PROGRESSIVE VIEWS
In his May 31Boerne Star column titled “Midterm Strategy,” Republican columnist Scott Kramer presented his approach for taking the offensive regarding the midterm elections. In order to win, he suggests that Republicans must remind voters of all the accomplishments under their leadership.
I’ll challenge some of his points.
Yes, Democrats will most likely attempt to impeach the president again. Trump was impeached twice during his first term in office, although he was acquitted on all counts by the Senate. This won’t be the case when the Senate is controlled by Democrats.
Trump continues to abuse his power, obstruct justice, violate the emoluments clause, usurp the powers of Congress, restrict freedom of speech and commit illegal war and humanitarian crimes.
Regarding the “drill, baby, drill” mantra that is so popular among Republicans — in reality, there is no such thing as energy independence. The amount of oil in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve plunged in June to the lowest level since 1983 because the Trump administration continues to deploy emergency oil to minimize the damage from the war with Iran.
Because of the U.S. infrastructure and the types of oil produced versus what domestic refineries require, we continue to rely on foreign imports for optimal efficiency. The United States now imports roughly 5.8 to 6 million barrels per day of crude oil, and about 7.9 million barrels per day of total petroleum products.
I want to make it clear that undocumented immigrants do not receive taxpayer-funded benefits. Federal law prohibits them from enrolling in, or receiving, federal public benefits. This includes Medicaid, Medicare, the Affordable Care Act subsidies, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and other programs.
They also do not receive refundable tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.
There are limited exceptions to federal restrictions, particularly for emergency medical care and education. Undocumented children are guaranteed access to free public K-12 education and supplemental nutrition programs like Women, Infants and Children or the National School Lunch Program, which do not verify immigration status for children.
It should also be noted that immigrants come to the U.S. for freedom to work for us and with us, and they play critical roles in America’s economic vitality. Immigrants work at higher rates and are nearly twice as likely to start businesses.
The Cato Institute’s research has shown that immigrants have reduced federal, state and local government budget deficits by a combined $14.5 trillion, including $1.7 trillion from undocumented immigrants, over the last 30 years.
I take exception to Kramer’s use of the term “scourge” to describe DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion). While DEI aims to provide opportunities for underrepresented populations, these programs are broad and support various groups, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and women looking to advance in male-dominated fields. Corporate America has long leveraged DEI programs to expand its customer base, increase profits, prevent discrimination lawsuits and improve employee retention by fostering a more inclusive workplace.
And finally, it is laughable that Kramer states the Republicans want a limited role for government in our lives. There is nothing “limited” about dictating family roles, interfering with the freedom to choose one’s marital partner, legislating the bathrooms we use, dictating the books we can read or the history we can learn.
These are unmistakable instances of government intervention in our lives and restrictions on our freedoms. When we recognize the intrusiveness of these restrictive conservative policies, the hypocrisy of Republicans’ “limited government” mantra becomes all too apparent.
Republicans identify federal entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare, unemployment insurance, Medicaid and food stamps, as “handouts” and argue that government should maintain a hands-off policy.
Republicans champion policies that support regulations on public school curricula (including limitations on discussions regarding American history, race, and gender identity); and promote robust policing, mandatory minimum sentencing, and enhanced powers for law enforcement and border agencies.
There is one thing that I would agree on with Kramer regarding the Republican government: “get the heck out of our lives.”
Visit our website at www.kcdems.us to learn how you can get involved. Call our office at 830-3311243 to learn more about our activities and activism.
Happy 250th, America. See you at the polls in November.
Susan Dollar is a local Democrat.
Comment
Comments