I'm sorry but you don't prove you are a man by killing people. You prove you are a man by SPEAKING THE TRUTH! The thing that I like about Dean is that he says it like it is and he has said it that way from day one. And as far as Vermont and Dean, you are incorrect:
fundforahealthyamerica.com
The Vermont Record
Governor Dean's leadership on these critical issues in the past decade has delivered proven results in Vermont and better lives for Vermonters and their families. Other states - and candidates running for office throughout the country - are borrowing from Vermont's successes.
"We need to support candidates who share this commitment to fiscal management, improving the lives of children, preserving our environment for future generations, and guaranteeing equal rights for all Americans," the governor said.
Fiscal discipline. In the first half of the 1990s, Governor Dean imposed strict fiscal discipline that led the state out of an inherited $60 million deficit. He cut the income tax three times, removed the sales tax on most clothing and shoes to help working families, and reduced the state's long-term debt. In 1991 Vermont had the lowest bond rating in New England. Today Vermont has the highest rating in New England, AA+. Since 1996 under Governor Dean's leadership Vermont's per capita debt has dropped by 23 percent.
Health care coverage. Governor Dean strengthened Vermont's Dr. Dynasaur program to guarantee health coverage for virtually every child age 18 and under. Over 92 percent of all Vermonters have coverage - one of the highest rates in the country - and 96 percent of all children under 18 are covered. Dean believes the United States needs a health care system which results in coverage for every American.
Mental health. In 1997, Governor Dean signed into law the nation's most comprehensive mental health and substance abuse parity bill in the nation, ending discriminatory insurance practices against these major diseases. The Governor has been a strong proponent of community-based treatment, as well as comprehensive services for children with serious mental health problems.
Education. Like other leading states, Vermont adopted high standards testing which has resulted in significant improvement in school accountability. Unlike other leading states, however, Vermont has adopted a system of sharing educational dollars across the state, so schools in poor communities have the same financial backing as those in wealthy communities.
Environment. Under Governor Dean, Vermont has closed more than 70 landfills, increased the percentage of recycled waste to nearly 40 percent of all Vermont waste, and set aside hundreds of thousands of farm and forestland which will never be developed.
Equality. Building on a commitment to equal rights for all Americans, Governor Dean has signed into law tougher penalties for hate crimes, as well as tighter restrictions against discrimination in the workplace, housing, public accommodations, and more. Vermont is the first state to legally recognize long-term committed unions between gay and lesbian couples.
Governor Dean is considered a common sense moderate who believes that social justice and environmental protection can only be accomplished through strong financial management. |
