For the past four years, the U.S. economy has sustained heavy blows. Despite optimistic claims from the Bush Administration, the state of the economy has been left in shambles. In numerous claims, the current administration would have the public believe the economy has been better than what the actual facts stipulate.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, there has been a net job loss of over 2 million, making the Bush Administration the first since the Hoover Administration to end its term with a net job loss on its record. (EPI, Feb. 2, 2003; Jobwatch.org)

The slumping economy has also reflected grimly on local counties. After three downsizes at the local Goodyear Tire plant, an estimated 900 employees have been laid off, according to Martin locals.

One would think, with the economy performing so badly, the current administration would propose an economic plan to help stimulate it. Sadly, this is not so.

In a non-partisan analysis by the Center Committee for Economic Development, findings concluded that the official budget projections omit about $200 billion in missing costs in the fifth year. (CBPP, Jan. 24, 2004)

On top of that debacle, the new tax cut proposed by the Bush Administration is not distributed evenly among socioeconomic ranks. The 10 percent of taxpayers who earn $104,000 annually will receive 60.1 percent of said tax cut, while the least-ranking 60 percent will receive a mere 8.5 percent. (CTJ Fact Sheet, Jan. 8, 2003, http://www.ctj.org)

How can the American people tolerate such blatant disregard of their economy?

The American people deserve candidates with more initiative to stimulate the economy. The Kerry-Edwards economic plan has the potential to give the economy an overdue support. In the proposed economic plan, the deferral of taxes because of job outsourcing abroad will be eliminated. This economic plan also wants to promote tax breaks for companies that operate in the United States.

The Kerry-Edwards economic plan will implement “buy American” strategy to contract federal work to American workers.

The U.S. economy cannot withstand official budgets with outrageous omissions or 2 million more net job losses.

Our nation is in grave need for new leadership from John Kerry and John Edwards to help stimulate our desperate economy.