McCain Myth Buster: John McCain and America's Communities
April 22, 2008
John McCain says that on his campaign tour this week he is visiting "places that have long been ignored or are losing ground as the global economy forces change" and that "[i]t's time for action" to help those communities. But in reality, John McCain has proven time and again that he would leave these communities behind by vetoing earmarks, which have funded critical programs in these economically struggling areas. In fact, during his visit to Youngstown, Ohio today it remains to be seen if McCain will keep up his anti-earmark rhetoric considering that earmarks have funded essential initiatives and projects in Youngstown like improving education and health care and supporting an Air Reserve Center. [McCain Press Release, 4/20/08; Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
For the candidate who wants to have it both ways, this is just politics as usual. But how can McCain say he would help America's working families when he also said he would veto funding to give them things like hospitals? It's time for McCain to fess up. No more doubletalk--which is it?
Youngstown Earmarks Included Funding for Education…
- In 2003, Youngstown State University received $500,000 for expenses to expand a materials engineering/science program (Institute of Museum and Library Services - Department of Education). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
And Health Care…
- In 2005, Forum Health in Youngstown received $200,000 for facilities and equipment (Health Resources and Services Administration - Department of Health and Human Services). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
- In 2004, the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry in Youngstown received $50,000 to expand their health care and counseling services (Health Resources & Services Administration - Health & Human Services). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
- In 2004, the Saint Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown received $400,000 for construction, renovation, and equipment (Health Resources & Services Administration - Health & Human Services). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
- In 2001, Forum Health of Youngstown received $921,000 pediatric and adolescent asthma school program (Disease Control, Research & Training - Centers for Disease Control). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
- In 2000, Forum Health of Youngstown received $1.2 million for a hospital conversion project (Community Development Block Grants). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
- In 1999, the City of Youngstown received $1 million for the Southside Medical Center [Community Development Block Grants]. (HUD) [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
And for the Air Reserve Center…
- In 2006, the Youngstown Air Reserve Station received $7.5 million for a Joint service logistics facility (Phase I), (Air Force Reserve). [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
- In 2000, the Air Force Reserve, Youngstown Air Reserve Station, received $3.4 million for the Apron Runoff/Storm Water/Deicing Collection System. [Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW.org) Pigbooks, FY95-FY07]
After casting himself as a "Maverick" in 2000, the new John McCain is walking in lockstep with President Bush, pandering to the right wing of the Republican Party, and embracing the ideology he once denounced. On the campaign trail McCain has callously abandoned many of his previously held positions, even contradicted himself, in a blatant attempt to remake himself into a candidate Republicans can accept in 2008. So just who is the real John McCain? The Democratic National Committee will present a daily fact aimed at exposing the man behind the myth.
