Letter: Democrats should act responsibly

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006 | 7:10 a.m.

Here are my reactions to prognostications about changes we can expect from the Democratic-controlled Congress. First, they shouldn't set out to fix what ain't broke. Tax cuts are working in two ways - they increase revenues and they stimulate the economy. "Tax cuts for the rich" is a mantra that's completely without basis, and the Democrats should own up to a demonstrable fact of life.

Another common-sense line of reasoning should be applied to raising the minimum wage. It's a feel-good/sounds-good idea that will do far more harm than good. It will result in higher consumer prices and fewer job opportunities for those just getting into the labor force.

It also wouldn't hurt for Rep. Nancy Pelosi to acknowledge that there's room to clean up ethical behavior in the Democratic camp, too. The current Congress includes several Democrats with ethical concerns, including Rep. William Jefferson of Louisiana and Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada.

There's lots of room to look at unwise policies during the times Republicans were in power, especially with regards to immigration, energy policy and environmental concerns, but the newly empowered Democrats should not throw the baby out with the bath water.

Owen Nelson, Las Vegas