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The top Senate Republican negotiator on a tentative deal to extend all of the Bush tax cuts for two years said Tuesday that the compromise proposal has received “general positive reaction” from his GOP colleagues.
Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl, the chamber's number two Republican, told NBC News that an early-morning closed door meeting to debrief fellow Senate Republicans on the deal was “constructive” and that GOP members agreed that the stalemate over the cuts needed to be resolved.
"Obviously, we don't like the part we think we've had to give," Kyl said of Republican concessions in the negotiations. "On the other hand, it is true that this issue has to be resolved now. And we think it's being resolved -- all else being equal -- in a positive way. So I think, without speaking for all of my colleagues, I can say that there was general positive reaction to the agreement."
Many Senate Democrats object to key provisions in the White House’s deal with GOP negotiators, saying that the president broke a long-standing promise to sunset tax cuts for the most wealthy Americans. “To say that I’m disappointed … is an understatement,” said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, in a statment yesterday. Even louder cries of protest have come from House Democrats, some of whom have signed on to a letter vowing not to "back down" on the tax debate.
Kyl, who is also the Republican leadership's point man on the START nuclear reduction treaty with Russia, said that passage of the treaty was never part of the tax cut negotiations.
Ratification is one of the White House’s key goals for the lame duck session of Congress.
But Kyl noted that there are still major obstacles that could prevent the treaty from coming to the Senate floor before Christmas, arguing that there is “no way to do justice” to the nuclear security debate in the session’s waning days.
First, he said, the pending tax cut deal can't be passed quickly and will take up valuable floor time before debate and expected passage. The legislation still has to be written and, according to Kyl, key lawmakers still have to sign off on some details.
Secondly, Kyl cited the spending bills that fund all government operations. Some Democrats are pushing for what's called an "omnibus" bill, which bundles all of the spending bills into one large package – likely including a hefty chunk of earmarks. Republicans would prefer to pass a "continuing resolution," which would fund the government at existing levels into the early part of the next session of Congress. If that happens, Republicans will be able to address the budget issue again after the GOP gains control of the House.
"If there is not a pre-agreement on a Continuing Resolution to fund the government and they insist on bringing up an omnibus appropriations bill that will be very divisive and that will take time," Kyl said.
Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has vowed not to allow any legislation to come to the Senate floor until the tax cut and budget impasses are resolved.
Finally, Kyl said, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's continued attempts to pass bills on Reid's "agenda" before addressing government funding and the tax cuts will also take up time on the floor. Kyl specifically mentioned Reid calling for a vote on the Dream Act (an immigration bill) tomorrow, as well as promises to call up the Defense Authorization bill that includes a repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
"All of this is why I still believe that there is no way to do justice to a START treaty and all of these other issues prior to Christmas," he said.
Leave a Comment:
OK, you paid off your millionare friends, can you please get back to the business of the country, NOW !
Please, the country needs to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons from Russia and PLEASE... do something to create jobs!!!!
Do you really think they care? they've gotten what they want and the next thing is recline their chairs, pick their teeth and say NO until tax issues comes up in two yrs time.
After US employers mostly small business created ONLY 900 or so new jobs per state in November raising unemployment from 9.6 to 9.8 percent the AMAZING thing is the facist communist idealogue Obama even ADVOCATED raising taxes on small business .
What does Obama want 15 percent unemployment so he can NATIONALIZE even more businesses like Chavez due to the "crisis" Obama himself creates?
____________________________________________________________________________________
The communists didn't expect Obamacare to destroy free market health insurance QUITE so fast so they are granting "exemptions" to thousands of companies like McDonalds THE communists fear hard working citizens will catch on if the house of cards collapses too fast
Oh, but they do care. They haven't abolished the minimum wage, done away with the EPA, or even OSHA yet. It's only the beginning.
About the millionaire friends:
If Obama would have done it first thing before HCR and everything else and with the mood of the country regarding Wall Street, he could have had something tough on the rich - we would have added a little more certainty and maybe the situation wouldn't be so desperate. Heck, if he would have done it almost anytime before Nov. 2, he could have had what he wanted.
Another thing about the tax deal:
Is everyone conceding that after TARP, stimulus and everything Obama has done - unemployment is not expected to get any better for 13 MONTHS!
START? If missile defense is not part of the deal, show the negotiating record and get the language out of it.
Obama is just not very good at this governing stuff.
Good job Republicans you've just added 1 trillion dollars to the deficit, and you ran on cutting it.
@Madison, you don't know what a fascist is do you? Quit throwing around terms that you don't know what they mean.
Hey NBC....how about reporting on this DREAM act. What are we giving to the illegals now? More welfare? Free healthcare? Citizenship for criminals? Give them social security? Why don't we pay the illegals their 3 years of unemployment too if they get fired in Mexico.
How about protecting the rights of the people that are here LEGALLY for a change?
Reid is calling for a vote on this piece of crap legislation and all NBC can do is harp on taxes that affect 2% of the country.
@Joe, the dream act is for children brought over here by their illegal immigrant parents through no fault of their own. With decent grades, or military service, over time they can become productive citizens of the US.
It's not amnesty, as it applies to a narrow age range. They have to do service for America in return for a path to citizenship.
