While Americans were enthralled by the campaign rhetoric about "tax cuts" and the drama unfolding in congress to pass a "Bailout" to the bankers and investment bankers out there, congress actually trashed the small guy. It's time for a reality check.
Congress has appeared unwilling to act on the tax bill which includes extending tax breaks to million of Americans. This will allow the Alternative Minimum Tax, or AMT which has been described as a stealth tax, to ensnare about 25 MILLION Americans next year.
This has been reported in the WSJ and elsewhere and is not an accident. "Some fiscally conservative House Democrats have insisted that extensions of expiring tax cuts should be paid for so as not to add to the deficit."
Tax breaks that will be eliminated, therefor INCREASING taxes for the same Americans on "Main Street" that the politicians keep crying crocodile tears over, including the elimination of deductions for state sales taxes, deductions for college tuition, deductions for teachers to help pay for "out-of-pocket" classroom expenses.
Businesses will be dinged by the roll back or elimination of tax cuts for research and development, renewable energy credits and so on. This will, however, raise $Billions in taxes.
How does the congress justify this? To quote House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer (D., Md.) "We cannot continue simply using the credit card of the nation to continue to buy without paying for what we buy." A group of 49 fiscally conservative Democrats called the "Blue Dogs" have taken a hard stand. Said Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Calif. "It's time for us to say 'no more.'" One of the leaders of the group Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., was widely quoted as saying that they have "taken the morally and fiscally responsible position."
Meanwhile, congress is to work on legislation to pass $700B or more to bail out Wall Street and the banks. Should we be surprised that millions of Americans have said "enough"?
Showing posts with label Mad as Hell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mad as Hell. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
A Note to the Chairman of the RNC on the Failure of the $700B Bailout Bill
I also sent a letter to the RNC, to spread the bile around a bit:
"Mr. Mike Duncan, RNC Chairman:
As a registered Republican, I must tell you that I am very concerned. How can you expect me or my spouse to vote for the Republican Party? Today, while Rome was Burning, I saw Republicans in the House vote down the $700B “Bailout Bill” and use partisan politics as their excuse. I saw Republican Congressmen justify this with political blather about protecting the future of their children! Another stunning failure for the 110th congress as a “Do Nothing and Say NO to Everything” Congress!
In the last two weeks, I have personally witnessed two plant closings. I am watching people make a run on the bank. I am watching people hunker down and freeze up expecting the end of the world.
I am listening to Senator John McCain promote plans and make speeches. However, it seems that the party he is to lead is incapable of achieving the results necessary.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions, as the saying goes. Senator McCain may be a “maverick” running on a platform as a “reformer” but if he cannot lead or if his party has a totally different agenda, then he will be a lame duck from the get go, as they say.
I will remember this day and if the Republican Party can't get this job done, than we will certainly be voting for someone else, and we’ll vote for a candidate and a majority in congress that can get the job done!"
"Mr. Mike Duncan, RNC Chairman:
As a registered Republican, I must tell you that I am very concerned. How can you expect me or my spouse to vote for the Republican Party? Today, while Rome was Burning, I saw Republicans in the House vote down the $700B “Bailout Bill” and use partisan politics as their excuse. I saw Republican Congressmen justify this with political blather about protecting the future of their children! Another stunning failure for the 110th congress as a “Do Nothing and Say NO to Everything” Congress!
In the last two weeks, I have personally witnessed two plant closings. I am watching people make a run on the bank. I am watching people hunker down and freeze up expecting the end of the world.
I am listening to Senator John McCain promote plans and make speeches. However, it seems that the party he is to lead is incapable of achieving the results necessary.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions, as the saying goes. Senator McCain may be a “maverick” running on a platform as a “reformer” but if he cannot lead or if his party has a totally different agenda, then he will be a lame duck from the get go, as they say.
I will remember this day and if the Republican Party can't get this job done, than we will certainly be voting for someone else, and we’ll vote for a candidate and a majority in congress that can get the job done!"
A Note to John McCain on the Failure of the $700B Bailout Bill
I also skewered the Republicans with signed letters to my congressman and to Senator McCain and the RNC:
"Senator McCain:
How can you expect me or my spouse to vote for you and the Republican Party? Today, while Rome was Burning, I saw Republicans in the House vote down the $700B “Bailout Bill” and use partisan politics as their excuse. I saw Republican Congressmen justify this with political blather about protecting the future of their children! Another stunning failure for the 110th congress as a “Do Nothing and Say NO to Everything” Congress!
In the last two weeks, I have personally witnessed two plant closings. I am watching people make a run on the bank. I am watching people hunker down and freeze up expecting the end of the world.
