"Cedar Rapids Gazette, no plane for you!"
Posted on 11/02/2008 12:27:52 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
"It's the economy, stupid" was a political phrase that Bill Clinton's campaign frequently used during his successful 1992 presidential campaign against George H.W. Bush. Now, two days before the 2008 General Election, the state of the U.S. economy is again the biggest issue on the table ¿ in fact, its importance is even greater.
The United States and the world is on the brink of a major economic recession. Our nation also is troubled by unending war against terrorism, immigration laws in desperate need of reform and spiraling health-care costs.
But at the top of this mountain of challenges is the economy — the engine that drives so much of our daily lives and determines so much of our future. At a time like this, we cannot succumb to panic. We must not throw wrenches in our path to economic recovery. And as the Great Depression of the 1930s taught us, the worst remedy for this country's problems would be higher taxes for individuals and businesses.
Comparing the two major presidential candidates, Sen. John McCain's approach is best aligned to spur economic recovery. This is the overriding reason The Gazette Editorial board endorses the Republican Arizona senator over Sen. Barack Obama, the Illinois Democrat.
McCain, like Obama, is no expert in economics. But his proposals to retain most of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts make sense for businesses that are struggling to survive and Americans who need jobs. McCain also wants to cut the corporate tax rate to help U.S. businesses compete in the increasingly global marketplace. His estate tax revisions would help family businesses avoid being swallowed by corporate giants.
Growing business here means more jobs for more Americans. That is the single-best way to get our economy back on track.
Certainly, business leaders who take irresponsible or illegal actions should be held accountable through fair, effective government oversight instead of expecting taxpayer-backed bailouts.
That said, higher taxes won't fix our shameful national debt of $10 trillion. The marketplace must not be shackled. It must prosper responsibly, which in the long run will increase tax revenue faster than slapping a higher tax rate on all but the very smallest businesses, as Obama has proposed.
"Spread opportunity," McCain has thumped. He's right.
Our support for McCain goes beyond his economic policies. Among the reasons:
l His 20 years of military service, including heroism as a prisoner of war and a quarter century serving in Congress provide perspective that Obama cannot match.
l McCain has a deeper understanding of international issues and how to learn from mistakes and balance our interests with the world's.
l McCain's record demonstrates he will cross his own party, even the president, if it's in the country's best interest. Witness his leadership on immigration reform initiatives.
l He understands that controlling and reducing the nation's debt will, in part, require some difficult changes in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
l His energy plan is both pragmatic and forward-looking — reduce our reliance on foreign oil with a broad approach that includes more nuclear power, domestic drilling and renewable-energy development.
We endorse McCain with some reservations.
His campaign's tactics at times have betrayed his billing as an honorable maverick. We expected better.
McCain's running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin might well shake up Washington's entrenched politics as usual. But she obviously lacks working knowledge and understanding of foreign policy and many national issues, which raises valid questions about McCain's judgment in choosing her.
We acknowledge compelling reasons to consider Obama for president. His intellect, oratory and ability to inspire people from various walks of life are extraordinary. He has re-engaged much of the younger generation into politics. His message of healing our nation's divisions resonates. He has our respect.
But Obama has offered no clear plan to deal with our country's staggering debt. His tax plan could stifle the economic rebound we desperately need. His lack of experience with international issues is troubling. And running mate Joe Biden's frequent gaffes don't inspire confidence.
Critics of McCain say he's "lost his way," he's not the candidate he was in 2000.
We believe the real John McCain is still alive and well. The McCain who is a proven defender of his country. The McCain who knows how to reach across the political aisle and international borders to find common ground. The McCain whose rock-solid commitment to this country can reinvigorate our economy, maintain our security and revive the world's respect for America and how we play our critical leadership role.
Lib or con paper usually?
Somewhat lib, IIRC. I lived in Ames and Des Moines, but my ex had people in Cedar Rapids, so I’ve been there a lot.
WHAT?!! A Newspaper not obama cheerleading Company!!! WOW, amazed. Those Must be, the good, respectable American folks, the same kind who made America Great.
60 Minutes reported, one week ago, Oct 26, that It was Allan Greenspan that insisted that Bill Clinton get a law passed that allows banks to sell “derivities”, or bets around the world.
Bet taking by banks is the cause of this financial crisis. That does not sound to me that “Bush did it”. Congress passed that law.
Mr. niteowl77
Cedar Rapids tends to be a level headed town. Generally pro growth socially conservative. Its neighbor to the south, Iowa City, is home to the most wacked-out America-hating stew you can imagine. Well, maybe outside of Obamaboy the magic negroes’ hood.
Yeah, I work somewhere in IC and the Obama love in my immediate departmental area is out of control.
There is one lovely car that has a bumper sticker “Question Authority” and then an “Obama” sticker. Hilariously unaware of the irony involved in having the one sticker and supporting someone who is cultivating a cult of personality—which never works out well for the populace.
LMFAO
I have to admit, I didn’t see that one coming. Gazette is a pretty lib paper with a lib Editor and about 70% lib columnists. My guess is they are trying to head off their declining readership by appearing to be Conservative.
Unlike Gannett’s Des Moines Register, the Cedar Rapids Gazette is locally owned.
I know I am really really late on this one. I have been in extreme lurk mode for a long time. Avoiding the Eeyores.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.