Stop throwing kids under the Bus Joe.
Eric...
370H55V0773H
you don't disappoint... ever, your posts are amazing. Thanks
The Dream act should be defeated. And stop trying to change the subject. Obama is as weak as he has always been. Vote Dems out in 2012.
Eric, nothing is added to the deficit until a budget is passed and implemented. Therefore, if we don't assume double digit percentage increases in spending, nothing would be added to the deficit.
why wouldn't the GOP be "positive"?!? They got EVERYTHING they wanted!!
@Bookem,
That's like saying if you don't balance your checkbook, there is still money in the account. Sheesh.
Eric, I don't base my household debt on what I plan to spend next year. I base my household debt on what I have today and don't anticipate spending what I don't have nor am guaranteed to have. There is the difference. Your analogy does not work.
@Bookem, its purely word games. 900 billion will go towards the deficit for this bill. You'd have me believe that Republicans will cut that much in the proposed budget? Hahahahahaha !
There is no political will to make needed cuts in Congress currently.
Please don't get me wrong, I am not saying the current crop of republicans would actually cut anything either. What I am pointing out (and what you call a word game) is that it does not add anything to the deficit until there is a passed budget. You say $900 billion. If the budget goes up more, it could be $1 trillion. If the budget goes down, it may be $500 billion.
@ Madison from NY
If it wasn't so often repeated, referring to democratically-elected President Obama as a fascist and communist would be laughable. While I'm sure that you and your fellow accusers aren't complete idiots, you show your ignorance by using those descriptors. By definition, and in practice, he is neither; any dictionary can prove you wrong. What is even more curious, is that he is called both-- and at the same time! One aspect of fascism is opposition to communism!
The president may have slightly socialist leanings, but he is neither communist nor fascist. If you're going to accuse him of anything, make sure your allegations are true.
It is Reid and his freinds that are not being responsible. Bring certainty to the tax issue and pass the government funding at current levels (or less) is what is the priority. Bringing bills over granting amnesty to illegals, regardless of why they are here that increase the debt by BILLIONS a year and reversing DADT for a few activists is not what needs to be done for the vast majority of people in this country.
Joe-755363...either you are ignorant or a bigot, ( not much difference). If allowing people to become citizens by military or other national service is a bad thing, what path to citizenship do you suggest. ? Oh, yeah, I get it, you want them to become citizens by doing nothing for their country, like you !
Yep, Grover, what's not to like for the GOP? They got their tax cut for the top 2% PLUS a $5 million limit on the estate tax. Yippee! Party time!
And, Dave, can you please explain how "granting amnesty to illegals" increases the debt by BILLIONS a year (as you claim?) Oh, never mind - if you're that bad at math I don't want to wait while you count it all up on your 12 toes.
Dream Act is BS - it states "complete at least 2 years, in good standing, in a program for a bachelor's degree or higher degree in the United States," or have "served in the uniformed services for at least 2 years". It does not state they have to serve in the military or obtain a four year degree (Bachelors). This is a total scam for any American!!
Why do we have to provided anything to illegals; just plug the gaps in our immigration laws and then deal with the people already here. I'm sure if we hit harder on companies and the jobs that keep them here, we will have a smaller population to deal with. People are already complaining that they do not have a jobs, because the jobs have been shipped overseas. Additionally we have plenty of people in the US on visa's, but at least they have a "degree"...but that is for another time.
Eric
There you go again Eric ... you never fail to spew left without any consideration of facts.
First, let's talk the last four years of Dem control in Congress and two of one party rule ... How can you possibly say the three words '$1 Trillion debt' with a straight face. After ramming the $1.5 Trillion HC bill through (less the $250 billion Dr fix), the $800 Billion stimulus that wasn't, the $250 Billion auto bailout of the Union pension funds all of which were against the debt. I drop TARP because there was a degree of bipartisanship there ...
All of this ... and NOW we bitch about a POTENTIAL tax revenue of $1 Trillion that only exists IF the economy recovers? How totally disingenuous you lefties are. Your fundamental principle is that success is bad and must be punished via taxation. You are anti business (especially small business). The Dems are actually MORE aligned with special interests and big business than the Repubs based upon campaign contributions. And yet ... and yet you bitch because Republicans would not work with you ... to do what? Screw the pooch MORE?
You are about as sad a partisan as there can be. And yes, I know you disagree.
Karsten the Reasonable said,
If it wasn't so often repeated, referring to democratically-elected President Obama as a fascist and communist would be laughable. While I'm sure that you and your fellow accusers aren't complete idiots, you show your ignorance by using those descriptors. By definition, and in practice, he is neither; any dictionary can prove you wrong."
Communist: "The politica theory or system in which all property and wealth is owned by a classless society by all members of a community."
Fascist: "somebody who supports or advocates a system of government characterized by dictatorship, centralized control of private enterprise, repression of all opposition, and extreme nationalism."
This country under Obama certainly seems to be heading in these directions. We now have private enterprise owned by the government, we have repression of opposition too .
getalifevirginia-892326:
The country can't head in both directions!
Communism and fascism are two different things, even if people do not understand them enough to recognize that fact. You included the definitions of both in your post, yet you still believe the nation "certainly seems" to be drifting towards both.