I am listening to you promote plans and make speeches. As a Senator with decades of experience and a leader in your party, you seem incapable of achieving the results necessary with your party.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions, as the saying goes. You may be a “maverick” running on a platform as a “reformer” but if you cannot lead, then you will be a lame duck from the get go, as they say.
I will remember this day and if you can't get this job done, than we will certainly be voting for someone else!"
"Senator McCain:
How can you expect me or my spouse to vote for you and the Republican Party? Today, while Rome was Burning, I saw Republicans in the House vote down the $700B “Bailout Bill” and use partisan politics as their excuse. I saw Republican Congressmen justify this with political blather about protecting the future of their children! Another stunning failure for the 110th congress as a “Do Nothing and Say NO to Everything” Congress!
In the last two weeks, I have personally witnessed two plant closings. I am watching people make a run on the bank. I am watching people hunker down and freeze up expecting the end of the world.
I am listening to you promote plans and make speeches. As a Senator with decades of experience and a leader in your party, you seem incapable of achieving the results necessary with your party.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions, as the saying goes. You may be a “maverick” running on a platform as a “reformer” but if you cannot lead, then you will be a lame duck from the get go, as they say.
I will remember this day and if you can't get this job done, than we will certainly be voting for someone else!"
A Note to Barack Obama on the Failure of the $700B Bailout Bill
How can you expect me or my spouse, a registered Democrat, to vote for you and the Democratic ticket? Today, House Speaker Pelosi again took the position of “Party First” to prevent action in the House. I am referring to the non-partisan and very rational statement her office issued on September 28 regarding the $700B "bail out” plan, which she then contradicted with the typically partisan remarks made from the floor today and which resulted in the voting down of that bill as the Democrats of the House cowered before the retreating Republicans and decided to save their seats.
She and the Democratic Party have now, once again, upheld the 110th congress as a “Do Nothing and Say NO to Everything” Congress!
Democrats seem to forget that President Bush is a lame duck and we the electorate are voting for a different Republican or a Democrat this year. Frankly, I consider the congress to be worse than the Bush Presidency and believe me, I will remember this day and will vote accordingly!
Senator, I realize you may consider the issues in the house as none of your concern as you campaign your way across the USA. However, you would have me believe that you will be the leader of your party and will march us down that road of "change" as you call it. Well, show some leadership now and lead your party to a rapid resolution of this crisis. If you can't get this job done, than we will certainly be voting for someone else!
She and the Democratic Party have now, once again, upheld the 110th congress as a “Do Nothing and Say NO to Everything” Congress!
Democrats seem to forget that President Bush is a lame duck and we the electorate are voting for a different Republican or a Democrat this year. Frankly, I consider the congress to be worse than the Bush Presidency and believe me, I will remember this day and will vote accordingly!
Senator, I realize you may consider the issues in the house as none of your concern as you campaign your way across the USA. However, you would have me believe that you will be the leader of your party and will march us down that road of "change" as you call it. Well, show some leadership now and lead your party to a rapid resolution of this crisis. If you can't get this job done, than we will certainly be voting for someone else!
Congratulations to the DNC!
I sent a signed copy of the following to the Democratic National Committee today:
"How can you expect me or my spouse, a registered Democrat, to vote Democratic? Today, House Speaker Pelosi again took the position of “Party First” to prevent action in the House. I am referring to the non-partisan and very rational statement her office issued on September 28 regarding the $700B "bail out” plan, which she then contradicted with the typically partisan remarks made from the floor today and which resulted in the voting down of that bill as the Democrats of the House cowered before the retreating Republicans and decided to save their seats.
She and the Democratic Party have now, once again, upheld the 110th congress as a “Do Nothing and Say NO to Everything” Congress!
Democrats seem to forget that President Bush is a lame duck and we the electorate are voting for a different Republican or a Democrat this year. Frankly, I consider the congress to be worse than the Bush Presidency and believe me, I will remember this day and will vote accordingly!"
"How can you expect me or my spouse, a registered Democrat, to vote Democratic? Today, House Speaker Pelosi again took the position of “Party First” to prevent action in the House. I am referring to the non-partisan and very rational statement her office issued on September 28 regarding the $700B "bail out” plan, which she then contradicted with the typically partisan remarks made from the floor today and which resulted in the voting down of that bill as the Democrats of the House cowered before the retreating Republicans and decided to save their seats.
She and the Democratic Party have now, once again, upheld the 110th congress as a “Do Nothing and Say NO to Everything” Congress!
Democrats seem to forget that President Bush is a lame duck and we the electorate are voting for a different Republican or a Democrat this year. Frankly, I consider the congress to be worse than the Bush Presidency and believe me, I will remember this day and will vote accordingly!"
