The members of the Morning Sun Editorial Board met with
Senator Carl Levin this afternoon from 2 to 3 pm.
The senator discussed the impact of the recession on
Michigan, emphasizing the importance of saving the auto industry. While there
has been job growth, banks need to inject funds more easily, particularly to
small businesses.
He reminded us that the recession was much deeper than
those of the recent past and so employment will take time, and those not working
should continue to receive help while retraining to become more marketable.
When asked about Afghanistan, the senator indicated that
the Afghans hate the Taliban, and want to defeat them. NATO should help their
military to take on the burden of becoming a freer society. Al Qaida should not
be allowed to re-group in that area of the world.
He believes that Iran is a much greater security threat
than North Korea. Economic sanctions have hurt the average Iranian: fewer goods
cost more at every level. The country must not be allowed to develop nuclear
weapons, because they would threaten the entire Middle East, and nuclear
materials could end up in the hands of terrorists.
On Universal Healthcare, he pointed out the existing
benefits: insurance companies cannot deny coverage for preexisting conditions
and cannot drop coverage when people get sick. Many parents want their children
covered under their policies until age 26, because they cannot find work.
Demands on emergency rooms have decreased because more people have coverage
with doctors.
He made a point that reducing the deficit is crucial.
Presidents Reagan, George Bush, Clinton, and G.W. Bush all increased government
income as well as decrease spending during recessions. The Republican budget
devised by Rep. Paul Ryan makes little or no effort to provide additional
revenues.
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