Communism seeks to eliminate both rich and poor, where all are equal and everyone aims to benefit the entire society. Though some attempts at a communist society have been ruled by dictators, this is not always the case and is not the aim of true communism. In short, the people are the state. Unfortunately, this fine idea is bound to fail every single time. Human desires, like greed and power, make communism a purely idealogical concept.
Fascism does not aim to eliminate all differences between rich and poor, nor does it seek to make all business owned by the government or by society. Private business can still exist, though heavily regulated. Power is invested not in a body or citizens, but in a single dictator. I think we can both agree that Obama and other liberals do not inspire extreme nationalism, a central tenet of a fascist society. Basically, the dictator is the state and the state is all-powerful. Unlike communism, terrible fascism is a very real thing; nothing about it is impossible to achieve.
If you believe we are heading towards one or the other (not both!), then find evidence to support it and be confident that your belief is well-founded-- if it is. I don't believe we're heading to either, but I certainly agree that you have a right to advocate your own position. Just pick one.
-Karsten the Reasonable
Positive? Republicans got the status quo for only two years with Obamasocialwelfarespendingincreases of a staggering $60 BILLION to EXTEND unemployment benefits ANOTHER 13 MONTHS on TOP of a RECORD TWO YEARS?
The RINOS are folding like cheap suits.
Positive. Positive as in the minority Republicans rolled Obama to the point that they not only got 98% of what they wanted, they also got Obama to endorse it, and they had to give up virtually nothing in return.
Obviously Obama is still rattled, and will probably remain so, from the elections a month ago.
Christmas came early for the Republicans.
Now we get to watch the socialists portion of the Democratic party like Bernie Sanders (declared socialist) and Anthony Weiner (undeclared socialist) shout "No, no,no!!". The Democrats, the party of "No!".
Madison,
That staggering $60 billion will be returned to the economy as soon as it's received. The staggering $70 billion per year will be shuffled overseas to add wealth to the already wealthy. Go out and buy something made in the USA and maybe you can contribute to a recovery.
From Moody's-
"Tax cuts cost the economy more than they return. Every dollar spent on infrastructure projects will yield back $1.59 to the economy. Every dollar spent on aid to the states returns $1.38. Every dollar spent on a temporary increase in food stamps yields back $1.73 to our economy. Every dollar spent on unemployment benefits returns $1.63 to our economy as an economic stimulus.
By contrast, extending the Bush Tax Cuts will return $0.31; cutting the corporate tax rate will return $0.30; and, making dividend and capital gains tax cuts permanent will return $0.38. In terms of economic stimulation, all these tax cuts actually cost more than they return to the overall economy. "
The money for the above listed benefits to our economy came from the stimulus and extension of unemployment benefits.
Hey Madison,
How are the republicans going to pay for the tax cuts. So much for running on fiscal conservancy.
vwterry,
Were you listening to Moody's, or the Moody Blues while you were smoking something?
Let's just take one.
The unemployment checks are not exactly venture capital. (BTW - How many venture capital projects beat that ROI)
Anyway, the unemployed are not going to start a ham sandwich shop much less a wind farm on their unemployment benefits. They will spend money on ham sandwiches, but they ate before they were unemployed. What is generated. They are not going to buy a car, they are not going to buy a new wardrobe, a new washer/dryer, or anything they don't have to pay for that they haven't already been paying for. They pay rent/mortgage, utilities etc. that - they were already paying for!
Where is that new $.63 created?. You can play all kinds of number games, extrapolate from one area/period/situation and apply somewhere else. It helps to have common sense - especially if you believe giving someone a dollar creates more and is more profitable than the margin you have when they are actually working.
Why not just put everyone, the whole country on unemployment? Problem solved, right?
Madison From NY
Positive? Republicans got the status quo for only two years with Obamasocialwelfarespendingincreases of a staggering $60 BILLION to EXTEND unemployment benefits ANOTHER 13 MONTHS on TOP of a RECORD TWO YEARS?
The RINOS are folding like cheap suits.
Obamasocialwelfarespendingincreases????
What about the Koch Brothers, Karl Rove's billionaire club, un-convicted criminal Dick Cheney the Insurance industries, big box stores like Walmart who pillage the middle class and the poor?
Wal-Mart or Sam's has piles of individual and class-action lawsuits filed against the company over the years for gender discrimination, racial discrimination.
http://www.walmartclass.com/public_home.html
Lawsuits Surge As More Wal-Mart Workers Seek Pay For Overtime
http://wal-martlitigation.com/currentd.htm
Have you no sense of fairness and decency. All the Beckerheads and fervent illiterate FOX BOTS who endorse this type of inequity should stop and think before you accuse liberals of taking other people’s money. Corpations take your money when they don’t pay you for your work/time; likewise insurance companies.
Life styles of the rich and disreputable
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4TsaHmtgfA&annotation_id=annotation_881627&feature=iv
@ 1:32-2: 07 you’ll see how a 17 yr old died despite her premiums being paid. Or you can watch the whole video to see insurance companies deny care in lieu of maximum profits.
Sarah Palin can tweet Obama Wants To Kill My Baby.
