In his first campaign, Bush made a number of promises, few of which have been kept. First, he promised to put Medicare on firm financial ground and make prescription drugs available and affordable for every senior who needs them (Schembrie). Medicare costs have skyrocketed in the meantime, and premiums rose over 17 percent this year and a similar hike is expected next year. We have a prescription drug plan, but it is confusing to understand, requires an enrollment fee and monthly premiums, and only saves a small percentage of the costs: seniors can save more getting their drugs from Canada or Mexico.
Bush promised to keep the promise of Social Security, no changes, no reductions, no way (Schembrie). His current proposal hints at cuts in benefits to some, later eligibility, higher contributions - that hardly sounds like what he promised. Then we had the No Child Left Behind Act - but funding is continually being cut for it, so it is impossible for schools to comply with the Act, and there are allegations arising across the country of principals and teachers encouraging cheating to get students through the tests. Schools are even encouraging poorly performing students to drop out so they won't depress the schools average. Head Start is a proven program for underprivileged children, but now Bush has decided it is a failure and shouldn't be funded.
Bush said no one should have to pay more than a third of their income to the federal government, so he would reduce taxes for everyone in every bracket...but he forgot to mention the Social Security accounting trick of deducting half your tax before it appears on your pay stub (Schembrie). About war, he said when America uses force in the world, the cause must be just, the goal must be clear, and the victory must be overwhelming. Now we are bogged down in an unjust war in Iraq, costing hundreds of lives and billions of dollars.
Bush said he would give low-Income Americans...