Opinion : Letter to the Editor: A Progressive Scorecard

A Progressive Scorecard: (1) Almost 50M on food stamps (2) A major portion of those receiving unemployment benefits out of work for more than six months (3) a majority of black youth unemployed, many college grads unable to get that first job - but with a mountain of debt they cannot pay back (4) Foreign Affairs – successes?? , or failures? Egypt, Libya, Syria, Benghazi, Ukraine, Fast and Furious. (5) Affordable Care Act – success? , or failure? Web site fouled up costing ½ billion dollars, implementation on business, individual plans, mandated young enrollment all delayed until after midterm election even though ACA Is mandated law. (6)A major push to increase the Fed minimum wage and overtime pay for salaried personnel when many CFO’s say this will restrict hiring or put more people on part time status: This when the Nation has a surplus of labor?[12% + unemployed] Recently an education initiative; will more fed dollars improve reading, math, and science scores? Fed money invested in Charter Schools, and vouchers which would allow parents to choose a public school would show more cost/benefit. More money for infrastructure; a six year wait for this? No action on the Keystone XL pipeline in six years of study? This delay is trying the Canadian patience. This oil will be moved and will be sold regardless of U.S. doddering, and as a matter of fact, movement of oil by pipeline is safer for the environment than shipment by rail, ship or barge. These progressive policies are not working as advertised and should receive a failing grade. We need change all right – change Congress. Get involved - do your homework – vote in the June primary. Surgery is indicated -- Let's make 'em squeal!

John Stiegelmeyer