Republicans Should Act Like Republicans
Good commentary in the LSU Reveille (for a change):
[Regarding the upcoming tax battle in the legislature,] “We wouldn’t even be having this discussion if the Republican legislators believed in the Republican philosophy,” Forgotston said. “The Republicans here are no different than Democrats. We don’t have parties here, we have ins and we have outs.”
Republicans now compose one-third of the legislature, enough to prevent any tax from being passed as the Louisiana Constitution requires all taxes to be passed by a two-thirds majority. Unfortunately, Louisiana Republicans have a history of not only going along with the tax-and-spend Democrats, but of leading the way in increasing the size of government and pushing tax increases.
“The greatest increase [in the state's operating budget] has not been under Democratic leadership; it's been under Republican leadership,” said Shaw CEO and La. Democratic Party Chairman Jim Bernhard.
The facts paint a stark portrait of Republicans in state government. From 1812 to 1995 the state operating budget grew from zero to $10 billion. During the eight years of Republican Gov. Mike Foster’s administration, the state operating budget catapulted from $10 billion to $17 billion. In fact, only one Republican legislator, former State Representative Steve Windhorst (R-Terrytown), held fast to the small government principles of the Republican party and refused to aide Foster’s spending binge by voting for more taxes and spending. “We’re Republican in various degrees,” Alexander said. “It’s difficult to get everyone to tow the line.
Voters don’t elect Republicans with the expectation that they will act like Democrats. If you’re a Republican, you should vote like one. Your party affiliation should be more than a passing fad, it’s a statement of where your principles lie. We expect Democrats to favor big government, the same should not be said about the party of Reagan.
Until the legislators, Republicans and Democrats, demonstrate an ounce of fiscal responsibility, Louisiana voters should be wary of any tax increases regardless of the “behavior” they are imposed upon."
[Regarding the upcoming tax battle in the legislature,] “We wouldn’t even be having this discussion if the Republican legislators believed in the Republican philosophy,” Forgotston said. “The Republicans here are no different than Democrats. We don’t have parties here, we have ins and we have outs.”
Republicans now compose one-third of the legislature, enough to prevent any tax from being passed as the Louisiana Constitution requires all taxes to be passed by a two-thirds majority. Unfortunately, Louisiana Republicans have a history of not only going along with the tax-and-spend Democrats, but of leading the way in increasing the size of government and pushing tax increases.
“The greatest increase [in the state's operating budget] has not been under Democratic leadership; it's been under Republican leadership,” said Shaw CEO and La. Democratic Party Chairman Jim Bernhard.
The facts paint a stark portrait of Republicans in state government. From 1812 to 1995 the state operating budget grew from zero to $10 billion. During the eight years of Republican Gov. Mike Foster’s administration, the state operating budget catapulted from $10 billion to $17 billion. In fact, only one Republican legislator, former State Representative Steve Windhorst (R-Terrytown), held fast to the small government principles of the Republican party and refused to aide Foster’s spending binge by voting for more taxes and spending. “We’re Republican in various degrees,” Alexander said. “It’s difficult to get everyone to tow the line.
Voters don’t elect Republicans with the expectation that they will act like Democrats. If you’re a Republican, you should vote like one. Your party affiliation should be more than a passing fad, it’s a statement of where your principles lie. We expect Democrats to favor big government, the same should not be said about the party of Reagan.
Until the legislators, Republicans and Democrats, demonstrate an ounce of fiscal responsibility, Louisiana voters should be wary of any tax increases regardless of the “behavior” they are imposed upon."
posted by Jason at 4/25/2005 08:15:00 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home