I have been quick, and harsh, in my criticism of Republicans who cannot seem to get off the platforms that DID NOT win the most recent election. Now I have to say, it looks like the Republican leadership is starting to show signs of being serious about working with the president on solving our financial problems.

On Monday of this week, Lindsey Graham and other's in his party said they are willing to put aside their pledge they signed years ago with Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. The are doing so noting, "Things have changed since signing the pledge." The pledge was, among other things, one which included voting against ANY new tax increase.

Gentlemen, you are right, things have changed and you are walking away from an agreement that you should have never signed in the first place. You do not work for Grover Norquist, but he was holding that pledge over your heads as though it were a condition of employment. Your agreement was with the people of your state, Republican, Democrat and independent.

Grover Norquist was not elected by anyone, but he was controlling how many representatives voted in Congress. He threatens he will see to it that those elected officials are not reelected in their next campaign. The whole idea is a blight on our political system.

I applaud any congressperson willing to say pledges such as those made to Norquist are not appropriate and refuse to live by such pledges.