President Joe Biden has proposed a major infrastructure upgrade for the U.S. - and it carries a major price tag of about $2 trillion.
Supporters say it's long overdue, and some suggest the plan should be even more ambitious. The plan is touted as essential if the U.S. is going to keep up economically and technologically with countries like China, which has, for decades now, spent millions on building, maintaining and upgrading infrastructure.
Critics say the plan is too expensive and oppose the proposed tax increases on corporations and high-earning individuals that would pay for it all. They also say major parts of the proposal - combating climate change, clean energy, violence prevention programs, affordable housing, care for the elderly and addressing gender and racial injustice in the workplace - are actually "infrastructure" as they define the word. And they contend higher corporate taxes would negatively impact job growth.
We want to know what you think. Do you support President's Biden's infrastructure proposal? Or are you against it?
Send your response (50 words maximum) to [email protected] by Wednesday, April 13. You can also mail your response to the Texarkana Gazette Friday Poll, at P.O. Box 621, Texarkana, TX 75504 or drop it off at our office, 101 E. Broad St., Texarkana, Ark. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. We will print as many responses as we can in next Friday's paper.
Last Week: Integrity or Suppression?
Last week's question was about election reform recently passed by the Texas state Senate. Is this legislation needed to ensure election integrity? Or is this an attempt at voter suppression?
Definitely suppression. The 2020 election showed nothing illegal happened, just people were sick of Trump and got out and voted against him (white and minorities.) People will continue to get out there and vote until we turn "Texas Blue." Republicans are such a sad party, that have to cheat to try to win. Republicans stand for suppression and hate! - R.K., Texarkana, Texas
It is voter suppression. Hundreds of millions of dollars were raised to investigate claims. Dozens of claims were presented in our courts, yet no legitimate, systemic voter integrity issues were found. Now, the voter suppression propagandists are having to admit in court they simply made their stories up. - J.W., Texarkana, Texas
The claim of "voter suppression," to support "racists," is a shameless lie. Such as the lie, that there was no "voting fraud" last November. Ensuring "election integrity" is a must. How can requiring IDs from voters of all races, be racist? Claiming this would return America to "Jim Crow" days, is absurd. - D.H.M., Texarkana, Arkansas
From www.facebook.com/texarkanagazette
This is just another example of voter suppression in one of the most gerrymandered states on the Union. This is to ensure republican majorities.
Voter Suppression .
Why does everything need to be about suppressing votes by people of color, do you really think they are that slow in the head to be able to vote with a few rules that should have been in place decades ago any way. Come on man, they have ID cards, they can drive and do everything that other people can do. Stop acting like they can't because you see them as handicapped.
Repubs are terrified of minority and youth turnout in urban centers. Any voter 'integrity' measure they pass is really a voter suppression measure. Same in other red states.
Suppression
Why in the world would the state or county send ballots to anyone who has not requested one? That's just asking people to cheat.
Suppression? No! You have to have an ID to buy tobacco, alcohol, purchase a home, open a bank account, buy a car, register a car, etc. An ID is required to drive a car. Most people have them. And why wouldn't anyone want voter integrity for both sides?
Having an id to vote is NOT a problem.
How can laws that insure election integrity be racist? The laws affect everyone the same and helps prevent voter fraud and cheating. Sounds like the ones crowing about racism are the ones wanting to commit just such voting violations.
Lol acting like minorities are too stupid or incapable of handling simple things like getting an ID is racist as hell
It is much needed legislation and enforcement. It's one thing to say it should be a certain way but if these procedures aren't followed and people aren't allowed to observe then people are wasting their time voting. Liberals and their media can keep saying Hispanics and Blacks are being suppressed but this does not make that statement true. Show me how that works.
It's to prevent fraud and cheating. You have to show id for everything. Should have to to vote too.
Ask the politicians if the vote that got them elected had any fraud or cheating. If they answer is "No"; then these measures are only being used to suppress certain voters.
Voting should be easier, not harder suppression!
If you want to require an ID to vote, then you need to make IDs free. Otherwise it can be considered a poll tax if you require an ID. It's pretty simple.
Protection
It's a shame we even have to do this but it must be done. I hope democratic states follow suit and enact their own anti-fraud laws but I'm certain that will not be the case.
Protection. Without a doubt.
The first three words of the Constitution would seem to indicate that America should be in the business of making sure everyone can vote as easily as possible. This is a rich land. There should never be long lines or artificial barriers.
Why would you want to limit an eligible voter's ability to vote?
Suppression.
Much needed Protection!
Anyone on government aid or working which now covers everyone has ID
It's to protect the integrity of the system for everyone not just a political party. If you are old enough for a bank or credit union ID is required really suppression? no just simple common sense.
Needs to be done 100%
Suppression. Just trying to suppress the Democratic vote. Record turnout 2020, courts say no fraud, why change?
The "protection" is from the other parties voters. This is all more of the cults lies about voter fraud in the last election.
Ensure election integrity
Suppression at it's finest. Repubs just didn't like the fact that Biden won and Trump lost. I don't believe one bit that there was widespread fraud as Trump claimed. If not then 60+ lawsuits would have stood up in courts. Trump just wanted to tarnish Biden's win and he knew that his supporters would be gullible enough to believe his lies.
Suppression implies denial. Voter suppression is a myth perpetuated by identity politics to divide the masses through victimization. You can vote early by mail 45 days before an election if you are over 65, disabled, or out of town during early voting or Election Day. You can apply by mail with an application for a ballot by mail on January 1st of each year to be mailed to you for every election (in that county) in that year. Please tell us how that suppresses or denies anyone the right to vote. We'll wait.
Protection, before another election will be stolen.
It was a 1000% percent right like Georgia id must be required.
Yes it is needed.