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Eight Years with Republicans
Eight Years with Republicans
Do you remember a few years back when Carter’s term as President was about to come to an end, and the Republican question to the voting masses was, "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?"
Well, turn-about is fair play. So let’s ask the same public the same question today, as we mercifully come to the end of a Republican administration.
Well, are you?
Let’s see, well, there’s the economy. Oh, uh, no. Let’s forget about that. George W. says we’re not in a recession, but I doubt if he even knows how to spell the word. So, I don’t think he has much credibility on the subject. Maybe when he proclaims that there is no recession, he is referring to himself and his family and friends. Certainly, for them, there is no recession.
However, the rest of us, the common ruck, if you will, are definitely in a recession. The housing market is still in free fall with no bottom in sight. Inflation is on the rise. Unemployment is climbing. If this thing that we are in right now is not a recession, it will certainly do until one comes along. . (Let’s face it; if I am having to choose between staying warm, paying for my prescriptions, or eating, then I don’t really give a damn what some talking chimp in Washington calls it.)
Okay, forget the economy.
Let’s talk about how we, as Americans, feel a real solidarity with each other.
What? Polls show that Americans have never been so polarized before in history as they are today? That the gap between the left and right has widened astronomically since George W. took office? Say it ain’t so!!!!(Here’s a question for you; how come Ground Zero in upscale New York City is now cleaned up and immaculate, with great plans and schemes for the future, and the Hurricane Katrina ravished 9th ward in New Orleans, (which is primarily poor and black) is still a freaking mess with no hope in sight? Why is it that, immediately after Katrina, FEMA vehicles couldn’t get into New Orleans because of the magnitude of the devastation, but Ellen Degeneres and Harry Connick, Jr; could drive into the place with their SUV’s? "Nice work, Brownie!"
Okay, forget about solidarity.
World peace?
. . . Next!
How about how America is viewed by the rest of the world?
. . . NEXT!
All righty, then. What about environmental issues?
. . . NEXT!!!!!!
How about your pocketbook and wallet? Gas, oil, food and clothing costs are rising by leaps and bounds. The gap between the rich and the middle class is widening, and the gap between the middle class and the poor is also widening. Also, the numbers of the middle class are dwindling as they spill down into the lower class. Medical expenses are through the roof while medical insurance companies and drug manufacturing companies are posting profits in the millions, and yet the FDA is doing nothing to curb the problem. The percentage of uninsured Americans is higher now than at any time in modern history.
The Republican Party, which, just a few years ago was chiding Clinton for not having a balanced budget, has now plunged us into the biggest national debt that we have ever seen. The ill-advised and ill-fated war in Iraq has cost this country literally TRILLIONS of dollars that we do not have. TRILLIONS! And how did the cowboy in the White House rectify the problem? He cut our taxes, and then turned around and took BILLIONS of dollars in loans from China!!!!! China now owns us.
Just the interest of the national debt now comes to $70,000 for every man, woman and child in this country!!
Okay, so let’s forget our pocketbooks and wallets.
Let’s talk about education.
Four words sum this up – "No Child Left Behind."
Talk to any teacher or school administrator in this country and most of them will tell you that they believe "No Child Left Behind" is an unfunded federal mandate that is designed solely to sink the public education system in this country. It puts a strangle-hold on the educational professionals, and it refuses to give communities the funds and resources to enact new policies and curriculums. It is killing the public education system in this country.
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So, enough of my own opinions here. Let me throw this Republican-originated question out to you. Are you better off than you were eight years ago?
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posted on Apr 28, 2008 9:43 AM ()
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