Saxton in Context

The letter writer praises U.S. Rep. James Saxton, R-Mount Holly, for voting to take drilling in the Alaskan Refuge out of a House bill. I agree that saving the refuge is a good thing and join in thanking the representative. But to be fair, I think we need to look at all the congressman's votes. For example, just recently in a 217-215 vote, Saxton and U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-Ventnor, voted to cut spending for social programs by $50 billion. The bill could not have passed without their support. Some of the programs cut include Medicare, Medicaid, school lunches, food stamps and student loans. These programs typically help the poor and politically powerless. The bill did not stop there, it also extended tax cuts for the wealthiest among us. During the same week, Congress allowed itself a $3,100 raise after recently voting against raising the minimum wage, which has not seen an increase since 1997. The media reports that the Republican leadership in Congress plans to propose further tax cuts for the wealthy soon. We can look forward to more cuts to estate and dividend taxes, which most benefit those who need help the least. And the odds are Saxton and LoBiondo, who have voted for the Bush tax cuts, will continue their support of President Bush's reverse-Robin Hood policies.

NICK REINA

Milmay

Letter published in The Courier Post, December 4, 2005

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2005512040307