The Fiscal Battle: A Test of Policies

There have been tough times for America. Since the economic recession that was created during the Bush Administration, since the beginning of the war in Iraq, and since, most recently, the gargantuan BP oil spill, things have been tough for America. Midterm elections are creeping up on us, and the one of the leading issues of this momentous election is the economy. The fact is that our economy has seen help, has seen an increase, a boost since the Bush Administration, due to the stimulus package and other efforts by government but also by the American consumers themselves as well; however, the increase so far has been acclaimed to be not enough. Misfortunes like the BP oil spill and the computer malfunction with the stock market have served to impede the growth of the economy. The major impediment, although, is the conservatism in office. As of right now even, there is a jobs bill that is stalled because the conservatives in the senate will not budge to good reason, and will filibuster not with the citizens of America in mind, but with party politics in mind, because their party  tells them to do it. They are public servants, meaning servants of the people. 

Now let's get down to the economic policies. The conservatives say cut spending, reduce the deficit, that's the priority. They want to cut taxes as well. Now, how does that make sense? The government gets its money through taxes. Those taxes help pay for government projects, services, and necessities. Now if you decide to stop spending, but also cut taxes, doesn't that not really change anything? You need more taxes to help pay for deficit. Think of back during the Bush Administration. You lead a country into a war, and then you cut taxes as well? How do you finance a war effectively like that? It is practically understood that when you go to war taxes are going to go up, it's necessary and if there truly is good cause for the war which the American people support, then they will understand and acknowledge their sacrifice for their country, for the freedoms that have been delivered unto them, and the soldiers dying for them. These policies don't make much sense. In a time of economic downfall, where many people need financial help, you're just going to cut taxes for the rich and sit back and hope things work? Liberal policy is essential for this time period, and makes sense. They say spend when necessary, but increase taxes. They want to not increase taxes, and possibly lower taxes for some, for people making under $250,000. That is the majority of Americans, 95% of Americans. That is the middle class. The people who's taxes will increase is that remaining 5%, the rich people. They have had tax cuts during the Bush Administration, it's time for them to have tax increases during the Obama Administration, because the economy needs it, and the American people need it. These include the people you would see on MTV Cribs, the people who have loads of money, who have summer houses and expensive foreign cars, who have private jets and all the luxury in the world. The caliber of their financial success wouldn't have been possible anywhere else in the world, except for America. For this, they owe it back to their country for their success.

So when you think about the economic situation and the politics behind it, who really has the American people in mind? The Democrats have been pushing for change, the change that the voters wanted in 2008 and shouted out to the world with Obama's election as the first African-American president. Change doesn't come quickly, as would be hoped, for party politics have slowed this change. Filibusters and increasingly polarizing parties have this change slightly mired. The Republicans in office have not submitted any new ideas from the Bush Administration; they haven't been pushing for change. Their party has become the party of "NO". Well I say to join the party of "YES", the party, the collective of people that want the change that was aspired for in 2008, the people that work for their country and their countrymen and countrywomen in mind. The economic matter shouldn't have to be about party politics, it should be about what the people really need right now, the jobless, the homeless, the healthcare-less. So be patient, change has been happening, and it's still on its way, as long as people can be more selfless. As a great man once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country" - John F. Kennedy.