The Republican Senate tax bill is built on a passel of fuzzy thinking and lies. First of all, according to almost every economist and tax expert I have heard and read, the bill will not strengthen the economy as the Republicans in Washington claim. It will weaken it. Giving huge tax breaks to large corporations that are already making huge profits will not stimulate the economy. It is just delusional to  think that corporations will move money from offshore accounts or take surplus money and  build more factories here in the U.S., hire more people in the U.S. or pay their employees more.

On the contrary, corporations will do what they always do, maximize profits. Our own situation here in Albert Lea makes that clear. Mayo’s decision to do what is best for its bottom line and abandon our hospital is ample proof of what corporations do, even when they are very profitable. They look for ways to make more money rather than invest in people or communities. 

Also, according to recent polls, the tax bill has a very low approval rating with the American public (somewhere around 25 of Americans polled approve of it). So why would Republicans in Washington continue to push it forward?  It is my opinion that they are beholding to their large corporate and Wall Street donors.   Shameful.

So, what will happen when the tax bill goes into effect?  Most middle- and low-income people will see little to no tax relief, a tax increase, and the economy will stagnate without middle-class spending to stimulate it. Tax experts estimate that the Republican bill will add $1 trillion to the deficit over time. Then the Republicans in Washington will once again “worry about the deficit” and call for cuts to programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and pension programs to “reduce the deficit.” Disgusting.

The Republicans who are confident in this bill should be put to the test. When this bill adds to the deficit, they will say cuts are needed. I propose all cuts must be to non-social programs, perhaps the defense program. I believe the  defense budget is currently hugely inflated and full of waste, but let’s put that aside for the moment. If the Republicans in Washington say no, that is too risky, what does that tell you? It would tell me that they are lying about the bill, or that they are willing to sacrifice our personal security for political reasons. 

One last point, a question really: Why do people continue to vote for a political party that is willing to lie, misrepresent and sell its constituents down the river? Republicans will raise your taxes, cut taxes for the rich, reward their huge donors  and  make plans to cut Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other  important programs. What part of this appeals to you, and why do you continue to support them?

Ted Hinnenkamp

Albert Lea