1st letter to Rep Chris Smith, R-NJ from Jack Ingersol

Rep. Chris Smith
Washington DC Office
2373 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Rep. Smith:

Good day to you, Congressman. Allow me to begin my thanking you for taking the time to read this letter regarding an issue that I feel is of grave concern to this great nation.

As you are most certainly aware, our national debt is, to state it quite simply, out of control. For too long we have heard little more than blame and empty promises regarding our debt, but no concrete plan on how to reduce and eliminate it. A friend and former co-worker of mine has recently been in contact with your colleague Rep. Webster of Florida regarding this issue, and I have been inspired by their combined efforts to attempt to become a part of the solution.

I have decided to donate 1% of my income to the United States treasury for the reduction of the principal of our national debt. While this does not amount to much, I feel it is an important first step. The national debt is not the responsibility of any single citizen, politician, organization, or political party; it is the responsibility of every American. We all need to begin acting like adults and start paying what we owe.

As I mentioned earlier, my friend has contacted Rep. Webster, advising him of his own pledge of 1% of his income to reduce our debt. He also offered a Rep. Webster a challenge: to pledge 1% of his own income toward the same cause. Recently, Rep. Webster has accepted this challenge, and has also encouraged his staff to do the same.

Rep. Smith, today I would like to offer the same challenge to you. I believe that true leadership is demonstrated by setting examples. What better way to demonstrate to your constituents and to the nation as a whole that you are serious about fixing this problem than by directly contributing to the solution? You and I can never eliminate our national debt as individuals.. Perhaps, however, by demonstrating our combined willingness as leader and citizen to make personal sacrifice for this important cause, we can encourage more Americans to do the same.

I have included with this letter a check for $10.34, which is 1% of my latest paycheck, after taxes of course. If you would be so kind as to forward it to the appropriate authorities, it would be much appreciated. I do hope that you will accept my challenge, and perhaps encourage your own friends and colleagues to do the same. Please feel free to contact me with your response, and any ideas that you may have for further reducing our debt. Again, I thank you for your time and for all you do for New Jersey’s 4th district.

Sincerely,

John R. Ingersoll III