"Don't Get Sick you might die!
Restore a little Truth-i-ness; would you!
Just in case anyone ever wondered what a downard spiral looks like in print. Random, incoherent rantings, inter-laced with made up words.
Careful Bev. If you Lean any further forward you might fall right off your rocker.
Bob-180
FINALLY, You've hit on the Republican plan all along!!! Only the top 1% (of which I'm sure you are not) get the money and the rest starve to death!!
Glad you finally understand the plan they've had in place and are continuing!!
Spanky-
Good to see Beck has taught you to use your "I am a sheep" words... Lean forward, lean forward, lean forward... Keep repeating those as you rock back and forth watching Fox news and believe every word!!!
Keep following the Republican flock and voting like a mindless sheep!!
Goodness Madison from NY, you really think President Obama is a facist++ ?!? You live in a dream world child. The republicon party is the facist party government. So, well, to each his/her own opinion, for now anyway. However, when it has been proven through [our counties] history that after republicon/facist give millionair/billionairs, millions more tax dollars, there are no more jobs then there were before the tax give aways. The rich just get richer, and the poor just get poorer.
I must be a sheep. Truth be told I'm all about the Cnbc, but I do like Matthews. Very amusing that guy.
I used to watch Beck when he was on CNN. Now he's on either when I'm at work, or after bed time. But I do wish I would have listened to him on the buy gold thing. That would have been a great investment. You all may hate him, but he nailed that one. I don't recall getting a lot of good investment advise from Schultz, or Maddow. Maybe they surprise in the future, who knows?
If you think gold was a good investment, especially the way Beck sold it to his viewers, you are the ultimate sheep!! That would have been a great investment...NOT! ;-)
And ANYONE that takes the advice of shills like Beck or any of the others on TV doesn't really have any money to invest anyway... They're just being sheep... LIKE YOU!!!! (And I doubt Maddow has ever tried to sell anything - although I'm not a frequent viewer. If so that would be a disappointment)
Oh, and by the way, I realize you're uber wealthy and all.... and the tax cuts for the rich will really help you... but they have this new thing called a DVR where you can actually tape things while you work!! WOW!!! Welcome to the new century Spanky-(the sheep!!!!)
BTW, if you're still working.... you aren't rich enough for the tax cuts you were so worried about!! The rich don't work anymore.
Bob,
If you have a problem with what I posted from Moody's you should take it up with them. I did not make up their conclusions and the same payback info can be found in numerous publications.
How is it better for those receiving unemployment insurance payments not able to pay their bills? How does it improve the economy to have people not eat? All of those that are owed or trying to sell products appreciate the money. They, in turn, spend that money and on and on. If all business transactions resulted in only what was invested we would have no economy. How would you define "generating profit"?
Beakr1 - are you saying gold was not a good investment over the last few years? Really?
Also thanks for your input on the effect of the tax cuts on my marginal tax rate. And for god's sake man, get the mantra right - the rich get richer, or some such.
Bye now Beakr, it's been a hoot.
bob,
Additional sources of the info I posted earlier. It would be interesting if you could find anything that disproves that info and not just spout foolishness.
Also, I do like the Moody Blues and I quit smoking anything/everything about 5 years ago.
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2010/12/06/unemployment-benefits-pay-big-way-study-says
http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=238421&sms_ss=twitter&at_xt=4cf808ddc71cfc46,0
http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/opa/OPA20101682.htm
Spanky-
It's Beaker1.. Not Beakr1, or Beakr... are you really that dense?? (Obviously! ;-) Come on man, it's in front of all of my posts!!!! Get it right if you are going to try to slam me at least!!!
Gold, as Beck sold it, was a POOR investment... Or did you NOT hear about the whole lawsuit thingy and how it was a SCAM??? (You REALLY do need to pay more attention)
Now, first things first; remove your helmet, take the socks off your hands, and stop foaming at the mouth!! Now that you've done that, let's try to have an intelligent discussion about how the tax cuts you "think" are helping you, are not.(I know it's a stretch given that you are one side of the conversation, but I'll do my best to help you along!!)
And, NO... I will not use the Sara Palin / Beck talking points like "The Rich get Richer", or "lean forward".. .those are for the small minded idiots.
Thanks Sparky-, You have been the real hoot!!!
Oh, and seriously, look into that whole DVR thing.. technology is grand!!
yes it does help to have common sense when analyzing this stuff which you appear to have none. it's extremely obvious where the extra $0.63 come from, you just have to THINK for more than 3 seconds.
If the government gives $100 in UI benefits to someone, they spend all $100 in the grocery store (note that's in the American economy). Now safeway has the $100, and they'll use some of that (let's say $40) to buy more product while taking home $60 in profit. $140 has now been injected into the economy. But it doesn't stop there. The food supplier who takes the $40 from safeway will use some of it's profit to buy more from the farm that produces the food, so let's say they spend $23 buying more apples. Viola, $163 has been injected into the economy from the governments initial $100 expenditure. This is on par with 5th grade math...
Contrast this scenario with giving $100 in tax cuts to the top 2%. The gov't expends $100, the rich person invests $70 of it in China and spends $30. Viola, the government got $30 injected into the economy for their $100 expenditure. Also, 5th grade math...
