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January 31, 2003/Shevat 28 5763, Vol. 55, No. 23
Paying the wayEditorialIn his State of the Union address Jan. 27, President George W. Bush outlined programs that address domestic concerns and international threats. Glaringly absent was how he expects the American people to foot the bill for these programs.Domestically, to stimulate the lagging economy, he proposes a $670 billion tax cut, asserting that "jobs are created when the economy grows; the economy grows when Americans have more money to spend and invest; and the best and fairest way to make sure Americans have that money is not to tax it away." Bush argues this tax plan would create more jobs and additional revenue for the federal government. Unfortunately, there's no guarantee this economic theory is sound. Further, most beneficiaries of this proposed tax cut would not be middle-class families who need it most, but rather the nation's wealthiest citizens. As Bush promotes federal tax cuts, Arizonans are facing a $1.3 billion deficit. Yet the president failed to offer a partnership program to help Arizona and many states now in economic crisis. While he argued for the Department of Homeland Security to protect our international borders, ports and factories, observers fear these programs will remain unfunded federally and that responsibility for them would fall to the states. The last thing the Arizona budget needs right now is another unfunded federally mandated program. Another troubling Bush proposal is a $600 million three-year drug addiction treatment plan, allowing people to use government-funded vouchers to seek treatment from the program of their choice, including religiously based programs. Once again, Bush is attempting to push through a faith-based initiative blurring the line between church and state. This program should be opposed, and the $600 million directed to a less controversial and equal need. Internationally, in the war against terror, Bush spoke fatalistically about a U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. As the military buildup continues, he needs to do a better job of convincing the American people that the war is necessary and just. And he needs to convince more nations than just Great Britain, Australia and the Czech Republic to join - to share the military burden and the economic responsibility. As the world's only superpower, our nation faces daunting domestic and international challenges. The economic costs paired with the responsibilities are substantial. "We will not deny, we will not ignore, we will not pass along our problems to other Congresses, to other presidents, and other generations," Bush promised the American public. He has yet to deliver an economic strategy to pay for his rhetoric. |
