Spending Habits

I really hate to do this because it will be two stories in a row about one man, but
John Edwards is back in the news this morning - or at least for those political nuts who are willing to read political news on a Saturday morning. This time, he is being questioned about his new policy proposals. While Edwards is being acknowledged by the press for "receiving high praise from Democrats" for his initiatives, he is also taking heat for the cost - a reported $125 billion a year. This would go to fixing healthcare, improving U.S. energy policy, and reducing poverty.

Taking a risk, Edwards is also willing to say that it will take funds that are not there right now - meaning new taxes. He is willing to roll back the Bush tax cuts (to the Clinton levels) for the top 2% of Americans in order to have the necessary finances to fund such ambitious projects.

What seems ironic however, is the criticism from Republican and the press for even mentioning an increase in taxes. Republicans are quick to point out that the tax breaks are working. The media is labeling him as a free spender. Meanwhile, the war in Iraq is approaching a staggering cost of $450 billion. Judging from my rough calculations, that would be enough to fund 3.5 years of the Edwards' plan; a plan that actually has a chance to succeed. Instead the money has been spent in a war where progress and been non-existent, and thousands of Americans have died.

On top of that, the U.S. world image/reputation has never been lower not only in Muslim states, but also in friendly territories such as Europe. In addition, on a domestic front the deficit keeps climbing, borrowing increases (from countries such as China), and disparity in wealth widens; stretching the middle class of America.

So whether it is a philosophical difference or not, I believe that tax cuts are not the answer and that if Bush really wants to take accountability for the war, he should get Americans to pay for it through a new tax. Because when you make people dig in their own personal pocket books I bet sentiment against the war will only increase. Instead, Bush is making future generations pay. I would rather see my $125 billion go to improving the country rather than hurting its future.

The label free spender should not be associated merely with a populist candidate from North Carolina, but also a hard talking, fiscally "conservative" cowboy from Texas.