It should be obvious to all, even the most small-minded simpleton, that Unemployment insurance is far more beneficial to a floundering economy than top-tier tax cuts...
Shh, DrowningGrover.... Bob-180 and Sparky- are sleeping!! (like they did when they offered economics in high school - since no one as dumb as them could have gone to college!)
They don't understand economics and think all that play money from the Monopoly game is their vast fortune that the republicans just saved for them.
Heck, Sparky- thinks he should have bought gold from Glenn Beck's shill company if that tells you anything about his money sense!!
BTW - Nicely worded post for the fiscally challenged like them. However, I think the breakdown is as such: Rich person invests $60 in derivatives, sends $30 to a republican as a donation so when the derivative loses value they can get GWB to bail them out and blame it on Obama, and then spend $10.
vwterry, I searched for the first line in your quote from Moody's and could only find the exact quote in either FirstRead or another blog. Do you have a link to the actual Moody's article where that was stated? I would be interested to read what analysis was done to come to this conclusion.
Danno, I found that quote from Moody's several days ago so I no longer have a link but the ones listed at 2-14 say basically the same thing. I have searched using "return on investment from bush tax cuts" for everything I posted regarding this issue.
vwterry,
I don't have anything against unemployment benefits when unemployment is at this level. My problem is the government that caused the crisis. Absolutely unnecessary for people to have to go through what they are - all because of liberal social engineering.
Sure, it keeps things from getting worse , but it does not create wealth. In the unemployment benefits example - it doesn't create an additional $.63, there may maybe $.63 worth of benefit (the benefit of things / cost not getting worse, but again it doesn't create - it redistributes to minimize the damage.
Absurd. What hamburger have you ever bought that wasn't the product of investment. What shirt, toilet, light bulb, cue tip, Moody Blues album........ Name something that isn't the product of someone investing something.
You sell enough hamburgers to open a second store, hire new people who didn't have a job,......Really?
Your post almost suggests that big government spending is a panacea. It is not, it is a short term, unsustainable band aid. There is no growth - just unsustainable redistribution.
This is nothing new. Been around way before Days of Future Passed.
At no time in my posts did I say that I thought unemployment payments should be permanent. But under the present circumstances the need is proven and the benefits are obvious.
What would you suggest that is proven to create growth? Where are your links disproving the conclusions reached by those shown?
Golly gee, for a senator who was so worried about deficits yesterday is now all for adding 4 trillion over the next 10 years...when will Kyl produce the 4T in spending cuts over the next 10 years or is he just good for tax cuts that any idiot can do?
Earlier someone said 1 trillion now you are saying 4 trillion. As I stated above, there is really no addition to the deficit until a budget is passed unless you assume massive growth in government.
I've asked the question before and I'll ask it again... why is it the Republican'ts can't multi-task?
It's all about OBSTRUCT - STALL & SPIN with them!
Enlighten me please - how is working out this deal obstructing? Is it stalling? How about Spinning?
Do you actually understand those terms or are you just "leaning forward?"
Kyle must have problems walking and chooing gum at the same time too.
I don't know spanky can reduce the debt like repubs campaigned on when bailing out the rich that don't need bailing out
or making government smaller NO
or does it create jobs NO
or is it reducing the debt in which the repubs ran on ? NO
flip flopping worse than a skip jack on a pier
lied to again tea bagger
@Spanky, Kyl is holding up the START treaty. Because, of course, its more important to have tax cuts for the rich than it is to verify the Russian nuclear arsenal (sarcasm).
Spanks...
Go back and read the ENTIRE article will ya?
Sorry to see you're still suffering with your premature sputtering problem!
Still waiting for someone to tell me WHY according the the party of Hell NO - 2 pieces of legislation can't be worked on at the SAME time!!
Obstruct - unemployment benefits
Stall - start treaty
Spin - Millionaire's tax breaks as being good for the economy
Spanky-, go lean off a cliff!
You know exactly what the obstruction / stalling / spinning was... And if not, you are one of the biggest morons on the planet. It was, "Give my rich political donors the tax cuts they want or I'll hold up unemployment benefits for the people my rich friends put out of work and won't hire with their future tax cuts...." That was the obstruction / stalling / spinning by the Republicans.
If these tax cuts worked then WHY after 10 years of them are we in the position we're in now? It wasn't Obama that caused the problem since the slide only stopped AFTER he took office. GWB and his tax cuts screwed the US.
You need to stop watching Beck and Fox and actually try to use a brain!!
So true. McCain cancelled his campaign because of the banking disaster in Sep 2008, he couldn't multi-task; Obama said presidents must be able to do more than one thing at a time. McCain's comment the other day was a throw back, he didn't feel it is the right time to debate DADT because of the economy--proof, the GOP cannot multi-task, they cannot possibly wrap their brains around more than one thing at a time.
You are right, the repulicans can't multi-task. Of course the Dems had complete control for the better part of two years. But hey that Leadbetter act was super critical. Let's now totally focus on the very important Dream Act. And just how long should unemployment benefits go on for? Why not just kick them out for five years? And is Russia really something we should be focusing on right now? Does not seem like a huge priority to me, but I'm sure all the preceding treaties with tem were also do or die at the time.
