Resolution on Taxes and Public Policy
Accepted by the Jefferson County Democratic Party Executive Committee
April 27, 2006
The Bush Administration has sent its budget to Congress with spending recommendations that do not reflect the national priorities of the majority of Americans.
Defense Appropriations: Another Increase. Not only for the Iraq war, but also for continued military domination of the world. Why do we need four permanent military installations in Iraq? What happened to the highly publicized "peace dividend" after the demise of the USSR?
"Star Wars": Another increase. Expansion of a system of weapons in space that is designed to protect the US, but is viewed as a threat by other nations. Can US security be obtained by arming the heavens with sophisticated weapons? Why pour more money into this system that has failed the tests in its initial stages?
Education and Welfare: Decreased spending. Less money for Head Start, probably the most successful education program that the federal government has undertaken. The number of homeless people and those relying on food pantries continues to increase each year. How can the present administration tout the No Child Left Behind program and fail to adequately fund it? Why has so little been done to get long-term solutions to the survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita?
Energy and Environment: Decreased spending. Fossil fuel and nuclear industries are being heavily subsidized while alternative fuel development is given lip service. Why has the administration continued to push for oil development in the Alaskan wilderness and other sensitive areas, and refused to make car manufacturers develop and produce more fuel efficient wehicles? Why is the administration blocking such obvious steps to address global warming as approving the Kyoto agreement now ratified by over 100 nations?
Our tax dollars are supporting programs that jeopardize both American citizens and people around the world. We think there are better ways to spend our tax dollars.