Sounds like a tough introduction but as of late it is the mantra of the radical right that now controls the Republican Party.
Robert Dobbs for Congress, SC-01
All we have to do is look at some of the recent hot political issues: health care, unemployment extension, immigration reform, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Health Care Reform:
We have been waiting for months for the Republicans to come up with a Health Care Reform package in writing to back up all of the rhetoric they have put forward against the plan being floated by the Democratic Leadership. Well we now have that plan in writing and believe it or not, it doesn't save as much money nor does it cover more people than the Democrat plan.
Unemployment Extension
The unemployment extension bill was held up for 7 weeks by the Republicans so they can argue about ACORN, again, and attempt to get a Real Estate Extension Tax Credit. Two issues that should have been seperate from the unemployment extension bill.
Immigration Reform:
Health Care Reform is now making the Administration and Congress address this important issue and how illegal immigration deals with the health care reform debate. Congress, along with the current and prior Presidents, have not been forceful enough to create a true immigration reform package to end illegal immigration and put all illegal immigrants either on the books or out of the country. We cannot move forward on any true reform with health care or immigration unless both issues are addressed. However the Republicans want an all or nothing solution to the immmigration issue.
Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
Taxpayers in South Carolina will pay $6.7 billion for total Iraq and Afghanistan war spending since 2001. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided:
3,594,955 People with Health Care for One Year OR
4,866,884 Homes with Renewable Electricity for One Year OR
179,567 Public Safety Officers for One year OR
127,932 Music and Arts Teachers for One Year OR
858,968 Scholarships for University Students for One Year OR
1,253,611 Students receiving Pell Grants of $5350 OR
65,587 Affordable Housing Units OR
3,894,311 Children with Health Care for One Year OR
1,006,577 Head Start Places for Children for One Year OR
129,600 Elementary School Teachers for One Year OR
89,350 Port Container Inspectors for One year
So what does the Republican Party use as the litmus test (another word for discrimination):
Does the candidate support gay rights;
Is the candidate against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan;
Does the candidate support public option;
Does the candidate support environmental regulation?
The list goes on and on. Doesn't sound like an inclusive political party.
Robert Dobbs for Congress, SC-01