Sorry folks I'm just a happy camper the government has decided to allow me to keep a little more of my money. Because these so called millionaire tax breaks are good for my bottom line.
Whatzz....,
The house, with some Republicans voting yea, passed the extension for the middle class. Glorious Girl Nancy is still the speaker. What, beside that best hidden with a hat, is your point?
Whatz... the hold-up has been the obstructionist senate Repubs. with their 41 member majority they have fillibustered an unprecedented 200+ times, blocking every bill that came through, including their own. Nancy Pelosi is in the House. The House and the Senate are two different organizations. Those 200+ items all made it successfully through Nancy's house. So blow it out your azz until you can actually get some education.
Good job, GOP. You just sold us to China. Thanks a lot. What happened to that "won't somebody think of the grandchildren" campaign you were running? Did you decide that it was more important to get campaign funds from billionaires?
GOP = Scum
Wonder how many people who decided to give the GOP another chance are suffering buyer's remorse--the GOP promised to focus on the debt but people didn't hear the "EXCEPT" if it is debt created for their wealthy donors.
whatzzit2u: That doesn't even make sense.
Yes, now get on with the START treaty......sheesh.
If it's not too late.. Mevedev (SP) is not enjoying the repubs f ing around may start a new round of building nukes...this time they win because we are broke and can't out spend them like reagon did. Glad to see Rice back it and other note worthy people....GOP dragging it's heels again ..dumbasses
 I have to say this is the most ball-less president we've had since Carter!
Ok so this is his reelection strategy:
Give the republicans an excuse to say they helped the unemployed by "Conceding" to a tax cut for the very rich!
God please get rid of Obama, Biden and give the presidency to the Secretary of State - Oh wait, that's Clinton! Yeah finally we would have someone with Cojones!
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I agree! Hillary should have been the nominee in 2008 and i hope she runs in 2012. I like Obama, but he seems unable to fight, he just keeps rolling over. Hilkary would have gotten this done long ago and HCR would have had a public option.
HILLARY 2012!
Seriously, get over it. Hillary would be faced with the same dysfunctional Senate, the one with GOP obstructionists and blue dog dems helping them too often.
I fully agree. I was against Hillary during the primary based on the Clinton's cave on health care and Bill's sell out to Gingrich after the mid-terms. I hoped Obama would stand up to the Right and do the right thing. All my life the Right has been nuts, but these days with the Beck's, Hannity's and Palin's blasting their BS 24/7 America is in the worst shape in my lifetime. Hillary would have taken them on, screw this getting along BS. Having a good brain and the ability to apply logic and reason is useless against the nitwit FOX nuts.
I am not sure if you were an adult or not during the Carter years. But, one reason he was not re-elected was because he had the balls to do things that were not always popular or worked out favorably. Example-embargo on Russia, the failed attempt to rescue the Iranian hostages, a push for alternative energy. Some things people were not even aware of at that time. You are kicking the wrong ball if you are using Carter.
Geralyn,
The speaker of the house comes after VP. Today that would be Nancy Pelosi. Wouldn't bother me but could you imagine the screams from the right?
Bush tax cuts for the rich were to be paid for what happened to that? Just kicking the can down the road is all repubs are doing and doubt Obama who is playing way too nice, won't be using this as ammunition. Repubs will spin this down the road and the repub voters will buy it. Meanwhile our kids are going to be pissed with the debt we are leaving them. But hey we have been seeing the true repubs by voting NO to keeping jobs here and bending over for their elite buddies not even that will convince a real conservative that they are serious about debt reduction....... that's why I am not a republican anymore.
The issue is Republican voters are sheep. They, like congressional Republicans, vote for whatever they are told even if it makes no sense to them. I see people all the time with Republican bumper stickers on Toyota Corollas.... Um, really, you think that they are going to be YOUR champion?? They don't even understand what rich is but just follow their leaders (Beck, Limbaugh, Reilly, etc)
On the flip side, too many Democrats will bend and accept things if it's even a little better. So they are easy to break apart and get things though. They would rather compromise a little for some gain rather than fight it out.
Then you have idiots on the Democratic side like Ben Nelson who will sell out to anyone and anything as long as his wallet gets fatter. On the Republican side... Nope, they stand together no matter how stupid the idea!!
Look at health care!!!! What were the 2 biggest issues?? 1) The death panels - Republican idea and sponsored by them! and 2) The mandatory tax - Republican idea again!! But when it came time to vote, they say no look how bad this is!!
Good points, Beaker1
If republicans don't get what they want, it is obstruction. If democrats don't get what they want, it is because they caved. Maybe it is good that they both had to actually give up something.
Bookem' Danno..........We all gave up something, namely the future of America. Rebublicans demanded tax cuts for their billionaire buddys after supposedly running on a platform of reducing defecits ! Now the country will continue to wallow in debt and try to saddle our grandchildren with it. Hope they learn to speak Chinese !
I hope the regressive anarchists are happy! They got just about everything they wanted in the deal!
If the GOP is happy then we know this is a bad deal for the American people.
I think there is more to this than we are seeing.
I'm not happy with Obama making the deal. But I do respect his end game - to avoid sacrificing the middle class.
