To the editor
When first looking at President George W. Bush’s proposed budget once can see that it appears to provide the needed resources for our country’s homeland security and for national defense.
Now that the United States is engaged in a war with Iraq, it is very a good and wise idea that more money is spent on our military and homeland security. However, considering that our nation’s economy is in poor health and essentially struggling, Mr. Bush’s proposed budget is by no means the best possible solution for our nation, and therefore, it should be revised.
When further investigating Mr. Bush’s proposal, one can see that it continues to dig America into an economic hole. Mr. Bush’s proposal will put our nation into even greater debt.
Apparently Mr. Bush is not concerned with our nation’s economic future. This is completely outrageous and inexcusable.
As Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) points out, Mr. Bush is proposing an additional $670 billion tax cut that will give over $85,000 back to millionaires. The wealthy will be benefiting and saving a substantial amount of money while critical social programs, that millions of families across the United States depend on, will be cut because of under funding and because there is not enough money in the budget to support them.
There is absolutely no excuse for this, and it should not be tolerated by Americans!
In considering the president’s plan for Medicare reform, one can clearly see that the crucial program will quickly come to an end. If the budget is passed, millions of senior citizens will be forced to leave for the fee-for-service Medicare program if they wish and need to have access to pharmaceutical coverage.
This situation is very unfortunate because no senior citizen should be forced to leave a program that is beneficial to him or her in order to have access to medicine.
Pharmaceutical benefits provided in Medicare should be available to all people. How can American possibly treat senior citizens in such a terrible manner, and more importantly, what is Mr. Bush’s justification for this absurdity?
Additionally, what exactly are Mr. Bush’s priorities? He does not appear to have his priorities straight when evaluating his proposed plan regarding the education budget. His education budget is more than $6 billion short of meeting the promise that he, as well as Congress, made to low-income schools last year.
As Sen. Dodd points out again, what Mr. Bush is doing is telling schools that they have to do better without giving then the means and resources to do so. How can one consider this action fair?
Education is fundamental to our nation future, and again, Mr. Bush does not appear concerned. Mr. Bush’s budget also neglects to pay for the 40 percent of special education costs that the national government promised to fund states.
Unfortunately, the states will have to make up the differences and have to find new ways to provide money in the area of education, if these educational programs are to be maintained.
Mr. Bush provides the military with the money it needs to develop and remain strong, which is definitely a positive aspect of his proposed budget. During these difficult times in the world it is crucial to have a strong defense.
Our democracy and freedom need to be protected, and only with a strong defense can the United States help our allies fight a war. However, the increase in military spending seems to the only positive aspect of Mr. Bush’s proposed budget.
There are simply too many issues have been neglected and will have a negative act on our nation’s economy if his proposed budget is passed. I strongly hope that President Bush decides to reevaluate his priorities. His proposed budget is a good beginning, but is by no means the best solution.
While we are engaged in the liberation of the Iraqi people, we must also focus our attention on the needs of American citizens. Mr. Bush’s proposed budget needs revision to support programs, which will strengthen our economy and ensure a bright future for all Americans.
Royce Brook Road

