The Founding Fathers would be spinning in their graves even faster these days than in previous times. The Fathers knew how to run a government, especially one that they themselves created. The word compromise is seen time and time again in the early history of our country. It is the basis of accomplishment. However, the system and notion of political parties as they are today has ruined this spirit of conciliation. What cannot be understood by Congress, as well as other political groups, is that all parties have good and proper approaches to government as well as bad and improper considerations. But, what is not understood in todays time, is the concept of recognizing the good and the bad. Why? Because each political party is dogmatic in its methodology with no concession allowed. And, personal agendas and personal enhancement become integral with the position of trust. Who gets hurt? America and Americans. Thomas Jefferson said: Whenever a man has cast a longing eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct. If I could not go to heaven but with a (political) party, I would not go there at all. If the present Congress errs in too much talking, how can it be otherwise in a body to which people send one hundred and fifty lawyers, whose trade it is to question everything, yield nothing, and talk by the hour? (Todays Congress is made up of 47% lawyers). At the time of the Founding of America, there were 3 million citizens. Yet, with that relatively small number, there existed a tiny cadre of committed citizens who were willing to do what was necessary to create a new political system based on human rights and laws. They gambled their lives, fortunes, families, position on it. Their concept of governing was for every person, not just their individual persons. When they accomplished their goals, they resigned and went back to their occupations. Remember, if it were not for their integrity and tenaciousness, we would be British subjects today! Today, we have over 300 million citizens, mostly educated and informed. Is it not possible to find and nurture the 535 citizens who can replace the existing Clowns of Congress that have the ability to show respect of and to follow the precedents of the Founding Fathers? Have we fallen so far down that these good and ethical people simply do not exist? Or, are they frightened at the prospect based on the evidence of todays fallen inhabitants of Congress? Therefore members of Congress, for the sake, prosperity, future and security of the citizens of the United States of America, for our stature and rightful place in the world arena and for America to remain the leader of the free world, step down and allow ethical, moral, compassionate, civic minded and intelligent persons take your place and do good things for all.

To paraphrase President John F. Kennedy; do not what is important to you, do what is necessary for your Country! Thank you and let us move forward in a positive and constructive direction. Al Feinstein sabihaf@aol.com 6343 Mesedge Drive Colorado Springs Colorado 80919 719-598-1385 Author of published books America Lost? What We Learned By Living In Mexico Questions That Need To Be Asked About, and By, America and Americans But Afraid To Ask.