Congressman Smith owes explanation

To the Editor:

In January of this year, 80 House Republicans sent a letter to Speaker John Boehner demanding a government shutdown. Our 8th District Congressman was one of the signers of the "Meadow's Letter." Well, he got his wish. Now he needs to explain how that maneuver is benefitting those of us in his district. I have always been told "if you bring it, you own it." Mr. Smith, you are now an owner of this debacle. During his campaign Mr. Smith, stated that his parents would disown him if he voted to end Social Security. I wonder what they now think of their darling boy? Congress's official title is the United States House of Representatives; how can he think that he is representing me? I am in favor of insurance for tens of thousands of Missourians who can not get health insurance. I am totally against a government shutdown which is costing taxpayers an estimated 300 million dollars a day. A shutdown that is having a collateral effect of almost a billion dollars a day. Maybe the Daily American Republic can ask Mr. Smith for an explanation. Better yet, let's have him come to Poplar Bluff and I will ask him myself. The good news is that he will be up for re-election in 2014. Votes have to be earned; the only thing that Jason Smith has earned is my ridicule.

Terry Baker

Qulin, Mo.