US heading towards European way of economic crisis: Bobby Jindal

Washington: Indian-American Republican presidential candidate Bobby Jindal has said the US is heading towards the European way on economic crisis with USD 18 trillion in debt, record low participation rate in the workforce and record number of Americans on food stamps.

"Let's be honest, USD 18 trillion of debt. Record low participation rate in the workforce, record number of Americans on food stamps. We are going the way of Europe. The left is trying to turn the American Dream into the European Nightmare," Jindal said participating in the second-tier Republican presidential debate.

Because of his low popularity rate, Jindal the two term governor of Louisiana -- has been relegated to the second tier debate and has been unable to make to the main prime time debate comprising of the top 10 Republican presidential candidates.

Jindal said Americans are frustrated today.

"I think the reason voters are so frustrated is nothing seems to change in DC. Look, over the next several hours, you're going to hear several Republicans all tell you they want to shrink the size of government and grow the American economy and it sounds great and we've got to do it," he said.

"Here's the truth -- of all these folks talking, I'm the only one that has cut the size of government. There's not two of us, there's one of us. The rest of it is all just hot air. When politicians talk, we need to pay attention to what they do, not what they say," he said.

"I'm the only one that's reduced the size of government. Let's shrink the government economy. Let's grow the American economy," he added.

Jindal alleged that the deal on budget reached between a Republican-controlled Congress and the White House is a bad deal.

"I think that's a false choice. I think this is a very bad deal. Whenever they tell us in DC they're going to cut tomorrow, that means they're never going to cut. Tomorrow never seems to happen," he said.

"Instead, why don't we actually follow our conservative principles? Why not insist on structural reforms? Why not cut spending?" he asked.

"Why not a balanced budget in an amendment to the Constitution? Why not a super-majority vote before they grow our taxes, before they grow the government faster than the economy?" he said.

"If I were to lead, we would pass a conservative budget, challenge the President to do the right thing. And, here's the problem, the Republicans never want to fight. Give Pelosi and Reed credit, they forced Obamacare and socialism down our throats, why won't the Republicans fight half as hard for freedom and opportunity. This was a bad budget," Jindal said.