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Democrats plan to a vote on their plan to extend tax cuts for the middle class while ending tax cuts for the wealthy. Republicans want to extend the tax cuts for everyone.
Neither party has enough votes to get their plan through.
"I think there's a reality here, which is that while it might be best to continue the middle-class tax cuts and raise taxes on higher income people, the votes are not there to do that," Sen. Joseph Lieberman, a Connecticut independent who caucuses with the Democrats, told the AP. "I think everybody's got to deal with a stark reality, which is, are we going to leave here knowing that we haven't come to an agreement and that everybody's taxes are going to go up Jan. 1?"
In other words, gridlock.
The AP writes:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he would like to schedule competing votes on the Senate floor. One would be on Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell's bill to make all the tax cuts permanent; the other would be on a Democratic plan to extend only the middle class tax cuts. Neither is expected to pass.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she plans to hold a similar vote on extending the middle-class tax cuts in early December. "We're united in recognizing we have to protect the middle class," Reid said of Senate Democrats. McConnell said, "Votes structured for symbolic reasons in December won't prevent a tax hike in January. It's not enough to talk about the problem of the looming tax hike on families and hundreds of thousands of small businesses across the country, we have to fix it."
Not surprisingly, some Democrats are starting to bend to the idea of extending tax cuts for everyone. Obama has invited Republicans to the White House to chat, but they have postponed their visit until after Thanksgiving. Democrats say President Barack Obama has not taken a position on how to negotiate with Republicans and likely wants to wait until his meeting with Republicans. Democrats are still undecided.
Tax cuts for those making more than $200,000 for individuals or $250,000 for couples does not make sense. The amount of tax cut per individual or couple is not enough to justify the continuing damage it will do to our efforts to reduce the deficit or do things like fix Social Security, education and our crumbling, increasingly dangerous infrastructure.
America is falling behind on things like high-speed trains and high-tech research, because we are making poor finacial decisions as a country. Even wealthy people have come out against the tax cuts.
And if ordinary Americans can pay their taxes, why can't the wealthy? I think all Americans should seek to have their tax money spent wisely and on things that will make life better for us and for future generations.
Democrats should hold their ground on this and make Republicans explain why taxes will go up for everyone on Jan. 1. Republicans say they are in favor of reducing the deficit but have failed to explain why they continue to favor tax cuts for the wealthy, even though it will likely increase the deficit.
Comments: (11)
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By: qnswmn on 11/19/2010 3:15PM
Dear Rich People:
If you really LOVE this country and want to see it prosper, please just say NO to a tax cut that you DO NOT need! People in my income bracket and those who earn less deserve one, not you. Just say NO. Thank you.
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By: Marion Robinson on 11/19/2010 3:33PM
This is why people should never give the party of haters any power. what does bill gates and people like that need a tax break for? What kind of sense does that make. The party of haters have been like this for years and years and will not change yet some of you people keep then in power. Once again nothing will get done and we have to wait until 2012 to get them out. why continue this stupid voting. Keep these haters out of control and this country will get better. Wake up people!
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By: ADMR on 11/19/2010 4:06PM
Tax Cuts For The RICH - AMEN! - WE Are Sick of Paying for Societies Problems...
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By: eeduj1001 on 11/19/2010 6:28PM
You are a part of society's problem. Now go off and buy China, finished selling out America with the money given off your new tax cut.
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By: Roberta B. Bunch on 11/20/2010 6:14AM
The dimwitted Democrats had COMPLETE control for over 22 months and could not get anything done so they blame the other party, no wonder they LOST in a historic landslide last night...
http://bodyquicksite.com
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By: A.K. Kuykendall (Author) on 12/04/2010 7:49AM
Ask yourself a question: with the political climate we find ourselves in collectively as Americans; is race and racism that motivating factor that has moved silently and at times overtly through our reality? Break away from this reality that is of a strategic design and recognize the gains this particular Head of State has made beyond the bias and you'll see the true writing on the wall ...
1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier’s family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist’s access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren’t even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21 The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with theGeneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held bySomali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expandednational youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49. Ended the previous practice of protectingcredit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry’s predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57 Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorpsprogram
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation’s healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform
Remember, the successes of a Presidency is measured not in parts, but in whole!
Don't forget to visit the site where truth reads through fiction @ www.thewriterofbooks.com
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By: David King on 11/20/2010 9:12PM
OBAMA FOR THE WORLD - World's Theme Song For Barack Obama!
http://www.tunecore.com/music/david-king
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By: dpantelis on 11/26/2010 5:28AM
I totally agree with qnswmn's comment. You are absolutely right mate, but I am afraid that nobody is listening...
http://www.leanspaacai.net
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By: Patricia King on 11/28/2010 6:49AM
During the Bush administration, every time their was the slightest breeze of a thought that Democrats would block voting on anything the Republican mantra was "Up or down vote." Since President Obama took office the Republican mantra has been "Just say NO." For the voting public, an up or down vote on every piece of legislation would at least give a clear picture of who stands where. As a Democrat, my primary interest is knowing where Democrats in the Congress stand on the issues since some of them stand with the President and some of them don't. I want to remember INO Democrats who stand on the side opposite to the President.
