Posted on 03/17/2005 1:49:06 PM PST by BigSkyFreeper
WASHINGTON - President Bush's $2.6 trillion budget plan working its way through Congress is dishonest and violates the core values of average Americans, Sen. John Kerry, Bush's former rival for the presidency, said Thursday.
"This budget is like an Enron budget: smoke the numbers, cook the books, hide the truth and hope no one finds out," said Kerry, who was last year's Democratic presidential nominee.
Kerry criticized the Republican leadership's priorities in a budget that includes proposed cuts in health care and education and up to $106 billion in tax cuts over the next five years.
And he said the budget fails to acknowledge ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan that could cost up to $400 billion over the next 10 years, as well as the cost of Bush's key priority — Social Security reform.
The Massachusetts senator said the budget will pile up almost $6 trillion in new debt, while giving tax cuts to the rich.
In response, Republican National Committee spokesman Brian Jones said, "It's disappointing that John Kerry would employ such overtly partisan and obstructionist rhetoric at a time when most Americans want to see Congress engaged in solving problems, not over-the-top attacks."
Republican leaders argue that the plan preserves tax cuts that have wide support across the country and works to curtail spending that exceeds budget limits.
Kerry, who worked unsuccessfully with other Democrats and at times some Republicans this week to defeat specific provisions in the budget proposal, said the debate "should remind all Americans that Washington does not always work for them."
"Honesty, opportunity and responsibility were all cut from this budget," Kerry said in a speech to the Center for National Policy.
I am so sick of hearing from this man and his pink tie!
Dishonest....from Kerry, that's pretty funny (if it wasn't so infuriating).
Sounds like Kerry's campaign.
It's amazing how familiar the DIMs are in the way of corruption...
Kerry your 15 minutes of fame are over. Your blew it. Sit down and shut up already.
And Kerry knows dishonest!
Two points:
First off, Mr. Kerry, the election is over.
Secondly, I don't recall you criticizing the Enron style accounting that produced surpluses under Clinton.
Kerry should shut up unless he starts talking about corruption and dishonesty related to the "Big Dig" in Boston.
"I have a plan that uses billions of dollars from my 'magic hat' account so that no American is harmed," Kerry reminded the adulating press corps.
"There is no 'magic hat,' and that's not a flip flop, it's just reality," Kerry clarified moments later. "The 'magic hat' is just a metaphor for the 'magic pocketbook' we've used all these years to fund chronic welfarism. Where did all that money go? From the poor who depended on their welfare checks to the rich who don't need it." Adoring sighs and rapid shallow breathing filled the press-room.
"'Smoke the numbers' is what everyone can do with my plan. I have any number of doobies in the manse, and you're all invited!"
Shortly thereafter the press retired to Cape Cod for lovely 2002 Chassagne Montrachet, "Champs Gain," 1er Cru, Domaine Jean-Marc Morey with B.C. Bud and brie.
Does this total idiot realize that we are keeping track of EVERYTHING he says - and WE WILL USE IT AGAINST HIM if he runs again. He might be wise to SHUT UP. But .. since I don't expect he would take my advice - talk away bozo and it is guaranteed to come back to haunt you.
Who are these guys? Center for National Policy. By the way, does SENATOR Kerry have nothing to do in Boston?
It's good to see that Kerry has finally learned to be bipartisan and polite for a change.
hehehe... Just the right sarcastic drip......
I hope he keeps talking. That'll be more baggage on him for 2008.
Will someone PLEASE get the hook?
Big giant two year old!
Pookie had the perfect picture on Today's Toons for this. Hope this posts.
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