Business as usual...

So, with damage to New Orleans and surrounding areas becoming daily more obvious, and with relief efforts running hundreds of millions per day; and the total federal cost expected to be $100 - 200 billion ---- what do Republican lawmakers do?

Why, continue with their plan to abolish the estate tax, which will cost the country $70 billion while providing tax relief to those who apparently need it most -- the wealthiest 1% of the nation's households.

But the Republicans do recognize that sacrifices must be made, when the huge federal deficit (ovre $400 billion last year) is worsened by a huge national disaster.S

So they still want to cut funding....for Louisiana flood control! (Really! I couldn't make this up)Republicans insist it is vital to stay "within their budget."
Wash.Post Sept. 7

Apparently flood control isn't a vital priority in that budget, not compared to ensuring that the heirs of millionaires avoid any estate tax.

And, in the spirit of belt-tightening, Republican lawmakers are moving forward on the Bush administration's plan for spending cuts -- in Medicaid payments, student loan programs, farm programs, food stamps, housing and cash assistance to poor families.

Heck, the poor are used to being poor, they probably won't even notice tightening the belt another notch. If they still have belts.


(The Prairie Angel has posted an article which should be required reading by the Republican lawmakers who are so sanctimonious about cutting "entitlements" to the poor. Maybe Bar could read it to her sons. They all might learn something about Being Poor )