Trickle Down Economics Fails

The business section of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Wednesday, August 27, 2008) carried an interesting article on how the middle class has been left behind during the business cycle high of 2001 to 2007. While the wealthy did quite well during this period, the middle class didn't fare so well.

The median income in Minnesota dropped from $58,363 in 2001 to $55,802 in 2007. The poverty level rose from 7.8% in 2001 to 9.5% in 2007. And, the number of uninsured rose from 7.5% in 2001 to 8.8% in 2007. While I haven't seen any statistics as yet, corporate proxy statements would seem to indicate that corporate executives fared far better.

We've been living under the Republican version of "trickle down economics" for quite some time. It appears to be working - if you're wealthy.

This year, as in past years, there appears to be a huge difference between the two major political parties. The Republicans will seek to keep and expand the tax cuts for the wealthy which appear to be a key element of their "trickle down economics" program. The Democrats would begin rolling back the tax cuts for those making more than $250,000 per year.

I've never quite understood the base of the "modern" Republican party. At the core, there are those who are very wealthy, who seek to maintain their wealth through favorable tax treatment. Then, there are businesses, which also seek to gain through favorable tax and regulatory treatment. There's the religious (Christian) right, with some very wealthy televangelists who purport to be holier than all others. They lead flocks of people of more modest means. And, finally there are those who are anti-abortion, seeking to impose their (limited) view on others.

It all seems like an unpatriotic, unholy, alliance.

Anyone who would put special interests ahead of the country's best interests is unpatriotic. Sure, we can have an honest debate over what's best for the country. But, anyone who signs a pledge to a special interest group is putting their interests ahead of the county's. By signing such a pledge, they're saying that they don't give a damn about the country - they represent special interests only.

Anyone who pledges to represent the view of a religious special interest group, before the needs of the country, deserves a special place in Hell. This country was founded on religious freedom. Yet, a small group of right wing religious extremists would have politicians support their goals above all others.

There's a clear choice this year. Do we continue to support the failed policies and practices of the past or look forward to solving the nation's problems with open, honest, debate?

Look beyond the attack ads. Look beyond the preachings of your spiritual leader. Be patriotic. Examine the issues from all points of view. Put the needs of the country first.