The Economy
The backbone of our country’s long-term economic health is the vast middle class of working and retired Americans. Yet, over the past few decades, the incomes and assets of the majority of our citizens have been nibbled away, under a notion that we’re better off as a society of big winners and big losers. This resulting widening gap between the very few “have-the-mosts” and the very many “have-not-so-muches” is not compatible with a thriving democracy.
Certainly individual initiative, effort, and risk-taking must be rewarded; but, in a democracy no one succeeds in a vacuum. Our country provides an elaborate infrastructure, a substantial financial system, a safe and secure society, and the rule of law—all that and much more supported and maintained by all of us. This vast middle class of America contributes much to the success of the super-rich; therefore, it’s only fair for that rising tide to “float all boats”. It’s about properly rewarding those who work hard risk much, and succeed; but, it’s also about sharing that prosperity, without just a very few reaping all the benefits.
The Bush tax give-aways for the super rich have not helped hardworking families and retirees; this “welfare for the wealthy” very disproportionately favors the very rich.
We need to restore simplicity and fairness to our federal tax system, eliminating all the intricate and bizarre techniques by which people earning millions can pay less tax than almost all the other Americans earning under $200,000 a year. One of the very wealthiest men in America, Warren Buffet, understands this concept and thinks the middle class is being slammed, while the super-rich, like himself, are getting even richer.
We need always to strive for an American economy that provides the greatest good for the greatest number; rewards hard work, initiative, and risk-taking; cares for the “least of our brethren”; expects more return from those who have received more; and, makes it possible for all Americans to share in our national prosperity.
This is my plan for the economy:
1. Restore sound federal fiscal policy with balanced budgets and no more runaway deficits.
2. End the war in Iraq and stop bleeding our money as well as our blood.
3. Simplify the federal tax system and eliminate tax loopholes for millionaires.
4. End the Bush tax giveaways for the super-rich.
5. Reduce taxes for working families. Stimulate the economy by letting working families keep more of their income so it can “bubble up” through the economy, rather than middle Americans just “catching the droplets” from the failed “trickle down” economics.
6. Make affordable quality healthcare available to all Americans.
7. Enact mortgage finance reform to prevent scams and schemes that threaten the family home.
8. Make higher education accessible and affordable for all.
9. Provide small business tax credits and incentives to:
- Stimulate new jobs in Florida.
- Keep jobs in Florida from going overseas.
- Provide high school apprentice programs to train students and reduce young adult unemployment.
- Encourage use of “green” energy.
10. End one-sided foreign trade deals. Require strict reciprocity—both the United States and the foreign government applying the same rules for workplace safety and health, environmental protection, product safety, and government subsidies. We can play the “global trade game”; but, only on a level playing field with the same rules applied fairly to both teams.
- No longer will we tolerate foreign imports with artificially low costs because the foreign government has subsidized the cost—that makes products made by American workers less competitive and we lose jobs.
- No longer will we tolerate imported goods that are substandard, defective and downright dangerous—like lead paint on toys made in China.
- No longer will we tolerate an artificially “propped up” currency (like China’s) that makes their products cheaper, costs American jobs, and closes American factories.
11. Oppose the “unFair Tax” sponsored by our current congressman.
