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Spending we dare not avoid



A loyal supporter of John Kerry writes:
 
... [John Kerry opposes] President Bush's policies on war, the environment, energy, deficit spending, and  neglect of  health,  education and the welfare of seniors, of veterans, and of all but  wealthy private parties (no matter their investment intentions).

 
  1. It is no small matter that the  spending  required to move (a) from war fighting to peace building and (b) from current neglect of America's environment, energy, health, education, and welfare (of seniors, veterans and the truly needy),  is far higher  than conservatives or liberals have considered spending? subsequent to the war years 1941-1945.
  2. John Kerry's choices are clear. He can promise:

    • To spend what we must, canceling the Bush tax cut on the very rich, and accepting a prudent level of deficits in light of the cost of failure to spend.
    • To spend what we must, raising taxes to yet higher levels within the ability of people to pay (a promise not to be considered  if he would win my vote or the office he seeks), and accepting a prudent level of deficits in light of the cost of failure to spend.
    • To spend  less  than we must, but more than Bush would spend (by canceling the Bush tax cut on the very rich) ? yet avoiding substantial deficit spending for fear he would be unable to otherwise prevent unacceptable inflation.  
  3. John Kerry's pointed attack on deficits at a time when they are crucial to peace and jobs is disturbing.  Inflation in a jobs-rich economy can be prevented by increasing supply and increasing private savings.  
  4. Unless John Kerry begins to make sense of his proposals in light of the enormous needs of peace and jobs, that only federal spending can possibly satisfy, I may vote for the  decisive  spender now in office? and hope to win him away from destroying middle class America.

    John Gelles
 
 


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