http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071124/OPINION01/711240307/1036/OPINIONMeet imperative to leave children a better life
John Edwards • November 24, 2007
I grew up in a small, rural manufacturing town - Robbins, N.C. - population 1,100. My father worked at the mill, and my mother was a postal worker. They never had the chance to go to college, but they got up every day believing in the promise of America. They worked hard - no matter what obstacles were thrown against them - to give me the chance for a better life.
As I travel across Iowa and the country I hear unease and uncertainty - real concern that unless we change course dramatically, we may be the first generation of Americans to fail the moral commandment that makes us Americans: the obligation met by our parents to leave our children a better life than we had.
Iowans have a right to expect more than the rhetoric of change. You deserve real substance. Honest answers to honest questions. That's why, throughout this campaign, I have outlined plans that are not only strong and bold enough to meet the great challenges facing our country, but detailed enough to allow Iowans to make an informed decision.
In fact, this month my campaign is delivering Iowans across the state a copy of a book titled: "The Plan to Build One America: Bold Solutions for Real Change." It outlines my far-reaching agenda to redeem the promise of our country and ensure a better life for our children.
The change we need starts in Iraq. We should immediately withdraw 40,000 to 50,000 combat troops and complete the process within nine to 10 months. We need a "diplomatic surge" - engaging in direct talks with all the nations in the region, including Iran and Syria, for a comprehensive political solution to the sectarian violence inside Iraq.
Second, we need truly universal health care that leaves no one behind. I have a bold plan to stand up to the big drug and insurance companies and finally guarantee health care to every American while cutting costs for families and employers. My plan costs $90 billion to $120 billion a year - paid for by repealing President Bush's tax cuts for those making more than $200,000 per year.
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