Harkin supports detrimental policies

Why does Iowa, known for self-reliance and independence, re-elect a far-left progressive senator?

Sen. Tom Harkin votes liberal 92 percent of the time and probably 100 percent when Speaker Nancy Pelosi demands it. He asserts the ends justify the means. His legacy will show he supported, or acquiesced to, policies detrimental to the nation and individual liberty:

1. Supported all the spending bills that raised the national deficit to a critical level.

2. Tried to morally justify the buying of votes (Nebraska “kickback,” e.g.) to pass health care reform even though he ignored the flagrant corruption of the process.

3. Supports redistribution of income. His latest socialist ploy: Bail out more pension funds and confiscate 401(k) plans to be redistributed through Social Security.

4. Watched in silence as NASA was made a Mideast envoy.

5. Continues to vote for spending bills, including billions of dollars for ethanol subsidies, when ethanol has no value in protecting the environment.

6. Watched in silence as stimulus money was wasted, with no accountability and no new jobs.

7. Supports the destruction of the best medical system in the world in order to expand government power.

8. Jeopardizes the family farm by supporting estate tax.

9. In a weak economy, supported card check, cap-and-trade and increased taxes for those earning more than $250,000 (mostly small businesses).

Harkin does not represent the proud, independent Iowans I know.

Ronald Boyer

Cedar Rapids