Tyler, TX — I hosted a debate last night in Longview, and before things started, I was milling about looking at things on a table the candidates were giving away.

I like free.

It was a little book called "Not Yours to Give."

It was about Davy Crockett.

No matter what side of the fence you're on, you have to like Davy Crockett. If you don't, that's your problem.

But the book started off with the House taking up money for the widow of a distinguished Navy officer.

After several speeches, it was clear to see hearts had been softened and a vote was coming, and
it was all but certain the widow was to be well taken care of.

That's when Davy Crockett stood up and said -- And I condense these comments for time --

"Mr. speaker. I have as much respect for the memory of the deceased and as much sympathy for the suffering of the living, if suffering there be, as any man in this house, but we must not permit our respect for the dead or sympathy for a part of the living to lead us into an act of injustice to the balance of the living."

In this book Crockett also says " when Congress once begins to stretch its power beyond the limits of the constitution, there is no limit to it, and no security of the people.

Does that sound like what's going on today?

If this scene took place today in D.C., Congress would have given away the farm because that's how you get votes and make yourself look compassionate on TV.

These wise people back then knew the right thing was the title of this book.

"Not Yours To Give."

That's our problem now.

These folks in Washington see our money as theirs and are only looking as forward to the next election with no ramification of what this does to the nation long-term.

That's my point of view, what's yours?

You can email me at pov@!ketknbc.com