Don't listen to words, watch GOP's actions

In the run-up to the election last Nov. the issue at the top of every candidates list was jobs. So where did the Republicans go on that issue?

Congressional Republicans want to cut spending. Very few people have a problem with that agenda, except for the timing.

As soon as the Rs presented their spending cut plans, reputable economists came forward questioning the timing. “We need to create jobs first, then cut spending after unemployment recedes,” was the message from Mark Zandi of Moody’s Analytics and others. He indicated that the Republican plan will cost as many as 700,000 jobs. Speaker Boehner immediately tagged Zandi as a lackey of Nancy Pelosi. The only problem with that charge is that Zandi was John McCain’s economic adviser during the 2008 presidential campaign.

And, the Republicans have another whipping boy, the Internal Revenue Service. They want to make cuts that will reduce IRS audit and collection activity. Apparently, not satisfied to cut tax rates, they also want to cut collections of taxes we already owe.

Studies have shown that the IRS is the one agency that actually produces more money that it spends. $1 spent on enforcement and collection returns $8 to the treasury. If the Republicans are serious about “running government like a business” this is the last place for cuts.

So far, it appears that the Rs have no interest in creating jobs or solving the deficit problem. Don’t listen to their words, just watch their actions.

BRUCE WYNHAUSEN

Sandpoint