The Contract with America, one of the most unique and ingenious campaign tactics in the history of the GOP, has some of the most sweeping and radical proposed legislation this government has ever seen. The contract outlines what the House of Representatives, led by Newtie and his Blowfish, plan on doing in the first 100 days in office. Unfortunately, many of these sweeping plans fail to show where the money to pay for them will come. For example, under the Family Values plan, the Contract wants to give tax incentives for adoption, and tax credits for those families that care for disabled parents and grandparents. These are very noble social welfare causes, however these tax credits add up to $8 billion over the next five years. The Contract makes no mention whatsoever from where that money will come. In the next few decades the problems of Social Security will wreak economic havoc on our government. Currently, Social Security accounts for approximately one-third of government expenditures -- and will only grow as more people take out and less put in. The House, under the Contract, plans on cutting taxable Social Security from 85 percent to 50 percent. This would cost $30 billion over the next five years! Oh, and don't forget, with all these expenditures they have to balance the budget.

Another aspect of the Contract that doesn't make any political sense is the idea of term limits. Under the Contract, congressmen would be limited to serving only six years in either the House or Senate. Many Americans feel this is a good policy because it, they believe, will eliminate the possibility of becoming a "career politician" and will somehow end corruption in Congress. These people couldn't be more wrong. However, it's not their fault, they just believe what the government and media tell them as opposed to finding out for themselves. Term limits would absolutely hinder the effectiveness of the people we elect to Congress. When someone first gets hired by a big company, it takes a while for that person to get known, make friends, and establish valuable connections within the company in order to be an effective employee. Congress, and especially the Senate, works in the same way. It takes time and effort to establish these relationships with other congressmen in order to maximize their effectiveness in Congress and serve us, the voters, to the best of their ability. Isn't that why we voted for them? If you're afraid of having your representative or senator becoming a "career politician" or corrupt, exercise your constitutional right and VOTE them out of office.

The Contract with America has many valuable solutions for some of America's problems today. However, some of the above proposed legislation needs to be examined further. I urge The Daily Collegian and its readers to examine some of these issues further in order to be well informed as voters.