The Republicans' Own 'Diversionary Tactics'

Mr. Boehner is upset because, he says, the Obama administration is "seeking to divert attention toward radio host Rush Limbaugh, and away from a debate about our alternative solutions on the economy." Of course, Mr. Limbaugh ignited the controversy himself with his comments that he wanted to see President Obama "fail," a comment that even Pat Robertson denounced.

As for Republican "alternative solutions," forgive me, but wasn't it George W. Bush and the Republicans who got us into this mess in the first place? Now, after 54 days of the Obama administration, we are supposed to listen to the same Republicans who gave us eight years of failed economic policies?

Mr. Boehner also says that the stimulus bill Mr. Obama signed costs "twice as much as the House GOP's alternative bill" but "will create only half as many jobs." In fact, the nonpartisan Factcheck.org said, "Republican House members claimed their substitute legislation tops that, creating '6.2 million jobs.' But their calculation is even more fraught with uncertainty and is not backed up by independent economists."

Mr. Obama and the Democrats are offering solutions to the economic crisis that benefit working people and their families, but all Mr. Boehner and the Republicans are offering is the same income and capital gains tax, tilted toward the very wealthy people whom Mr. Bush once referred to as his "base."

ERIC CROSSLEY

Laurel

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