On the recordNovember 30, 2012
Mr. Scott, I thank you for that background because I just wanted to set the record straight. On the hype that the Grand Old Party is leading us to believe, which is that, number one, extending the Bush-era tax cuts is not spending. It is exactly spending, and that is on the faulty belief that our spending on safety net programs is driving our debt. Social Security does not drive the debt. I think, Mr. Scott, you have really led us into a clear understanding of Grover Norquist's claim that they really want to do away with government. They want to shrink government down to a size so small that they could drown it in a bathtub. They don't want to recognize the important role of government. They don't want clean air, clean water, food inspection. They want laissez-faire and for-corporate activity. Now, our debts and deficits have been driven by undeniable, obvious factors. We've had a deep and ongoing recession based on an unregulated Wall Street. We've had expensive and drawn-out wars--the longest war in the history of this country that we're still in the midst of. Then there are the unpaid-for Bush-era tax cuts that have benefited primarily the wealthiest Americans, and of course there is an unpaid- for entitlement program. While we do appreciate the prescription drug program for seniors, Mr.…





