Closing national parks does not create jobs.
Cutting spending alone does not create jobs.
I would remind the American people that during the recent Debt Ceiling/Deficit debate, the White House offered up a $4 trillion deficit reduction package. I would further remind you that it was the Republicans, who have steadfastly beat the drum for reduced spending refused out offer because they could not abide as much as a one-tenth of one percent increase on tax rates for billionaires like the Waltons family or the Koch brothers. You may recall that in the end, Republicans finally settled on a deal that had far less deficit reduction -- and even less spending reduction -- than our offer.
I ask this Congress and the voters who elect its members: what are we to do? Are we going to continue expecting middle- and lower-income Americans to carry a disproportionate share of the economic burden? Will we continue rewarding the hyper wealthy by extending their tax cuts while at the same time cutting back the social safety net which protects the the most vulnerable? Will we continue sitting idly by as our schools, highways and bridges crumble, our ability to train and educate the next generation of scientists and engineers wanes and more and more people lose jobs, homes and hope?
The future is in the hands of the American public. It is up to us to make demands , and ask questions of our elected representatives:
- Whose side are you on? The rich and powerful or the middle class?
- How can you justify a "No New Taxes Ever!!" position when smart economics demands a combination of spending cuts and additional revenue?
- Why do you persist in trying to cut Social Security and Medicare as if they are programs we really don't deserve? The truth of the matter is that neither one is an "entitlement." Rather, they are both "earned benefits" -- we all contribute to payroll taxes to fund them.
- Are you so very much against any and all tax increases -- especially in light of the fact that taxes are at an historic low -- that you would prefer seeing this country default on its financial obligations? And lastly,
- What is the logic of holding office in a federal government you believe to be the cause -- and not even partly the solution -- to the nation's problems and challenges?
These are the sorts of questions that all of us, as concerned citizens, must direct to our elected officials -- via phone, surface and email, and at town hall gatherings. Make sure they know that unless and until they learn what it means to compromise -- to work together for good of all and not just the good of their backers and benefactors -- that they will not, under any circumstances, be receiving your vote.
Period.
The time for action is now -- not after the next election. Our job as citizens is clear: to make sure our elected representatives do everything in their power to work together in order to put America back to work.
I know we are up to the task, for this is the United States of America; a country filled with people who have a long history of turning dreams into reality.
Thank you. . . . And may God bless us even as we bless ourselves by once again making our dreams come true.
-2011 Kurt F. Stone
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
1
1
1
