Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Questions for the Tea Party
I write as a Democrat who enjoys reasoned debate with my Republican brothers and sisters. On this occasion, I am writing because I am a little concerned about some of the changes in the Republican party. Since the Tea party came onto the scene, many established Republicans have felt the need to reassure people that they are indeed the party of free markets, low taxes, and limited government. I do not know how far Tea party influence will reach. Nevertheless, whether the Tea party actually manages to take over certain Republican offices or fields third party candidates that will take voters away from Republican candidates, many, including Kathleen Parker,
think that they are giving the more established Republican candidates fits.
Since the Tea party would like to wield such influence in the American political system, I have a few respectful questions:
First, how could you deal with the BP Gulf oil crisis using only free market principles? The market alone cannot save the fishing and tourism industries that provide jobs up and down the gulf coast. Only combined market/government action can. Prodded by the Federal Government, BP is acting very slowly, but the Office of Homeland Security is overseeing all of the other action.
If the Minerals Management Service determines that oil leaks at a certain depth are very difficult to contain and then acts to stop all oil drilling beyond a particular depth, would you oppose that? If we had had this particular government regulation before April 2010, we would not have this catastrophe.
Moreover, do you oppose federal investigations into the cause of the explosion so as to develop regulations to prevent future rig explosions? Do you oppose the use of federal funds to help the Gulf Coast states in the wake of this crisis? If so, what will you do for the thousands who might lose their jobs?
Second, would you repeal the government requirement that drivers carry car insurance? If so, then how will you help individuals who are harmed in car accidents who cannot afford ten thousand dollar medical procedures (since in your system few would have health insurance)? How would you compensate these individuals for the harm done to them by a few irresponsible drivers or, in the case of many accidents, simple hazardous driving conditions? If not, then you admit that there are government interventions into the free market that are good for society. The question then becomes which interventions are good and which are not. The basic philosophical view of most Republicans and all Democrats is then valid.
Third, how would you change American foreign policy? Would you abolish all foreign aid programs and let millions go underfed and uneducated? Would you abolish the Peace Corps?
Fourth, are we to have no shared responsibility, no inter-dependence in our communities? It is possible that this ethic will foster real selfishness and alienation in our country.
Fifth, how do you respond to the simple fact that since the beginning of the American Republic, starting with George Washington's actions in response to the Whiskey Rebellion, there have been interventions by state governments and the federal government in the marketplace?
In closing, it is interesting that you call yourselves the Tea party, recalling the Boston Tea Party. That was a protest against taxation without representation, against what became a foreign government, not a protest against taxation by a democratically elected government with a view to protect the general welfare. I respect the members of the Tea party. I understand that they have a vision for our country and I welcome open, honest, rational debate.
think that they are giving the more established Republican candidates fits.
Since the Tea party would like to wield such influence in the American political system, I have a few respectful questions:
First, how could you deal with the BP Gulf oil crisis using only free market principles? The market alone cannot save the fishing and tourism industries that provide jobs up and down the gulf coast. Only combined market/government action can. Prodded by the Federal Government, BP is acting very slowly, but the Office of Homeland Security is overseeing all of the other action.
If the Minerals Management Service determines that oil leaks at a certain depth are very difficult to contain and then acts to stop all oil drilling beyond a particular depth, would you oppose that? If we had had this particular government regulation before April 2010, we would not have this catastrophe.
Moreover, do you oppose federal investigations into the cause of the explosion so as to develop regulations to prevent future rig explosions? Do you oppose the use of federal funds to help the Gulf Coast states in the wake of this crisis? If so, what will you do for the thousands who might lose their jobs?
Second, would you repeal the government requirement that drivers carry car insurance? If so, then how will you help individuals who are harmed in car accidents who cannot afford ten thousand dollar medical procedures (since in your system few would have health insurance)? How would you compensate these individuals for the harm done to them by a few irresponsible drivers or, in the case of many accidents, simple hazardous driving conditions? If not, then you admit that there are government interventions into the free market that are good for society. The question then becomes which interventions are good and which are not. The basic philosophical view of most Republicans and all Democrats is then valid.
Third, how would you change American foreign policy? Would you abolish all foreign aid programs and let millions go underfed and uneducated? Would you abolish the Peace Corps?
Fourth, are we to have no shared responsibility, no inter-dependence in our communities? It is possible that this ethic will foster real selfishness and alienation in our country.
Fifth, how do you respond to the simple fact that since the beginning of the American Republic, starting with George Washington's actions in response to the Whiskey Rebellion, there have been interventions by state governments and the federal government in the marketplace?
In closing, it is interesting that you call yourselves the Tea party, recalling the Boston Tea Party. That was a protest against taxation without representation, against what became a foreign government, not a protest against taxation by a democratically elected government with a view to protect the general welfare. I respect the members of the Tea party. I understand that they have a vision for our country and I welcome open, honest, rational debate.
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