I'm surprised the Republicans aren't crowing loudly about this. Perhaps they realize they now have to justify themselves to their constituents for spending without paying. Something they campaigned against. Plus, they have opened the door to compromise. On START, on DADT, on the war. Obama may have the last laugh.
No, they get the last laugh... 2 more years of tax cuts that shouldn't exist and they get to blame Obama for raising the debt!! And in 2 years after the next election it will just be time to extend again!!
He should have said, no and let all tax cuts expire all the while screaming about how the republicans are raising taxes!!!! He should also have let them block unemployment... We'll see how many of them get re-elected or even run when they all get their houses burned to the ground by the unemployed people in their state!
This deal sucks start to finish and just puts him and all Democrats in a worse position.
Then maybe they should've been in their fighting for what they wanted and standing up to speak up for their beliefs instead of just standing on the sidelines watching the President try to do all the work. Instead they're happy to not be involved as a horde of rabid Conservatives takes him on as an individual.
Why is it the repubs have done the complete opposite to what needs to be done for the last ten years?
Maybe that is the Republican (hidden) strategy, say one thing and do the exact opposite:
1. McCain R-Ariz. - will repeal DADT when the heads of the military say it should be.... nuff said.
2. Kyle - will work on other things when tax cuts are permanent, but must be paid for.
3. McConnell - primary goal is to make Obama a 1 term President.... ????? :)
No... Pubs have done EXACTLY what is good for their benifactors for years. The American people be damned.
"Obviously we don't like the part we had to give", yea those crumbs for the unemployed you held hostage for tax cuts for youself and wealthy benefactors bites doesn't it!
I've been a moderate since I could vote 35years ago, and have voted both sides of the asiles for years. At this point in our history, with the current makeup of congress I have come to realize that if it is something the Republicans want, it can't possibly be good for America and Americans.
This compromise by Obama tells me I want him to resign, and I want Joe, "yes I have some balls" Biden to take over.....
I'd go with Joe "Andrew Jackson" Biden myself.
OBAMA, Let's 99ERs Crash Land, No Parachutes!
2011 Officially The Year Of The HOBO!
Should You Learn The Language?
Today graffiti is prevalent on walls, residences, businesses and the infrastructure in America. A result
of gangs slinging communication at each other while leaving the general public puzzled and bewildered.
But this isn't the first time that indigenous groups have used code to converse with each other.
In the 1930's millions of Hobos developed their own unique system of symbols which could be found on
street curbs buildings and crossroads nationwide.
The meanings of the symbols reached the vagabonds riding the rails that arrows and geometric shapes
were a communication highway. Will this truly American underground dialect be called back for today's
unemployed survival? When millions of unemployed patriots are kicked to the streets to be belittled,
starve and disenfranchised, then a peaceful outcome is unpredictable. Add to this how many millions of
newly minted HOBOs, recently working class, believe their situation is their own fault when they know an
unregulated Wall Street took them for the big ride?
Do we really want our National Guard posted and on stand bys to prevent civil unrest? Is it worth it
to the GOP Tea Party millionaires at the tax cut trough, to increase costs in homeland security
because of their obsessive compulsive contempt for the unemployed? Will it be worth then to America to
leave the unemployed 99ERs extension in the abyss?
Artist Country Carl dot com of the 99ERS New Depression Blues Video,
Hopefully you won't have to HOBO UP!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM6CuCjUTdk
Oh well, what did we expect. More of the same from Washington.
Next on the Presidents list is a Fast Track trade deal, for corporations, with S, Korea. I think we have a few more jobs to send over seas.
You guys are funny. You think all money belongs to the Government. It belongs to the people. The Government "never" does without. They have a damn printing press and can print as much money as they want, Obammy has proven that. Let people "all the people" keep as much of THEIR money as possible.
So Louisiana Don... Who should pay for the road you drove in on today?
I believe you should pay for your usage so that would be a TAX!!! I also believe that the guy that owns a company that drives huge trucks on that same road should pay more TAX than you since your car does less damage to the road.... Sound fair?
However, if you are a smart business owner; you register your business in Delaware/Florida/Texas where you pay no state tax. Then you make sure you don't make a profit through creative accounting and "smart" investment so you don't pay tax. Then at the end of the year any personal income (if you have any given how hard you worked to pay all the others that worked at your company) gets taxed at capital gains tax rates and not the ones people who made far less than you pay.
Anyone that thinks the rich are paying the same share as the rest... doesn't know what rich is.
Smart phones: There's an app for that.
Democrats: There's a tax for that.
Bookem' Danno, you do realize your taxes haven't been lower in years right? (The "stimulus" gave you another tax cut on top of what you already have)
So how can you say, "Democrats: There's a tax for that"?
Democrats have been as tax averse as republicans and 10 years of that crap didn't work!
Taxes proposed or implemented by Democrats in the past two years: VAT, cell phone tax, mileage tax, raise social security cap, employer health plan taxable, cap and trade, raise tobacco tax; raise liquor tax; eliminate HSA and FSA (indirect tax), tanning tax, cadillac health plan tax, gasoline tax.
Louisiana Don.....but then who would fund the welfare states like Louisiana ?