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By: A.K. Kuykendall (Author) on 12/03/2010 10:01AM
FRAUDULENT POLITICS
This is my stand on today's plethora of issues and the actions taken therein by our politicians.
The countries that are collaborating with the United States are a fraudulent coalition brought about by a bullying and intimidating administration! This is what I thought of President Bush and his administrations seemingly pressuring tactics in his push for war, not to mention his and the Republican parties strategy at controlling the flow of world politics. From his earlier backward ass State of the Union speech, to his boisterous United Nations good-old-boy plea for assistance in operation "Iraqi Freedom."
America was lied to prior to the Vietnam War and during the Bush era we were being lied too as well! America, deep within the evolutionary today, but as always: big corporations (THE RICH) in affiliation with essential political officials, past and present, of the "south" run this country. This is an ingenious operation brought on by a supposedly banished organization from American and our political society: the Ku Klux Klan, the John Birch society, etc.
Many Americans, of all ethnicity's, have actually forgotten the days where the Knight Riders ran corruptibly free. A fanatical society that had their hands in any and every category within the southern territories of America! This until their plan extended and they took notice the power of the political process and in the strength of corporate conglomeration (THE RICH). These fanatics saw an opportunity to achieve what they've always desired to achieve and that is the retrieval of America for the supposed true American.
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S NOT A NATURALIZED CITIZEN, REMEMBER?
These conspirators hide behind the titles: "Republican and Democrat", emphasis on the Republican, for the Republican Party's covert infiltration of the Democratic Party, as in Watergate, was just a necessary evil in the projected complete occupation of the country. Don't get me wrong my fellow Americans, neither one of these damn parties can be trusted, for both have agenda's that stretch far beyond the average American.
The average American, in both parties eyes, is nothing but a necessary vessel that keeps the country alive. Without the average American, they know that America would cease to exist! The military for one, procreation, jobs, consumers, but most importantly taxation! Both their fundamental philosophies are that "taxation needs representation".
This is a reality!
Their corporate headquarters are, check this; nestled in the heart of Texas. Their essential brethren in this well-orchestrated coup: Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, and California. Understand one thing America, the success of this southern coup relies solely on mass manipulation, conquered territories, and the control of worldwide mineral resources. Primarily, their strengths derive from financial growth!
THINK ABOUT IT PEOPLE
What are the Republicans doing right now 12/01/2010? Forget your thoughts of the party in power, the President, the current Speaker of the House, your possible racist views, your particular political party, your bias, etc. - all of this crap that's preventing you from seeing the game our leaders are and have always been playing at our expense.
THINK!
The Republicans are standing firm on one particular measure: continuing the tax cuts put into play by the Bush administration or better yet the Republican party.
THINK!
Nothing will budge, no progress (at all) will be made until they get this!
WHY!
Why would a party spend so much money (CORPORATE DOLLARS) to regain what little power they recently re-gained? They call it a mandate and say you (the ones who voted for them) want this.
MY TAKE ...
The Republican party is the party of big business. This is obvious given the pattern by which they've presided over our country in the past. Know that this party is truly in power no matter the current political climate due to the Democrates winning of the House, Senate, and the Presidency.
I've told you why they are truly in power:
"Many Americans, of all ethnicity's, have actually forgotten the days where the Knight Riders ran corruptibly free. A fanatical society that had their hands in any and every category within the southern territories of America! This until their plan extended and they took notice of the power of the political process and in the strength of corporate conglomeration. These fanatics saw an opportunity to achieve what they've always desired to achieve and that is the retrieval of America for the supposed true American."
You see with them being for big business: THE RICH, there true constituency, they have no choice but to do there bidding after all the years of support that ventures into the billions.
Even more scary; I feel strongly that this party and big business are in league to bring down the President of the United States by any means no matter who gets stepped on along the way. I feel strongly that with they're evil union that the Republican party has instructed big business not to hire.
Bold proclamation, but one to think about, yeah? And if President Obama conceeds on the tax cuts for the wealthy my prediction is that the Republican party will green light big business to hire instantly putting a feather in the Republicans hat and slapping the President in the face for waiting so long to extent the requested tax cuts. Many of these companies are currently reporting record profits, but when asked why there not hiring; they say its because of the uncertainty of the economy? Do you here me now?
PLEASE READ OR RE-READ MY ARTICLE (PARTS 1-4) ENTITLED
"BOLD ASSESSMENT"
FOR BY DOING SO YOU'LL PIECE TOGETHER THE FULL REASONS FOR THE POLITICAL UPHEAVAL OF RIGHT THIS MOMENT .
Please visit the site where truth reads through fiction @ www.thewriterofbooks.com
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