The Capitol Steps take aim at the story getting far more coverage than nuclear summits or any other story this week…the saga of TIger Woods.
Democrats Perpetuating Racism
Just as lawmakers prepared to take the final votes on health care reform, Democrats accused opponents of the overhaul plan of being racists and exaggerated stories from that weekend’s confrontations as evidence. Pajamas CEO Roger Simon says this latest episode just proved that Democrats are the party trying to win votes by dividing America along racial lines. Why does he say the charge of racism is just a distraction from the fact Democrats can’t win a debate on the merits? Why don’t Democrats get in trouble for lobbing allegations of racism? Will this tactic persist or is wearing thin in the public?
Wasted Tax Dollars
Citizens Against Government Waste has spent years exposing rampant government waste and pork barrel spending. Now you can help to chronicle misuse of your tax dollars. CAGW President Tom Schatz explains how you can assist the effort, and he discusses some of the most egregious components of the $787 billion stimulus package.
States Prove Big Government Fails
The entire country is suffering through a difficult economy, but some states are still doing well while others are hopelessly in debt and driving businesses and residents to other states. What’s the biggest difference between these states? Why is additional federal money actually a bad thing for the states? And why is the state income tax one of the worst ideas for raising revenue? We ask Jonathan Williams, co-author of “Rich States, Poor States”, a report from the American Legislative Exchange Council.
An Angel from Hell
Iraq War veteran Ryan Conklin has served two tours of duty in Iraq and gives us a glimpse of life for our men and women in uniform. Conklin explains how his decision to join the military was quick and easy, even though he was still in high school. He explains how humor was a major part of dealing with the stress of serving in Iraq and how he thinks Iraq will fare once U.S. troops are gone.
The News
President Obama signs updated nuclear treaty with Russia, Democratic reformers topple repressive government in Kyrgzstan, GOP rips Democratic suggestion of a Value Added Tax.
Freedom Finally Comes to Kyrgzstan
For the second time in five years, the people of Kyrgyzstan have toppled the government in pursuit of much greater freedoms. What will this development mean for the key military base we have there as part of the mission in Afghanistan? Will Russia be meddling with the new government? We ask Ilan Berman of the American Foreign Policy Council, and we also find out why he thinks it’s a mistake for the president to make more nuclear concessions by signing a new treaty with Russia today.
Just Say No to VAT
Earlier this week, presidential economic adviser Paul Volcker said a value-added tax may be necessary if the U.S. hopes to reduce deficits and reform entitlements. We get reaction from New Jersey Rep. Scott Garrett. What is a value-added tax? Is it a good idea? Would it simplify the tax code or just pile on to our tax bill? We also get Garrett’s thoughts on the debate to reform regulation for the banks and Wall Street.
Steele to Stay, Stevens to Go
John Gizzi of Human Events discusses the biggest political events of the week. Is Obama being responsible or reckless in his nuclear policy? How will frayed relations with Hamid Karzai impact our efforts in Afghanistan? Why will Michael Steele survive the sex and spending scandal at the RNC? Why shouldn’t conservatives worry about President Obama likely picking another new Supreme Court justice this summer? And which party will be smiling after Britain’s parliamentary elections next month?
The News
Three more controversies erupt over the new health laws – including provision spending your tax dollars on erectile dysfunction drugs for convicted sex offenders. We’ll discuss that, how states will face greater burdens than ever and how many people are thoroughly confused about when the expanded coverage kicks in and how much it will cost them. The Obama administration bans the term “Islamic radicalism” when describing the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and mulls over what to do in response to recent, alarming comments from Afghan President Hamid Karzai.