Just take a look at who is smiling when they give their interview on the deal and who is trying to cover their tracks. It will show plainly who got the best of this deal. I don't see too many sour faces from the Republicans. For Obama- there is a time to fight and draw a line in the sand and when you have to make a deal. Most Americans were on the side of giving extentions on unemployment and only give tax breaks for the middle and lower class people. It would seem to have been a good time to draw a line. After all you did have the majority of people in this country behind you to do the right thing.
You mean do the Left thing. Obviously on Nov 2nd we showed most of the American people aren't behind Obama.
No, it showed that sheep are ever present and will vote for things that will hurt them in the long run. Just because they are told to vote and things will get better, they do.
His current approval rating is higher than Reagan's was!
The Nov 2nd issue was the same as I stated above; too many Democrats won't line up shoulder to shoulder and tell the Republicans to take a leap. It happened with voters and now with congressman.
There will always be more conservatives than liberals. Face that fact.
And conservatives will have warped views like; don't let the government touch my guns, but lord knows I think they should have full control of reproductive rights!! No way they should handle my tax dollars, but sure I think my fourth amendment rights should be put aside to fondle that 4 year old to make sure she doesn't have explosive underwear!!
Wow, what a complete contradiction there!!
Not like our hair brained government would do anything like... Oh, I don't know, say impose mandatory abortions for people that have more than 2 kids once we get over populated enough? I mean hey, why not? You give them the right to control your reproduction, it's just a short walk the other way!! That or, start stopping you on the side of the road just to check since you could be driving a car bomb??
Beaker,,,, you have lost it. How did reproductive rights get in this conversation? I know your argument on that,,,, we can't tell a woman what to do with their bodies, right, well have you ever heard of prostitution laws. We are telling them what they can't do with their bodies there. That's another subject. Libs are checking people's underwear at the airports , not conservatives. You are a crazy lib, but that's normal.
Nope, not a crazy lib... It's your right wing Neo-Conservatives pushing their beliefs on others which is the reason there is no prostitution either. You justify taking away someone's rights by showing how they have already taken away someone's rights as justification? How sad is that??
And the point is, conservatives are nuts....
You people are never happy. damn if he do, damn if he don't. Everyone of the 98% of Americans needs help. If this is what he had to do for the 98%, so be it. If he did fight you all would say he's not doing it right and he don't care. He is not the one thats f---ing things up. He is trying to please just about everyone and thats still not enough. YOU don't like it, get over it. Its not about you and the rich, its about every other AMERICAN that is having a hard time through no fault of their own, or did you forgot. STOP THE MADNESS. Now at least the rest of us AMERICANS can have some kind of a MERRY CHRISTMAS. If it was up to the REPUBLICANS the rest of us americans would be out of gas.
Americans sure seem to love punishment:
2 wars, Bush's tax cuts, prescription benefits and now more tax cut extensions - all unpaid for. Enjoy your bankruptcy! The GOP is the world's dumbest party. All around people laugh at how dumb is the GOP.
I think we should cut tax's more than they are now. We weren't talking about a tax cut, Obammy wanted to raise tax's. Maybe in January the Republicans in the house will give Americans a real tax cut. That would be great, and really anger the Left. Gotta love that. Laughing at the GOP huh, maybe where you are from, you hang around liberals then what do you expect?
I hope that the current tax cut will FAIL, it is unacceptable to barrow filthy money from a politically motivated china to pay for tax cuts for the rich. The bill should not be passed under any circumstances, it shows the lack of spine and understanding of budgeting on behalf of the current president. I hope it does not pass. There are other tools we can use to support those in need for jobless benefits besides supporting this unacceptable bill.
kill the bill unless 99ers get 1 more extension
It's still the Lame Duck session. You Libs have a 100 seat majority, but you say the votes aren't there? Whose fault is that, I guess it's Bush's fault. HAHAHAHA , crazy libs.
Louisiana Don,
The house passed a bill that would have extended the tax rates for the bottom 97%. It's the Senate that voted against it and the Dems have not had a veto proof majority for some time now. A majority of the Senate voted for the same extensions, 53 yea- 37 nay, and 53-36 for extensions for those making 1 million dollars, but it takes more than a majority to pass.
Try to stay current with government procedures if you don't want to contribute to the stereotype of the "uninformed right".
It's not Bush's fault, it's Bush's parties fault.
Millionaire Friends? What in Sam Hill is wrong with being a millionaire? I have several relatives who are millionaires and have been for fifty years or more, and all of them are outstanding citizens, community leaders, give to their communities in huge amounts, and don't deserve to be treated like they aren't American citizens. And get this, all of you out there who are Democrats: every single one of these millionaires are life-long Democrats.
Gordon Levy....nothing at all wrong with it, but they don't need ( and many do not want ) a tax cut at a time when the country is sinking deeper and deeper into debt that will be inherited by our grandchildren.
And might I add it was debt largely created by giving tax breaks to people who were already at the top of the economic ladder. We made them more wealthy by borrowing money from others.
Can't do justice to a nuclear treaty on the table since March and which is holding up every other avenue of progress with the Russians but they sure can get the tax cut passed.
Everyone has their priorities I guess.