Priorities For The Common Good

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With all the problems facing our country, probably none is more pressing at this time than the need to reverse the expanding debt load future generations will be faced with. Starting with the recent election in November, we must remind those taking the reins of power that the single most important thing they must do to stop the growth in borrowing is to rollback at least some of the taxcuts that have put us in this hole in the first place. Since the taxcuts became law, our national debt has grown faster in the ensuing years than at any other time in our nations history. This, despite reports of unprecedented economic growth following one of the lowest points brought about by 9-11. If we can’t create surpluses during such prosperous times as many would have us believe, when will we?

Recently the President has chosen to continue playing politics as usual with the minimum wage and hinted to the new Congress he would be willing to accept an increase providing they cut more taxes to small businesses. I certainly agree with this, except the way it is framed. To let the people know that the message sent on November 7th was received, Congress should first increase the minimum wage as a stand alone bill. No.2, they should give small businesses the necessary tax cut, correct the alternative minimum tax income to adjust for inflation in exchange for repealing the taxcut given to the wealthiest 5%. No. 3, they should make permanent the tax cuts given to the remaining 95%.

What should be the priorities of Congress?
1. Increase the minimum wage
2. Rollback the tax cut on the wealthiest 5%
3. Give a taxcut to small businesses and reform the AMT
4. Repeal subsidies given to Big Oil
5. Create a White House oversight committee
6. Require Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies
7. Create an outside panel to enforce ethics rules

This should be accomplished in the first 100 hours. Afterwards, they could begin on a real working plan for Iraq, followed by universal healthcare. With the termination of company pensions, buy-outs and cooked-book investment schemes, we are living in a time when Social Security will be needed now more than ever before and Congress will have a full load there also. They must make SS stronger. Let the countdown begin.