After reading the DFP article on January 29th, we am sure there are readers who are confused or angered by what seemed to be animosity shown by members of the Boston University College Democrats during the State of the Union. We agree that there is a need for clarification surrounding the comments quoted in the article, as constructive criticism of a speech this long cannot be fully represented with a handful of quotes.
The BUCD respects the President and the office of the Presidency. As a result of that respect, BUCD holds the President to a high standard. We believe that the President must promote policies that benefit the whole country, and not a privileged few. We believe that the President must, as he himself said, address the problems of the country, and not leave it in ruins for the future. When BUCD members reacted with skepticism and laughter to President Bush’s proposals in the speech, it was based on Mr. Bush’s past broken promises, and expected consequences of current proposals.
On education, Mr. Bush created a lot of publicity last year for his participation in the Leave No Child Behind Act, which should have provided billions of dollars of education funding. However, Mr. Bush has proposed budgets that would under-fund this by $6 billion. Apparently, Mr. Bush is content to leave many behind.
President Bush’s “economic stimulus” proposal is evidence that this administration puts the bottom line of the wealthy ahead of the needs of students and average Americans. Mr. Bush’s proposal to exempt stock dividends from taxation is an example. Many dividends are already exempt or under special rules. Half of the $360 billion that the U.S. Treasury would lose over the next 10 years would go directly to the wealthiest 1% of Americans. And when Mr. Bush claims that the “average family” will receive $1000 in tax cuts, he is averaging the $85,000 millionaires will receive with $200 a person half the country will receive.
Mr. Bush’s environmental policies like the “Healthy Forests” initiative are beyond disbelief. Opening up national forests for logging fire-resistant old growth trees to stop forest fires?
An important detail the DFP article left out was the praise that Democratic observers gave President Bush. To see him address the need for foreign aid and AIDS relief in Africa was wonderful. His support for affordable prescription drugs is also important, though we may disagree with his methods.
In the end, the most important thing to take from the State of the Union is this: America has problems, and the way we address these problems matters. Admitting to causing and enlarging a federal deficit is one thing, but making the poorest 95 % of Americans suffer more than the upper 5% is just wrong. When Mr. Bush talks about compassionate conservatism, let it apply to all. Disagreeing with the President on how best to move the country forward is not un-American, it’s our right and responsibility as citizens of this great country.
Ellen Weis President BU College Democrats CAS 2003 (617) 352-6371
Nick Kassotis Vice President BU College Democrats CAS 2004
Jason Dooley Treasurer BU College Democrats CAS 2004
Laura Sargent Secretary BU College Democrats CAS 2004
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