Former Vice President Joe Biden said: “Don’t tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I will tell you what you value.”
Republican President Trump has just released the short version of his proposed budget. The Trump administration proposes a $54 billion increase in military expenditures. This budget moves us to the ideals of the Roman Empire. Peace through military strength. Rebellions were ruthlessly put down by military might. The wealthy ruled, and the ordinary people were heavily taxed.
A small group, Followers of the Way, tried to practice the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. They shared their wealth for the good of all the people. Paraphrasing a well-known hymn, “Our values are built on the solid rock of the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.”
President Trump’s budget is built on the shifting sands of insecurity, greed, hate, fear and despair.
Rep. Erik Paulsen must decide whether he is a “roman senator” voting to shift $54 billion from the common good of the American people. Does he vote for drastic cuts to Health and Human Services, State Department, Education, HUD, Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies?
What does President Trump’s budget tell about the values of the Republican Party?
The Republican Party believes that the elderly should live in homes without winter heat.
The Republican Party believes that mentally and physically challenged students do not deserve an education.
The Republican Party believes that minimum wage earners should not own homes. Instead, “They” should be grateful for the shelters provided by slum landlords.
Rep. Paulsen will be voting for President Trump’s proclamation that man-made carbon dioxide does not amplify the Greenhouse Effect.
The Trump budget will make devastating cuts to Minnesota’s budget.
Republicans are offering “alternative facts” that state and local governments, churches and nonprofits will fill in the devastating cuts made by President Trump’s budget.
Is this the budget voters wanted? If additional money is needed for National Defense, make a rational argument and raise the revenue.
The citizens of Minnesota must discern from the expenditures and revenue voted on by Rep. Erik Paulsen what his real values are.
Ray L. Daniels, Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie News, April 6, 2017