Today I would like to issue the same line to our Congress:  Democrats and Republicans — tear down this wall!

We are not served by a Congress that is so [...]]]> Women Entrepreneurs in California Are Hurting

On June 12, 1987, President Reagan uttered one of the most famous lines of his presidency:  Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!

Today I would like to issue the same line to our Congress:  Democrats and Republicans — tear down this wall!

We are not served by a Congress that is so intent on demonizing each other that they can’t have civil debate, compromise and the best legislation for the American people.  In case anyone missed it, that’s what the election of a year ago was largely about. Just as we do in business, just as we do in our families, adults most discuss, reflect on their beliefs, debate and compromise to move forward in the best possible way. Any business, family or other organization fails to thrive when they do not.

As the owner of a small business, I don’t have health care. There are many reasons for that, but the primary one comes down to needing a reasonable cost for a reasonable policy. It doesn’t exist today.  I believe that we need legislation, that excess profits of corporations (including pharmaceutacles and insurance) is problematical. I also know that I have to take care of my own health and invest in exercise and good quality food to maintain optimum health.  I think many women business owners, both Democrat and Republican, feel that way.

Yet, I too, am worried about the cost of health care to women entrepreneurs in California and beyond. It’s hard enough in these times to create a profitable small business, never mind adding a burden of high-priced health insurance. And, I’m concerned about the costs that we will incur through taxes and that future generations will bear. There’s lots of numbers and accusations coming out of Washington and I don’t really believe any of it.

The best business decisions are made by people with a common agenda and different points of view. What we have in the back rooms and whispered conversations in Washington are lots of agendas and a single point of view — what can I do to be reelected in my district?

The truth is, members of Congress, that unless you learn to work together for your employers–that’s us, the American people– we’ll throw you out again and start over. We need real solutions from public servants who have all of our interests at heart, from the woman entrpreneur, to the mother, to the retiree whose pension has been stolen by the greed of Wall Street. It’s time for you to get to work.

Congress—Tear Down This Wall!