More spending and more legislation is bad for America

Posted on September 23rd, 2010 by admin

An overwhelming 71% of likely voters believe cutting taxes is a better way to create jobs, while only 17% think additional government spending is the answer. Another poll shows 62% of the voting public agrees that no matter how bad things are Congress can make them worse. Will this lead to the ousting of incumbents on election day?

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According to Rasmussen Reports 81% of respondents closely followed news about [the proposed] new jobs program. And, a plurality opposed spending $50 billion for jobs and infrastructure in favor of the more than six out of ten voters who prefer cutting government spending and reducing deficits.

Another Rasmussen survey indicated shows 47% believe Congress will pass major legislation between before election day in spite of the public’s growing weariness with the legislative process and the lack of responsiveness of politicians to their constituents. An indication that a possible wave of retaliation is coming is that 63% of voters want the lame duck Congress to hold off on any further legislation until after the newly elected members of Congress take office.

However, 85% believe it is likely (65% say very likely) that if there is a change of the party in power the current Congress will try to pass legislation before the newly elected members take over. Some of the key issues are a new energy bill (cap and trade), amnesty for illegal aliens (comprehensive immigration reform) and a Value Added Tax (VAT, which adds tax to the cost and ultimate purchase of goods and services).

In addition to the above possibilities Washington wants to get rid of the current tax cuts, or at least a portion of them. This would, in effect, be a tax increase for those who pay taxes. One does not need to be in the much maligned highest bracket to suffer. For instance, New Seniors with retirement accounts will experience a hefty increase in capital gains taxes. Children of New Seniors will be denied their inheritance as the death tax is restored. And the marriage penalty and alternative minimum tax requirements can also take chip away at the money those 65+ need to live the kind of retirement that had worked all their lives to achieve.

These are real problems facing the New Seniors population. Rather than sink into despair, it is both vital and comforting to remember that those 65+ will account for close to 30% of the ballots cast in November. This means the New Senior voters can determine the outcome of virtually every Congressional election in the country.

Contact your current representative find out what their position is on the issues that affect you, and do the same with the person challenging them for office. Once you have satisfactory answers, make a commitment to support the candidate of your choice. Talk to other New Seniors about your decision, and encourage them to do the same. No matter what you decide, remember that your vote matters. So, go to the polls on the first Tuesday in November and exercise your sacred right to vote as you see fit.