Bush cutting red-state programs

Now that George Bush has safely been installed for a second term he can start to cut funding for programs in order to pay in part for his large tax cuts for him and his wealthy corporate cronies. This does not surprise me.

What does surprise me is the cuts to programs that benefit supposed "red staters", like farm subsidies, veterans benefits and Medicaid that many low-income rural residents depend upon. Even proceeds from timber sales to counties are on the chopping block.

While Bush/Rove used phantom issues like gay marriage to scare you into voting for them, his budget office was hard at work figuring out ways to cut programs to make it seem he is trying to cut his deficit back.

The only things the red staters are really going to get from this president are tough talk and red ink. You lose.

Jeff Duty

Spokane, WA

The Spokesman Review