Tax Relief Versus The Daschle Doctrine
By Ron Marr (04/16/03)
If you haven't yet heard the hue and cry emanating from far-left leaders of the Democratic party, prepare yourself for a blast from the past. Stung by their judgmental errors in the days prior to the Second Gulf War, proponents of the nanny state are currently dining on poached crow served under rose-colored glass. They've been wrong so many times in recent years that their words hold little weight. For many Americans an auditory circuit breaker seems to have thrown, and a large percentage are ignoring the liberal trumpet.
But such will not stop the party of patronage from blowing mightily. For lack of a better platform they have trotted out a mantra that was sprouting gray in the days of Al Gore's humiliation. They have spied George W's tax plan, and are braying over how benefits will go only to "the richest one percent."
Aside from the fact that this "richest one percent" line is the biggest lie since Rock Hudson pretended he was straight, the Democrats have it all wrong...again. Worse, they know they have it all wrong, and are forging ahead regardless. This is partisan politics at its most odious, and as usual the Dems shamelessly demonstrate that they care far more about the power they can wield within the Beltway than they do the welfare of the country. I don't know why this would surprise anyone, for such is the mindset and historical legacy of those who reside under the Socialist/Marxist umbrella.
Democrats wish to stifle the Bush economic plan for two reasons. The first reason is merely petty. If Bush is for it, they're against it. We could easily call this strategy the "Daschle Doctrine," and I hope the donkeys stick with it. Wholesale obstruction at any cost has overdrawn the accounts of the DNC, their political capital depleted not just because of a thinly veiled anti-war (aka: anti-Bush) stance, but also due to an insatiable appetite for small-minded bickering. They obstruct on legislation. They obstruct on confrontation with the UN. They even obstruct upon the appointment of well-qualified individuals to fill judicial vacancies.
In this last case the lefties realize they screwed up, and more than a few are wishing that the only "Estrada they ever heard of was the guy who played "Ponch" on the old TV show "CHPs."
The second reason, however, holds greater relevance. Congressional liberals don't want tax relief instituted because it would work. It would encourage investing and bring on the condition that voters most cherish...a healthy wallet. Moreover, coming on the heels of his demonstrated leadership in the wake of September 11th, and the crushing of Saddam Hussein, George Bush's stewardship over a vigorous economy would make him unbeatable in 2004.
Still, I'm amazed when I see polls claiming six of ten Americans are against tax relief. My only question to such folks is..."ARE YOU INSANE?" Why would anyone be against keeping their own money? Why would anyone wish to send their hard-earned funds to an entrenched bureaucracy which blows cash with abandon? Has the liberal plan to spay/neuter American intellect been so effective that 60% of our citizens believe the government exists to provide cradle to grave oversight? Are they really that dependent? Do they not realize that more taxes mean more intrusion, more inroads against personal liberty, civil rights and the heritage of rugged individuality?
The answer is no, they don't believe that. The polls have been twisted by media to reflect their selfish desires, the questions put forth during a time when people are willing to cough up dough for a just cause. Americans will always give extra in times of true need, and that altruism is reflected in the poll numbers. Ask the same question during peaceful periods - are you in favor of tax reduction - and you'll get a far different answer.
But no matter, Democrats chamber up such low caliber ammo and declare it the mother of all bombshells. The truth, is that the greatest tax cuts go to the rich because the rich make more money. Duh. Moreover, a dividend tax repeal would allow the financially successful to invest heavily, expanding businesses and creating more jobs. The cold fact is that the dogfood stocker in the Butte, Montana Wal-Mart, or the guy with the little bar and grill in Elk City, Idaho (that would be me) does not move the economy. A tax break helps us live a little better, but long term benefits come via reducing imperious tax loads on those firms and individuals who can effect positive change on a large scale.
In reality, only two groups champion "the richest one percent" theory. On the one hand are the snobbish political elitists who promote class warfare. On the other are the least productive members of society, those who feel they deserve a free ride. The former hopes to play on dark emotions and create conflict. The latter are merely lazy and jealous. The duo has, does and will continue to swim in an incestuous, symbiotic stew.
And what a shock...both are Democrats.
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