In two months we will make a decision in the voting booths that will have an impact on the economic future of our country and the people who live here. It has become painfully apparent that the press either doesn't know what questions to ask or refuse to ask them. It is now time for us to assault the networks and the newspapers and demand that they start to ask the questions that need to be asked of the Republicans. Like the Republicans or hate them no party deserves to be put into power and decide the next two years of our lives just because they sat on the sidelines and did nothing. Here are the questions and possible follow-ups.
1 - The Republican Party has said that the stimulus was a failure. What parts of the stimulus should have been done differently? (After the details of what was wrong with the stimulus is explained to us here is the follow-up.) If the Republican Party knew that those were the problems with the stimulus why didn't they fix them? After all, the stimulus wouldn't have passed the Senate without Republican votes. The final version of the stimulus plan was determined after meeting with Republicans to get a version they would vote on.
2 - There has been talk lately that if the Republican Party takes control of the house they would deny funds to portions of Health Care Reform. What funds would you deny for which portions of the plan?
The 5 Billion for companies to offset the cost of health care benefits for early retirees?
The 35% credit to small businesses to offset the cost of health care premiums.
The $250 rebate check that closes part of the donut.
The tax credits for individuals and families to purchase health insurance.
3 - Are you willing to hold up permanent extension of the tax cuts for the 98% in order to get the tax cuts for the 2%?
4 - There is talk that any new regulations should be postponed for the next 3 years? What regulations are you talking about specifically? Wall St. Reform?
5 - One idea of the Republican Party is to reduce spending back to 2008 levels with some exceptions. Since entitlements and debt service can't be reduced what are those exceptions and why? House Minority Leader Boehner says that cutting spending will create jobs. How does spending cuts create jobs? How does that create demand for products and service?
6 - How does extending tax cuts to the top 2% and stopping new regulations create the level of demand required to move the economy forward? How does giving tax breaks to the top 2% and stopping new regulation on business make the consumer want to spend more money?
7 - If the Republican position on taxing the rich is that it hurts growth and prevents new hires, how do you explain the economic growth of the late forties through the sixties when taxes ranged from 60-90%?
8 - Where does the Republican Party see new jobs being developed? How do you help with those developments?
9 - Jobs are being shipped overseas due to unfair trade agreements and tax breaks given to corporations. Is the Republican Party ready to correct those trade agreements and close those tax breaks?
10 - If the Republicans should take control of the House / Senate what are the first pieces of legislation they would pass?
Now is the time to push the media to start asking questions like these instead of repeating dribble that was feed to them by Business and Politicians. Not only must they start to ask questions but also they must demand answers. NO MORE POLITICAL DOUBLE TALK!
Paste these questions to your e-mail or go to the network's website and send them to the networks and to the news shows on CNN, MSNBC and even FOX. If enough people start sending in questions that they want answers to maybe we can force the media to do their job. If enough of us speak with one clear voice that this is too important of an election and we want answers, we can be heard.