America's Small Business, aka the REAL JOB CREATORS, Fear Washington

I believe I know that American politics sucks, is dysfunctional and is harmful to our nation and its citizens.

I also believe I know that government knows best elitism is stifling our nation's economic growth prospects, thereby leading to fewer jobs and less prosperity for our citizens.

I further believe that I know that the "progressives" among us are nuts.

But what difference does it make that I believe that I know all this stuff?

What do the real job creators know? More importantly, what do they think?

Employers vs. Washington has the unsettling story of small business sentiment in America today:

"A new survey of America's small-business owners finds a lingering disgust and distrust with Congress, the White House and Washington in general.

The survey of 600 employers was sponsored by the Job Creators Alliance, a network of thousands of small employers concerned about the direction of the American economy. It found that two out of three (66%) of proprietors believe that "Washington's policies have become more hostile toward free enterprise in recent years." Only 17% said policies have become "less hostile."

That isn't too surprising given ObamaCare, the debt and deficits, the recent White House climate-change initiative, Dodd-Frank, the 2013 tax hikes and other such policies that add costs to stores and other enterprises. For example, by a 3-to1 margin small-business owners believe ObamaCare will have a "negative impact on your business in 2013" rather than a positive impact (60% to 18%).

What was most disturbing is the climate of fear that permeates Washington today. The poll asked: "As a business owner how concerned are you that if you speak out about the policies Washington is pursuing that you may be harassed by the IRS or other federal regulatory agencies?"

Sixty-one percent responded that they were "concerned," versus 37 percent who were "not concerned." The survey concluded: "It is troubling . . . that small businesses in America fear their own government and retaliation if they disagree with policies."

Tom Stemberg, the former CEO of Staples and a member of the Job Creators Alliance, says that higher taxes, ObamaCare and new regulations discourage hiring and hurt growth. "We will continue to see stagnant job growth until policy makers stop being so hostile toward commerce and business owners regain confidence that they won't be the victim of the next Washington attack," says Mr. Stemberg. That may take a while."

Summing Up

Sad but true.

It's time to realize what made America great.

And it wasn't big government.

It was We the People.

We can and must do it again.

Thanks. Bob.