Another Interesting Bit Of Commentary

Newsmax runs the following artice: 10 Reasons to Vote Republican. It's written by Phil Brennan, a staffer for Newsmax.

I'll run them down here in quotes from the article, and discuss them somewhat:

"Reason #1. The economy is kicking butt. It is robust, vibrant, strong and growing. In the 36 months since the Bush tax cuts ended the recession that began under President Clinton, the economy has experienced astonishing growth. Over the first half of this year, our economy grew at a strong 4.1 percent annual rate, faster than any other major industrialized nation. This strong economic activity has generated historic revenue growth that has shrunk the deficit. A continued commitment to spending restraint has also contributed to deficit reduction."

Kyle's Commentary: I agree with this. Tax cuts work, and they work well. Putting money back into the hands of the people increases tax revenues, and allows people to grow their business fairly well. There may be a bit of a problem with the last statement he makes under reason #1, but we'll get into that here in a bit.

"Reason #2. Unemployment is almost nil for a major economy, and is verging on full employment. Recently, jobless claims fell to the lowest level in 10 weeks. Employment increased in 48 states over the past 12 months ending in August. Our economy has now added jobs for 37 straight months."

Kyle's Commentary: As someone out of work, I've got a vested interest in throwing the BS flag on this one, but the numbers don't lie. I'm just in the minority at the moment. It goes along well with everything else that's being said about the economy.

"Reason #3. The Dow is hitting record highs. In the past few days, the Dow climbed above 12,000 for the first time in the history of the stock market, thus increasing the value of countless pension and 401(k) that funds many Americans rely on for their retirement years."

Kyle's Commentary: Again, the sign of a healthy economy, but we know how fickle that wench of a stock market can actually be. One terrorist attack and it'll be raining stockbrokers.

"Reason #4. Wages have risen dramatically. According to the Washington Post, demand for labor helped drive workers' average hourly wages, not including those of most managers, up to $16.84 last month -- a 4 percent increase from September 2005, the fastest wage growth in more than five years. Nominal wage growth has been 4.1 percent so far this year. This is better or comparable to its 1990s peaks. Over the first half of 2006, employee compensation per hour grew at a 6.3 percent annual rate adjusted for inflation. Real after-tax income has risen a whopping 15 percent since January 2001. Real after-tax income per person has risen by 9 percent since January 2001."

Kyle's Commentary: I don't think we can argue the economy has done pretty well after the slump 9-11 threw us in. I'm not arguing this, though I would like to see the numbers indicating what the cost of living has increased by in relation to the wage increase.

"Reason #5. Gas prices have plunged. According to the Associated Press, the price of gasoline has fallen to its lowest level in more than 10 months. The federal Energy Information Administration said Monday that U.S. motorists paid $2.21 a gallon on average for regular grade last week, a decrease of 1.8 cents from the previous week. Pump prices are now 40 cents lower than a year ago and have plummeted by more than 80 cents a gallon since the start of August. The previous 2006 low for gasoline was set in the first week of January, when pump prices averaged $2.238. In the week ending Dec. 5, 2005, prices averaged $2.19. Today, gasoline can be found for less than $2 a gallon in many parts of the country."

Kyle Commentary: A bit of a problem here, when Exxon has announced all-time record profits earlier this week. Gas is still too darn high as far as I'm concerned, and we're still way too depended for our energy from people that hate us and want to kill us. I don't think the Republicans can take too much credit for this, other than just simple lassiez-fare. Though since the Demoncrats would tax the crap out of the gas, thus making it cost more to the consumers, maybe there's a little something here.

"Reason #6. Since 9/11, no terrorist attacks have occurred on U.S. soil. Since 9/11 the U.S. has not been attacked by terrorists thanks to such programs as the administration's monitoring of communications between al-Qaida operatives overseas and their agents in the U.S. and the monitoring of the international movement of terrorist funds -- both measure bitterly opposed by Democrats."

Kyle's Commentary: I'd agree with this one. At least the terrorists are having to focus on their back yard as opposed to ours. We know the Demons would oppose any wiretapping, give more protections to non-uniformed combatants than what they deserve, and basically stick our country's collective butt in the air like the French Vichy, so one can't really argue this one coherently for the Demons. They've said exactly what they want in the war on terror, and it ain't a happy thing for our security.

"Reason #7. Productivity is surging and has grown by a strong 2.5 percent over the past four quarters, well ahead of the average productivity growth in the last 30 years. Strong productivity growth helps lead to the growth of the Gross Domestic Product, higher real wages, and stronger corporate profits."

Kyle's Commentary: Captitalism works. Enough said.

"Reason #8. The Prescription Drug Program is working. Despite dire predictions that most seniors would refrain from signing up to the new Medicare prescription benefits program, fully 75 percent of all those on Medicare have enrolled, and the overwhelming majority say they are happy with the program."

Kyle's Commentary: I still don't like it, though. Kill all the plaintiff's lawyers and you could probably afford drugs, insurance, and whatever else on your own. It smacks too much of socialism, methinks. This and the education bill appear to be Bush caving into Demoncrat pressures, and I hate it. This isn't conservative at all.

"Reason #9. Bush has kept his promise of naming conservative judges. He has named two conservative justices to the Supreme Court, Chief Justice John G. Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito. In addition, he has named conservative justices who are devoted to the Constitution as it is written and not as activist liberal judges think it means. The strong likelihood that one or more justices will retire from the Supreme Court makes it mandatory for the Republicans to hold the Senate and have a chance to name new conservative justices."

Kyle's Commentary: This alone puts me over the top. My protest voting buddies can't make one single argument to refute this statement, nor will they make more than a half-hearted effort. Judicial activism is probably the biggest threat to our freedom here in America, and this is the type of judge the Demons will put on the benches, if given the chance. We know this to be true. I know it's a presidential appointee, but Bush won't get any more judges on if he doesn't have a Senate that will pass his nominees. The Republicans would have an easier time getting another Republican in office for President if they still hold the power, and things go well.

"Reason #10. The deficit has been cut in half three years ahead of the president's 2009 goal, with the 2006 fiscal year budget deficit down to $248 billion. The tax cuts have stimulated the economy and are working."

Kyle's Commentary: There may be some problems with this statement. It's hard to see how wartime spending can do anything but go up. It's not like WWII didn't put us into debt, and this one is probably more expensive in terms of war toys. Flametoad has provided a couple of links that refute this little statement; here and here, and the logic is sound in both pieces. My problem is that economics and accounting make my head want to explode. However, there is no arguing that tax cuts actually helped increase tax revenue, which left a less-than-expected budget shortfall. So at least that's progress. Isn't it?? But we still had an increase in spending, though the receipts grew. In short, still too much federal spending.

For me, the judge issue is paramount. I guess as a lawyer I have seen what bad judges can do, at both the trial and appellate levels. That danger alone is enough to keep the Demons out. Ignore it at your peril.

Food for thought, at any rate.