|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
People For The American Way
|
|
|
|
Political and Marketing Muscle for Bush Tax
Policy Provided by Groups out to Drastically Reduce Government
Services;
For the Far Right, There's Method to the Madness
of Massive Deficit-Creating Tax Cuts
|
|
|
| WASHINGTON
- March 27 - Massive and unfair tax cuts that would drive the
federal government deeper into debt are being aggressively promoted
by powerful right-wing groups that are ideologically opposed to
the government's role in providing basic services and protections
to individuals. A new report by People For the American Way examines
five major organizations whose ability to commit resources to
and exert influence on policymakers and grassroots operations
have helped keep the Bush administration's irresponsible tax policies
high on the domestic agenda, despite ever-worsening deficit projections,
the huge cost of war in Iraq and its aftermath and warnings about
the nation's long-term economic health. The report is available
at http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/general/default.aspx?oid=9498.
"For those
who want to drastically restrict the federal government's ability
to take action on behalf of individuals and the common good, there
is method to the madness of reckless tax cuts that is particularly
troubling at a time of war and economic uncertainty," said People
For the American Way President Ralph G. Neas. "They see massive
deficits as a way to undermine the federal government's ability
to deal with national priorities like stronger public schools,
a cleaner environment, and better access to health care."
The report
profiles five groups who share an anti-tax, anti-government and
pro-privatization agenda, but play to different strengths. Americans
for Tax Reform is the inside-the-beltway operation which excels
at building and maintaining political coalitions among politicians,
industry groups and other right-wing interest groups. The Heritage
Foundation and Cato Institute are the ideological think tanks,
churning out policy papers and providing the bulk of material
support and marketing might for policymakers. Citizens for a Sound
Economy drives the field operation, channeling corporate money
into grassroots campaigns for specific legislative proposals.
Finally, Club for Growth is the uncompromising political action
committee, enforcing ideological rigor by targeting wavering politicians
when they are most vulnerable, including Republicans deemed insufficiently
committed to anti-tax dogma.
"The debate
about tax policy should be broader than just how many billions
or trillions of dollars will be given away to America's millionaires,"
said Neas. "It is important for policy makers and the American
people to understand that behind the push for these huge tax cuts
is an anti-government movement that is eager to force radical
reductions in the social services and legal protections provided
by the federal government to the American people. The tax plan
is part of a broader strategy that includes packing the federal
judiciary with judges who embrace a states' rights approach to
the Constitution in order to restrict the federal government's
legal authority to protect Americans' rights and address pressing
issues. This report sheds some light on the key players in this
movement and their strategies."
People For
the American Way is a co-chair of the Fair Taxes for All coalition.
More information on the coalition is available at http://www.fairtaxesforall.org.
###
|
|
|
Common Dreams NewsCenter is a non-profit news service
providing breaking news and views for the Progressive Community.
The
press release posted here has been provided to Common Dreams NewsWire by
one of the many progressive organizations who make up America's Progressive Community.
If
you wish to comment on this press release or would like more information,
please contact the organization directly.
*all times Eastern US (GMT-5:00)
Making News?
Read our Guidelines
for Submitting News Releases
© Copyright
1997-2003 Common Dreams.
www.commondreams.org
|
|
