Kennedy was right. Tax revenues increased by an average of 8.6 percent a year in the four years after his tax cuts were implemented, leading to a budget surplus by the end of the 1960s. Reagan pointed to Kennedy’s example and ushered in pro-growth tax reform in the 1980s, which caused revenues to the federal treasury to double by 1990. In both instances, the plans called for lowering rates and eliminating deductions and tax shelters — just like the Romney-Ryan plan.
In the forward to Profiles in Courage, Robert Kennedy wrote, “This book is not just the stories of the past but a book of hope and confidence in the future. What happens to this country, to the world, depends on what we do with what others have left us.” Our generation has a responsibility to restore the American dream and get the government back within its means. Courage, not neutrality, is what is needed. By that measure, Romney and Ryan win the contest hands down.
Randy DeSoto is a freelance writer and media consultant. He wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film “I Want Your Money” about the perils of big government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy served as communications director for Joe Miller’s U.S. Senate primary campaign in 2010.
