John Kerry: “if one looks back in our Nation's history, one cannot help but see numerous examples of both the great strengths and…”

“if one looks back in our Nation's history, one cannot help but see numerous examples of both the great strengths and weaknesses of representative democratic government. Compared to other nations and societies in the world, it is more difficult for us to hide or camouflage our mistakes to a considerable degree. If we look closely, we can identify indicators for which we in public service should be watchful, lest we repeat our errors. I fear we are repeating errors we have made in the past as the Senate passes the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1997, and the intimately related budget reconciliation Bill that passed earlier this week. For all of us who are politicians and who hold or seek elective office, it is often difficult, Mr. President, to resist the temptation to play to the gallery--to do the popular thing. And there are few things that get political juices flowing more readily than cutting taxes. If one looks only skin deep, a tax cut of almost any kind looks appealing. After all, those who benefit will be pleased to accept the benefit. And a tax cut does not directly take anything away from others. As is not infrequently the case, however, an honest analysis must look beyond that kind of 'quick-and-dirty' first appearance. Tax policy has two dramatic effects on the Nation and its people.…”