All those who enthuse over the reform party keep talking about how important it is to have input from the lower levels / the real grass roots. Yet, I strongly suspect that when given this *platform* obtained by polling the grassroots most of those eagerly supporting the reform party as a mechanism for true democracy would be ballistic over what the actual grass roots want: Much lower Taxes / Much less Government / Strict observance of constitutional principles

Jack Perrine

To: Freedom Watch
Subject: Constituent survey shows high demand for immediate, across the board tax cuts -- FWU 17 July 97

** See Project FREEDOM at http://www.house.gov/paul/ **
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------Freedom Watch Update------
----Thursday, July 17, 1997-----
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** Comments regarding "Freedom Watch Update" should be **
** sent to rep.paul@mail.house.gov. Comments sent to **
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** and read. Thank you. **

__District 14 residents favor big cuts in taxes and spending__
__Paul says response to constituent survey reaffirms need for responsible government__

WASHINGTON, DC - Texans living in the 14th District say they want lower taxes, right now, and they are willing to see massive parts of the federal government abolished to achieve that goal, according to the results of a survey released by US Representative Ron Paul (R-Surfside, TX). The survey, which was included in a recent constituent newsletter, asked five questions of readers and encouraged them to return the survey.

"The results were very surprising, even for me. I've long held that the federal government's spending and taxes need to be cut significantly, and now constituents in the 14th District have responded even more overwhelming than I could have imagined," said Paul. "The people of the 14th District want to see the end of the era of massive government, and an end to the era of massive tax burdens."

Almost two-thirds of the survey respondents indicated that tax cuts were in their top three legislative priorities. A similar number of respondents indicated they wanted to see tax cuts which are "immediate" and "across-the-board."

"I have long known Americans are sick of high taxes, and are even more sick of the bookkeeping lies they are told by government about tax cuts. I have vowed to cut taxes at every opportunity and to never, ever, vote for a tax increase. This reaffirms my position and I am proud to be sponsoring and cosponsoring several pieces of legislation which will make significant cuts in taxes for all Americans," said Paul.

When asked what agencies they would abolish (given the chance to choose as many as they wanted from a list of eight): close to 75% reported they wanted to get rid of the National Endowment for the Arts; 55%, the Department of Education; 50%, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms; 40%, the Environmental Protection Agency; and, 39%, the Department of Labor.

"Right down the line, the people of the 14th District say they do not want Washington running their lives and spending their money. I am proud that I have taken a strong stance in abolishing the NEA, and my complete opposition to the Department of Education, the BATF, the EPA and the Department of Labor are very well-known," said Paul. "It's time for Congress to start being responsive to the people who pay for these unconstitutional boondoggles. Congress obviously doesn't really care about the Constitution, but the people do, and the people are, obviously, sick and tired of paying for these programs which simply should not exist."

Paul said the results of the survey match exactly what he has been hearing while traveling the district holding town hall meetings.

"So far I have yet to meet someone saying, 'Please increase my taxes.' In fact, everyone I hear from tell me they are sick of the high taxes, sick of the big spending, and are ready to see real changes made in Washington, DC."

- - - - - - - - - - - -
- - -Results Below- - -
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Following are the results of the survey.

[Number of Responses: 744]

QUESTION 1:*
I would support tax cuts:
1. which are immediate -- 3.93%
2. which are across the board -- 9.49%
3. A&B -- 61%

QUESTION 2:*
I think the following federal agencies/departments should be abolished (circle all that apply):
Department of Education -- 54.43%
Department of Labor -- 38.98%
Department of Commerce -- 38.71%
National Endowment for the Arts -- 74.1%
Environmental Protection Agency -- 40.18%
Fish and Wildlife Services -- 26.34%
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms -- 49.32%
Other -- 24.66%

QUESTION 3:* Which issue is your highest priority:
2nd Amendment Protection -- 23%
Tax Cuts -- 24%
Pro-Life Issues -- 13%
Education Reform -- 4%
Balanced Budget -- 24%
Agriculture Issues -- 2%
Medical Issues -- 5%
Monetary Policy -- 4%

QUESTION 4:* Which issue is second:
Second Amendment Protection -- 13%
Tax Cuts -- 25%
Pro-Life Issues -- 7%
Education Reform -- 8%
Balanced Budget -- 21%
Agriculture Issues -- 2%
Medical Issues -- 8%
Monetary Policy -- 6%

QUESTION 5:* Which issue is third:
Second Amendment Protection -- 11%
Tax Cuts -- 15%
Pro-Life Issues -- 6%
Education Reform -- 15%
Balanced Budget -- 17%
Agriculture Issues -- 4%
Medical Issues -- 13%
Monetary Policy -- 8%

* Percentages based on number of people responding to survey who chose a particular answer as best matching their opinion.