Bob McCarty Writes

Many Americans find themselves in the State of Disbelief* as President Barack Obama and a majority of the Democrat-controlled Congress appear to be on the verge of forcing a so-called “economic stimulus package” down their throats at a cost of nearly ONE-TRILLION DOLLARS.  Among them is newly-elected Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele.

Yesterday, Chairman Steele took the opportunity to share with the nation his thoughts about the pork-laden legislation.  The transcript of Steele’s address appears below:

“All of us — Republicans and Democrats — agree the government must act to kick-start the American economy. American families are doing their best to balance their own budgets and pay their mortgages.

“The fastest way to help those families is by letting them keep more of the money they earn. Individual empowerment: that’s how you stimulate the economy.

“But the Democrats have a different philosophy. Instead of leaving money in the family checkbook, they want to send it to Washington, run it through a slow and inefficient government, and hope that does some good.

“When families keep the money, they spend it, save it, or invest it. And the private sector economy benefits when families and businesses buy consumer goods or invest it for the future. But when Washington spends the money, some of it may flow into the economy, but all too often, much gets wasted.

“Democrats in Congress want a one-trillion dollar spending bill. You’ve heard about the pork-barrel programs they want to fund… 45 million dollars for ATV trails and removal of fish passage barriers is one that caught my eye. Exactly what is a fish passage barrier and why does it cost 45 million dollars to stimulate the economy with it?

“That’s why Republicans in the House voted against uncontrolled spending. This is not a bragging point, but rather a statement that at least Republicans would stand with the American taxpayer.

“But voting ‘no’ is not enough… and Republicans have offered innovative ideas to help struggling families and small businesses. We’ve offered plans to spark job creation and investment through lower taxes, to stop the taxation of unemployment benefits, and to help Americans keep their jobs and their homes.

“The comprehensive Republican plan would lower taxes for all working American families. If you’re married, the first 16,750 dollars you make this year will be taxed at ten percent. Why don’t we cut that rate in half to give instant buying power to every working American family?

“Good ideas… lots of them… all left out of this plan by the Democrats in Congress.

“Republicans stand ready to work with reasonable Democrats to do what is right for America.

“But it will take more than bipartisan words from the President. It will require fair-minded action from Democrats in Congress.

“Thanks for listening.”

Click here to download the mp3 audio of Chairman Steele’s address.  Click here to watch the video.

*The State of Disbelief is one of the seven mystery states that, on May 9, 2008, then-presidential candidate Obama said he had visited while on the campaign trail. Click here to learn more about the seven mystery states and “Barack Obama’s Seven Mystery States Coin Collection.”

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