(BALTIMORE SUN) — For too long, Republicans have possessed a very narrow agenda for selecting their candidates. Basically, it has been a requirement of candidates to promise that they would not increase taxes.
ThenGeorge W. Bushcame along, topping the "no tax increases" promise with huge, multitrillion-dollar tax cuts for the rich. And Mr. Bush delivered. The U.S. national debt has now ballooned up to $15 trillion.
Then came loud calls to lower the deficits. Nothing was held sacred. Not Medicare, the main health insurance for the elderly and the severely disabled. Not Medicaid, the only health insurance for the severely poor. And not Social Security, whose treasury has frequently been raided by both parties.
