Op-Eds

Op-eds 05/17/2011
Racine Journal Times: Why I Went to Washington
<b>Originally printed in the Racine Journal Times, May 17th, 2011</b> One year ago, I decided to step up to the plate and run for the U.S. Senate. I made that decision because I believe that for too long, elected officials from both parties have not told the American people the truth. Their intentions may have been good, but many simply did not understand the long-term consequences of their actions. They took an oath to defend the Constitution, but ignored a primary purpose of that document – to define and limit government.
Op-eds 04/15/2011
Investor's Business Daily: Tax Day's Forgotten Lesson
<b>Originally printed in Investors' Business Daily, April 15th, 2011</b> Monday is Tax Day, when we collectively "celebrate" the passage of the 16th Amendment. If we want to identify a single catalyst for the growth of the federal government, this would be a prime candidate. When the amendment was conceived, few could have imagined how dramatically it would empower the growth of government — and the extraordinary influence it would exert over economic growth and job-creation.
Op-eds 04/12/2011
Senator Johnson's 'Maiden Speech'
Thank you Mr. President. It is my honor to represent the good people of Wisconsin in the United States Senate. It is an awesome responsibility - a responsibility I take very seriously. Today, it is my distinct privilege to address this historic body for the first time. It is a moment in time when our nation is in peril. Not only do we continue to face the very real threat of international terrorism, but we also face a threat of our own making - one that challenges the very foundation of this republic.
Op-eds 03/23/2011
Wall Street Journal: ObamaCare and Carey's Heart
<b>Originally printed in the Wall Street Journal, March 23rd, 2011</b> Today is the first anniversary of the greatest single assault on our freedom in my lifetime: the signing of ObamaCare. As we consider what this law may do to our country, I can’t help but reflect on a medical miracle made possible by the American health-care system. It’s one that holds special meaning for me. Some years ago, a little girl was born with a serious heart defect: Her aorta and pulmonary artery were reversed. Without immediate intervention, she would not have survived.
Op-eds 01/26/2011
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Put economy on right path
<b>Originally printed in Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, January 25th, 2011</b> Dear Mr. President, Welcome to Wisconsin. November's election sent a clear message to Washington. Simply stated, millions of Americans believe that government is too large, too intrusive and spends too much of our hard-earned money. The median household earns $49,777. Last year, the federal government spent $3.6 trillion, which calculates to over $31,000 per household. Of that amount, $1.3 trillion (40%) was borrowed. Our nation's debt now has surpassed $14 trillion. These are staggering figures. The people of Wisconsin realize this is not sustainable.