The Bush Agenda (1/24/04)
by Dean Hartwell
In watching President Bush’s State of the Union address, it became clear to me that the speech was not really about how our nation is doing; it was instead a nationally-televised speech for Bush-Cheney 2004.
Not that this approach to State of the Union addresses is anything new. Other recent presidents have done much the same. The message was clear: here is my agenda for the next four years if I am elected.
Privatize Health Care - “We will preserve the system of private medicine that makes America’s health care the best in the world.”
My question: How does this help the forty-million plus in the United States who have no health care? His comments also hinted at privatizing Medicare when the recently passed reforms take effect in 2006.
No Gay Marriages – “Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage…the union of a man and a woman…Congress has already taken a stand on this issue by passing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)…”
My point: DOMA does not outlaw gay marriages. It simply gives each state the right not to recognize marriages done in other states. The real issue is equal protection under our laws and why a group of people in the United States, through no fault of their own, cannot legally marry.
More Federal Funding for Abstinence – “We will double federal funding for abstinence programs.”
My point: Abstinence is not a realistic option for some. There should be some funding for them, say, in accurate information about birth control.
Drug Tests at Public Schools – “I propose an additional $23 million for schools that want to use drug testing as a tool to save children’s lives.”
My point: This idea will bring “Big Brother” to our schools. I thought the Republican Party opposed more government.
Making the Patriot Act Permanent – “Our law enforcement needs this vital legislation to protect our citizens.”
My point: Some parts of the law, like the parts that cover illegal use of telephones, faxes, etc. may protect us. But spying upon our private records, like the library books we check out, certainly does not. And the idea of the government searching our houses without our knowledge is certainly unacceptable.
Making Tax Cuts for the Wealthy Permanent – “For the sake of job growth, the tax cuts…should be permanent.”
My point: There is no connection between tax cuts and job growth. How could there be, considering the job growth under President Clinton after he raised taxes. There is, however, a connection between tax cuts and budget deficits and debt.
Push for Democracy in the Middle East – “…double the budget of the National Endowment for Democracy…to focus its new work on the development of free elections, free markets, free press and free labor unions in the Middle East.”
My point: There never has been democracy in the Middle East. We should let the people of the Middle East choose their own government. That would be the democratic thing to do.
More Money for Faith-Based Charities – “By executive order, I have opened billions of dollars in grant money to competition that includes faith-based charities. Tonight, I ask you to codify this into law so people of faith can know that the law will never discriminate against them again.”
My point: It’s not about discrimination; it’s about the constitution’s separation of the church and state. The religious charities can get the money from their own people.
Ask yourself if this agenda represents the nation you want to live in. If that is the case, you should vote for Bush. If not, now is the time to get involved in selecting our next President.