http://www.enterstageright.com/archive/articles/0504/0504mccaintax.htm
"Within the GOP, it seems as if there is a choice between those who believe fiscal responsibility means raising taxes to sustain balanced-budget socialism versus those who think that low taxes and high spending are a permanently sustainable situation. Gone is the old philosophy of McCain's Senate predecessor, Barry Goldwater, whereby fiscal conservatism meant spending and taxing less. Conservative Republicans used to believe in having a small, constitutionally limited government that spent the people's money ? whether exacted through taxes or borrowing ? very sparingly.
Today Republicans seem to have accepted big government as the cost of staying in power. Spending cuts are even less feasible than tax hikes. This is true not just at the federal level, but even in states like Nevada and Virginia. As the "daddy party" has forgotten its stern role, government growth has gone unchecked and gotten out of control. Different factions may grasp the symptoms, but all miss the underlying problem.
McCain may sound the right rhetorical notes about Goldwater, Ronald Reagan and limited government in his speeches and occasionally point out some truly indefensible spending. But if only he would fully grasp and boldly communicate the truth about how the bipartisan welfare-warfare state is overflowing the boundaries of our constitutional republic. If he did, I'd return for a ride on that Straight Talk Express in a heartbeat."
"Within the GOP, it seems as if there is a choice between those who believe fiscal responsibility means raising taxes to sustain balanced-budget socialism versus those who think that low taxes and high spending are a permanently sustainable situation. Gone is the old philosophy of McCain's Senate predecessor, Barry Goldwater, whereby fiscal conservatism meant spending and taxing less. Conservative Republicans used to believe in having a small, constitutionally limited government that spent the people's money ? whether exacted through taxes or borrowing ? very sparingly.
Today Republicans seem to have accepted big government as the cost of staying in power. Spending cuts are even less feasible than tax hikes. This is true not just at the federal level, but even in states like Nevada and Virginia. As the "daddy party" has forgotten its stern role, government growth has gone unchecked and gotten out of control. Different factions may grasp the symptoms, but all miss the underlying problem.
McCain may sound the right rhetorical notes about Goldwater, Ronald Reagan and limited government in his speeches and occasionally point out some truly indefensible spending. But if only he would fully grasp and boldly communicate the truth about how the bipartisan welfare-warfare state is overflowing the boundaries of our constitutional republic. If he did, I'd return for a ride on that Straight Talk Express in a heartbeat."
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