When the Republicans captured the White House again, I began to wonder if there was any sector in America which was truly concerned about the twin deficits since Bush repeatedly denies any possibility of a tax increase. Let's examine the price of gasoline. Consumption of gasoline is growing rapidly, yet the price is still below a dollar a gallon. Yet the government will not even begin to initiate such a move. In fact, even with such an additional tax, American gasoline prices will still remain less than international prices.
Politicians are simply afraid of losing votes by adopting unpopular policies.
Some of my closest American friends have said that Bush could have been elected without promising not to raise taxes. He has so firmly committed himself and his Administration to not raising taxes, yet it is so obvious that the twin deficits cannot be solved without additional national revenue. Bush should have been more realistic if he was, and is, honestly concerned with the American budget crisis. Tactically, he could have said early on that he would not raise taxes, but as he gained support, he should have become more honest and direct, and told the people that it was necessary to pursue a more realistic financial policy. On the contrary, he confirmed his pledge even after he was elected.