A Positive Congressional Direction?

This past november, the Democratic Party won control of Congress. Is their "New Direction for America" really a positive change for Americans?

There is no question- Americans came to the polls in November of 2006 and made a clear statement to their elected officials: "We are tired of the direction Washington is headed in." The beauty of our country is that we are able change the path of our government in this fashion. However, I am concerned that this particular change is one for the worse.

Democrats have laid out a new legislative agenda- a typical Liberal focus: Environmental Challenges, Energy Efficiency, Minimum Wage Increases, and so on. Shall I lay out some of their agenda for you?

1. We will protect Americans at home and lead the world by telling the truth to our troops, our citizens and our allies. If I am not mistaken, our troops already know the truth- that a Democratic Congress is dedicated to ending the war on Terror and in Iraq by cutting the budget for the military and in doing so, risking American Lives. Our citizens will be opened up to a greater Homeland Security threat because of increased instability due to our incomplete mission in Iraq. Our allies will look at us as weak- we can't even finish the fight we began.
2. We will create a cleaner, greener, and stronger America by reducing our dependence on Foregn Oil, eliminating billions in subsidies for Oil and Gas companies and use the savings to provide consumer relief, develop energy alternatives, and invest in Energy Independent Technology. Well, this certainly looks good in theory, doesn't it? Look deeper, though. Yes, we need to reduce our dependence on Foreign Oil, but do they describe how we're going to do this quickly without putting an extreme burden on consumers with increased gas prices? By damaging the Oil and Gas companies, Congress accomplishes two things- destroys jobs for thousands of people and puts companies in jeopardy. I cannot argue that Oil companies make TONS of money, but if we cut it off, we're going to have a problem on our hands quickly. You can't provide consumer relief when gas prices are already high because of their prior legislation. Developing Energy Alternatives takes decades and money. We need to do it, but what is going to happen in the mean time? And, someone, define Energy Independent Technology!
3. We will create jobs that stay in America and restore opportunity for all Americans, starting with raising the minimum wage, expanding Pell grants and making college tuition tax deductible. We also believe in budget discipline that reduces our deficit. The prior bullet point will eliminate jobs. Raising the minimum wage will harm small businesses that simply can't afford to pay their employees more than they already do and will put them at risk of losing their business. Where does Congress expect to get the money for Pell grants without increasing the already high taxes on the American Middle Class? By making College tuition tax deductible, it will help the consumer but rid the government of more tax money- leading to an increase in taxes that cancels out the benefits. By creating discipline, do I hear "Increased taxes, underfunded Defense?"

Your call- is this the affect you wish to have on America?