With the primary election out of the way here in Ohio, it is time to get everything in order and work to take back the House and the Senate.
Laura Bush was in Columbus yesterday promoting Deborah Pryce, Republican Rep. from Ohio's 15 district. As I looked over the speech given by Mrs. Bush, I was reminded of a fairy tale. The words that Mrs. Bush spoke have little to do with the reality of what is really happening in the 15th district.
We've lost jobs. The only jobs available here are part time and without health benefits. This is not job growth. The Columbus Dispatch reports that the Columbus area lost 17,000 manufacturing jobs from 2001-2005. When you have graduated from a university, and your only prospects are working a cash register at a large discount store, it is very disappointing. Not only do you have to make enough money to survive, but you must also pay off those college loans.
Our resources in the 15th district are not being used. We have one of the largest universities in the country right here in Columbus, Ohio---The Ohio State University. You'd think that with that valuable source, and a highly educated population, a leader would try to use that as a means of getting more businesses to relocate here.
The ever-increasing gas prices have really proven that there is no leadership in this country. Why doesn't the President come out and tell people to conserve? Why doesn't he put pressure on manufacturers to improve gas mileage? Some experts are predicting gas prices as high as $4/gal. How do you like that SUV now?
Iraq has taken a toll on our country. We've lost over 2,400 young men and women, and unfortunately, will probably lose more. Why did Bush invade Iraq? Why do the Republicans in the House and the Senate continue to fund the war? Why did the Republicans cut veterans' benefits?
The Republicans talk about the success of No Child Left Behind. They're playing with the statistics by not recording and reporting the results of minority children and children in special education programs. Also, the No Child Left Behind Act is an unfunded federal mandate. Where is the money?
If you agree that the country is on the wrong track, then WE must work for change. Talk to people, volunteer, buy a bumper sticker, write a letter to the editor of your newspaper, start a blog, read progressive magazines, get informed, and listen to progressive talk radio (1230 AM in Columbus). Our country can do better than the lies and the scandals we've seen from the Republicans. Get ready to take back the country, the House, and the Senate.