Posted on 07/22/2002 7:52:27 AM PDT by vannrox
Republicans and Democrats in Washington have something significant in common; their positions on tax cuts are equally irresponsible.
America's economy and budget have been turned upside down. After four years of running surpluses, the government now is running a deficit. President Bush is cutting back on domestic priorities and raiding the Social Security and Medicare trust funds.
There is no doubt that the recession and the war on terrorism have contributed to our budget crunch; but make no mistake about it, we would not be running a deficit this year without President Bush's $1.7 trillion tax cut.
With huge increases in defense spending and homeland security, which both Democrats and Republicans will and should support, the question arises as to how we can possibly afford to pay for such critical domestic needs as a prescription-drug benefit for seniors. The answer is obvious. If the tax cut remains unchanged, we cannot.
The Bush tax cut is the linchpin on which all budget and spending decisions are now being made. What is the Democratic Party's solution? Blame Bush and do nothing.
Last year, Democrats successfully labeled the tax cut risky, irresponsible and likely to cause a return to deficit spending. Now, after being proven correct on all charges, Democrats are stricken mute, afraid to risk suggesting that the tax cut be frozen or partially repealed. In doing so, they abdicate their responsibility and fail the very Americans they represent.
As Democrats play the blame game, Bush and congressional Republicans compound their fiscal errors by advocating that the tax cuts be made permanent and by calling for an additional $675 billion in further tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. These proposals prove that Bush is eager to hand out tax cuts at all costs, even if the Medicare and Social Security Trust Funds are depleted in the process.
Contrary to the leadership of my own party, I strongly believe that significant portions of the tax cut, those that primarily target the wealthiest Americans, should be repealed immediately. Although the leaders of the Democratic Party do not yet support this type of action, the public seems more than willing.
A recent Los Angeles Times poll shows that 84 percent of Americans favor a total repeal of the remaining aspects of the tax cut if the Medicare and Social Security trust funds are being invaded, as they now are.
I have introduced legislation that would freeze portions of the Bush tax cut and provide $350 billion for a guaranteed prescription drug benefit program under Medicare for all seniors who wish to participate. Congressional Republicans acknowledge that at least $300 billion is needed for a drug plan; thus far, President Bush has proposed only $77 billion.
America loses if we have a political season filled with Republicans preaching their tax-cut gospel, while tongue-tied Democrats refuse to stand for anything. The Democratic Party owes it to America to engage in a candid debate about the tax cut, how circumstances have changed since its enactment and what the human toll is for stubbornly adhering to the $1.7 trillion figure.
Robert Wexler, a Democrat, represents Florida Congressional District 19.
I can stomach most democrats, but this guy is nothing but a sniveling, whining, jack*ass. Really, I am amazed people vote for this guy.. then again, his constituents can hardly vote....
Over the weekend I was playing Scrabble with The Girlfriend and I drew the letters V-A-N-N-R-O-X. For some reason she wouldn't allow the word to be played . . . . .
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