Republicans want to slash social programs to pay for US Gulf
Reported by Chrish - September 27, 2005
Brit Hume , on Special Report today 9/27/05, said that some Congressional conservatives were concerned about the unexpected expenses we face because of the catastrophic damage in the Gulf states. "Bush, who has never vetoed a spending bill, may be unable or unwilling to hold back the tide of Congressional largesse"
Comment: M-W.com definition of largesse: 1 : liberal giving (as of money) to or as if to an inferior; also : something so given 2 : generosity. Dictionary.com concurred: 1. Liberality in bestowing gifts, especially in a lofty or condescending manner. 2. Money or gifts bestowed. 2. Generosity of spirit or attitude.
So when the federal government spends tax money it collected by force from you ON you, remember they're doing your sorry self a favor and thank them properly. Sheesh.
Major Garrett related some suggestions for budget cuts to help pay for the damage caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. His decidedly low tech props were a step down in Fox's usually flashy and 'hip' graphics.
He introduced the topic by showing line items for the total national debt, the current year deficit, the cost to date of hurricane relief, feared costs of American Gulf reconstruction, and the cuts made to date by Congress to counter the unexpected expenses.
The following suggestions were then made by our fiscally conservative Congresspeople who have driven this country into debt for decades to come:
1. Delay the Medicare prescription drug benefit for all but the poorest - 30 billion - Mike Pence (R-IN)
2. Temporarily defer highway "pork" projects funds to rebuilding roads in the Gulf - 25 billion - Jon Kyle (R-AZ)
3. Cancel NASA's plans for trips to Mars and the moon - 44 billion over 10 years - John Sununu (R-NH)
4. Cancel federal support for Safe and Drug-free schools program - 4.8 billion - and
5. cancel anti-drug TV commercials - 1.3 billion over 10 years - Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
6. "Axing" free parking for federal employees - 1.5 billion over 10 years - John McCain (R-AZ)
(This is just a partial list of wished-for funding cuts; see the whole Grinch proposal here.)
Major concluded the segment with "and speaking of Congress, cancelling next year's cost of living pay raise for the House and Senate would save 24 million over 10 years.."
Democrats, not mentioned or aired in the segment, are questioning how Bush can call for cuts in the budget and still support yet more tax cuts for the extremely wealthy. Also, not one Republican was heard to question the out of control spending in Iraq, a pet project of this administration.
While the spin intended by FOX was to show how responsible the Republicans are being and how Democrats have no ideas, the truth is the Democrats' ideas are contrary to the Bush agenda so are not even given a fair hearing...hence, no balance.
