Pledges against raising taxes

I went to the website of my representative in Congress, Ted Poe, to voice my opinion on the debt ceiling issue. In the course of reviewing his stand on the issue, I found this quote in the section titled "Taxes/Federal Budget"

I came to Congress with a pledge that I will never vote to raise taxes.  I never have and I never will.  Period.

Upon reading that, I was immediately reminded of instances when I have been called on to serve as a juror. One of the instructions that I remember receiving is that, if I cannot imagine an instance where I would be willing to impose the minimum sentence, or if I cannot image an instance where I would be willing to impose the maximum sentence, then I did not have a place on that jury. My civic duty requires that I be willing to consider all legal options.

So, why is it different for a member of Congress? In my opinion, if Congress Member Poe, or any other elected official, is not, under any circumstances, willing to consider all legal options to a given situation, then that Congress member is not doing their job. Note, I do not say that they must ACCEPT that option. Only that they be willing to honestly CONSIDER it.

Mr. Poe -- from one humble taxpayer and constituent -- please do your job.