mc mark, we largely agree on most things political. Sure, we disagree here and there, but not all that much and not usually on the biggest issues. I have to say that I'm hugely disappointed with this action by Obama, just as I was hugely disappointed by his leadership during the midterm campaign. I really like and admire the man, but he has made one political mistake after another. He's allowed the GOP to play him like a violin and it depresses me to no end. I can't believe this, even though I've been expecting something like it for a while. Bummed out Blade Runner.
I keep thinking there is something I'm missing. To me the blunders seem so obvious, and I know that Obama is a smart man. There has to be something. Maybe the payroll taxes and the other tax break can help lower unemployment somehow? If unemployment goes down that will allow Obama to loudly trumpet what he's done and stick to his guns on other fights down the road. I don't know. I just keep thinking there has to be something these guys see that I don't. But right now I've got a heap of disappointment at a huge bundle added to the deficit thanks to the GOP and Obama's willingness to give in to them.
Absolutely reducing payroll taxes will help reduce unemployment. Not sure if Barack knows that, though. It's possible some enterprising GOP chap reprogrammed his teleprompter!
No. Extension of top tax rates: $95 billion over two years. What Obama "got" (not sure how much was GOP supported): $40B in tax breaks to students / families $120B in his payroll tax cut $65B in unemployment benefits 35% estate tax on estates over $5MM http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/06/obama-tax-cut-compromise_n_792776.html
Sorry - that should be $56B. http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/12/unhappy-dems-mull-obama-gop-tax-cut-deal.php?ref=fpa
Ha ha ha! Thank you Mr Obamadinejad, only you and your teleprompter can manage to piss off your base, seeing these angry lefties on this board turning on you is priceless. From now on you will be known to me as President Obamadinejad! THANK YOU SIR FOR A JOB WELL DONE!
I don't think he does- anyone that makes a big deal out of a teleprompter is obviously an idiot, so I wouldn't count on Gloria for any advice.
And yet, I'll vote for him again. You? See? That’s the difference between dems and rethugs. We're allowed to disagree with each other.
That's funny considering the stimulus package included a 2% decrease in payroll taxes. You remember the stimulus package right? The one the conservatives hated? Forgot who mentioned it in this thread but it would have been wise to seek like a 4 year extension on the middle class cuts and a 2 year extension on the rich. Make it an issue in 2012. Remind folks the last time we gave the rich tax breaks we got ten years of the worst job creation ever and zero growth in the stock market. That being said Obama should have just stood his ground and made the GOP blink. Just keep throwing the facts out there until even the most myopic teabagger is forced to accept them. The Bush tax cuts did not create jobs and caused a horrible deficit extending them will just worsen the problem.
Weak attempt I've stated on here many times that I pretty much vote on one issue: whether you'll lower my taxes. Nice job, Barry!
I'll check the math on that, Major, but that's what I saw on a site that I didn't bookmark when I was skimming. If you believe, as I do, that the top 3% will never see the Bush Tax Cuts expire after this action by the President, you are really comparing $700 billion plus for the wealthy over the next decade to whatever the numbers actually end up being. And it is still 13 months of unemployment versus 24 months of largess for the rich, however one interprets it. Considering what Berneke has said about his expectations for unemployment for the next several years, I'd say the rich and their allies, the GOP, really came out ahead and the middle class, once again, get screwed. Not to mention that this payroll tax will further weaken Social Security, which is important to some of us. How about you?
