Friday, August 29, 2008
Applauding Palin Selection
I congratulate Sen. McCain for his pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his running mate. Gov. Palin is a strong voice for fiscal responsibility and has an unwavering commitment to conservative principles. As the chief executive of the state that contains nearly 20% of America¹s proven energy reserves, Gov. Palin will bring new ideas on how to end our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and improve our economy. Sen. McCain made a bold choice and a McCain-Palin Administration is the right choice for America. I congratulate Gov. Palin on her historic selection and thank Sen. McCain for his inspired pick.
Stearns: Obama speech eloquent but proposals will lead to higher taxes, more
By becoming the first African–American Presidential nominee of a major party, Barack Obama is indeed a historic figure. In his acceptance speech, Sen. Obama made a number of statements and policy proposals that, on their surface, seem to indicate that he is a different kind of politician with new ideas. However, a deeper examination reveals that his speech was filled with misleading claims and policies that will not make America stronger and will lead to higher taxes.
Sen. Obama deserves much praise for his eloquence on a number of issues. For example, while he spoke about the need for government leadership on some of the most pressing issues, he also talked about the importance of personal responsibility in solving many of our nation’s problems. This is an important point and one that deserves praise. Too often, politicians think and act as if the government has all the answers. In fact, it’s individuals and families that can do more than the government. As Sen. Obama said, “We must also admit that programs alone can't replace parents; that government can't turn off the television and make a child do her homework; that fathers must take more responsibility for providing the love and guidance their children need.” I agree with this sentiment.
However, while he talks about personal responsibility, Sen. Obama proposes numerous new – and expensive – government solutions instead of fostering greater individual responsibility. Sen. Obama blamed the nation’s problems on the failed policies of Washington and then proceeded to outline how the government needs to be more involved. In one breath he talked about the need for people to take responsibility, blamed the government for its failure to meet these challenges, and yet he then proposed more government programs. These ideas don’t square with each other. Time and again, Sen. Obama complained about Washington being the problem but he continually proposed federal solutions.
Sen. Obama’s speech was filled with a number of misleading statements. In his speech, Sen. Obama said: “As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home.” The facts prove otherwise. When presented with the chance to actually put action behind his rhetoric, Sen. Obama voted against providing $94.4 billion in funding our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan (H.R. 2206, CQ Vote #181: Passed 80-14, 5/24/07, Obama Voted No). Basically, he is for the troops, but only before he has to vote to support them.
In addition, Sen. Obama said he would “eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and the start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow. I will cut taxes -- cut taxes -- for 95% of all working families.” According to the nonpartisan FactCheck.org, “certainly Obama's votes indicate a willingness to raise taxes, and Obama has not been shy about saying explicitly that he will raise some taxes.” Furthermore, Sen. Obama voted for a budget resolution that would “raise taxes on people making $41,500 a year.” (The New York Times, 7/30/08) His rhetoric on lowering taxes does not match the reality.
Certainly, Sen. Obama’s nomination is a historic event and one that all Americans can and should be proud. However, don’t let his eloquence cover up the fact that many of his policies will result in higher taxes, more regulation and a bigger government. For a man who says that the government is the source of our failures, Sen. Obama sure seems to like new government programs.
Sen. Obama deserves much praise for his eloquence on a number of issues. For example, while he spoke about the need for government leadership on some of the most pressing issues, he also talked about the importance of personal responsibility in solving many of our nation’s problems. This is an important point and one that deserves praise. Too often, politicians think and act as if the government has all the answers. In fact, it’s individuals and families that can do more than the government. As Sen. Obama said, “We must also admit that programs alone can't replace parents; that government can't turn off the television and make a child do her homework; that fathers must take more responsibility for providing the love and guidance their children need.” I agree with this sentiment.
However, while he talks about personal responsibility, Sen. Obama proposes numerous new – and expensive – government solutions instead of fostering greater individual responsibility. Sen. Obama blamed the nation’s problems on the failed policies of Washington and then proceeded to outline how the government needs to be more involved. In one breath he talked about the need for people to take responsibility, blamed the government for its failure to meet these challenges, and yet he then proposed more government programs. These ideas don’t square with each other. Time and again, Sen. Obama complained about Washington being the problem but he continually proposed federal solutions.
Sen. Obama’s speech was filled with a number of misleading statements. In his speech, Sen. Obama said: “As Commander-in-Chief, I will never hesitate to defend this nation, but I will only send our troops into harm's way with a clear mission and a sacred commitment to give them the equipment they need in battle and the care and benefits they deserve when they come home.” The facts prove otherwise. When presented with the chance to actually put action behind his rhetoric, Sen. Obama voted against providing $94.4 billion in funding our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan (H.R. 2206, CQ Vote #181: Passed 80-14, 5/24/07, Obama Voted No). Basically, he is for the troops, but only before he has to vote to support them.
In addition, Sen. Obama said he would “eliminate capital gains taxes for the small businesses and the start-ups that will create the high-wage, high-tech jobs of tomorrow. I will cut taxes -- cut taxes -- for 95% of all working families.” According to the nonpartisan FactCheck.org, “certainly Obama's votes indicate a willingness to raise taxes, and Obama has not been shy about saying explicitly that he will raise some taxes.” Furthermore, Sen. Obama voted for a budget resolution that would “raise taxes on people making $41,500 a year.” (The New York Times, 7/30/08) His rhetoric on lowering taxes does not match the reality.
Certainly, Sen. Obama’s nomination is a historic event and one that all Americans can and should be proud. However, don’t let his eloquence cover up the fact that many of his policies will result in higher taxes, more regulation and a bigger government. For a man who says that the government is the source of our failures, Sen. Obama sure seems to like new government programs.
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