Congratulations to House Speaker Pelosi
I sent a signed copy of the the following to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi today:
"Congratulations, House Speaker Pelosi on again allowing your position of “Party First” to prevent action in the House today. I am referring to the non-partisan and very rational statement your office issued on September 28 regarding the $700B ‘bail out” plan, which you contradicted with the typically partisan remarks you made from the floor today and which resulted in the voting down of that bill as your fellow Democrats cowered before the retreating Republicans and decided to save their seats.
You have now, once again, upheld the 110th congress as a “Do Nothing and Say NO to Everything” Congress!
You and your party seem to forget. President Bush is a lame duck and we the electorate are voting for either a different Republican or a Democrat this year. Frankly, I consider you and your congress to be worse than the Bush Presidency and believe me, I will remember this day and will vote accordingly!"
"Congratulations, House Speaker Pelosi on again allowing your position of “Party First” to prevent action in the House today. I am referring to the non-partisan and very rational statement your office issued on September 28 regarding the $700B ‘bail out” plan, which you contradicted with the typically partisan remarks you made from the floor today and which resulted in the voting down of that bill as your fellow Democrats cowered before the retreating Republicans and decided to save their seats.
You have now, once again, upheld the 110th congress as a “Do Nothing and Say NO to Everything” Congress!
You and your party seem to forget. President Bush is a lame duck and we the electorate are voting for either a different Republican or a Democrat this year. Frankly, I consider you and your congress to be worse than the Bush Presidency and believe me, I will remember this day and will vote accordingly!"
"No Banker Left Behind" Bailout Fails
Just got the word, the House failed to pass the $700B bailout bill with a vote of 205-228 against the plan.
It was just a few hours ago that a conciliatory sounding House Speaker Pelosi announced calmly that an agreement had been reached. I read the statement released by the House Speaker and it was very matter of fact with none of the political bile that Pelosi likes to interject at any opportunity.
However, Pelosi just couldn't keep her mouth shut and so she reverted to her normal "Party First" position and decided to give another one of her speeches in which she claimed credit for rescuing the economy for the Democrats and blasted Republicans for their resistance. So what was the result? She succeeded in driving away Republican votes. Other Democrats in the House, apparently fearful of looking timid and backing the bankers, and therefore fearful for their seats, bailed.
Here is what Pelosi said from the floor. You decide who screwed this one up:
"Today, we will act to avert this crisis, but informed by our experience of the past eight years with the failed economic leadership that has left us left capable of meeting the challenges of the future. We choose a different path. In the new year, with a new Congress and a new president, we will break free with a failed past and take America in a New Direction to a better future."
Note the marked difference of the above from the statement she issued on Sunday:
"Significant bipartisan work has built consensus around dramatic improvements to the original Bush-Paulson plan to stabilize American financial markets -- including cutting in half the Administration's initial request for $700 billion and requiring Congressional review for any future commitment of taxpayers' funds. If the government loses money, the financial industry will pay back the taxpayers."
I think we ought to give Speaker Pelosi a "Good Job" button for keeping party first and maintaining the reputation of the "Do Nothing and Say NO to Everything" 101st Congress!
The Bushwhacking that has been going on by this "Do Nothing, Say "No" to Everything" Congress finally came home to roost. They thought they were above the fray. Not so and the electorate has spoken: "We don't trust any of you" and for good reason. So when the chips were down, the Democrats ran. And the electorate won!
The game of "party first" has finally turned the electorate on the self styled aristocrats and the rich bankers. Two years of party bickering and jockeying to take over the white house has come to roost. I don't think we'll be listening to debates about Iraq any longer; that one has been milked for all it was worth and now the politicians are forced to face real issues.
I suspect the electorate isn't crazy and we all want this resolved in a manner in which the economy can go forward. I certainly don't trust these politicians and the line has to be drawn somewhere. Enough is enough!
Good, may the games begin!
It was just a few hours ago that a conciliatory sounding House Speaker Pelosi announced calmly that an agreement had been reached. I read the statement released by the House Speaker and it was very matter of fact with none of the political bile that Pelosi likes to interject at any opportunity.
However, Pelosi just couldn't keep her mouth shut and so she reverted to her normal "Party First" position and decided to give another one of her speeches in which she claimed credit for rescuing the economy for the Democrats and blasted Republicans for their resistance. So what was the result? She succeeded in driving away Republican votes. Other Democrats in the House, apparently fearful of looking timid and backing the bankers, and therefore fearful for their seats, bailed.
Here is what Pelosi said from the floor. You decide who screwed this one up:
"Today, we will act to avert this crisis, but informed by our experience of the past eight years with the failed economic leadership that has left us left capable of meeting the challenges of the future. We choose a different path. In the new year, with a new Congress and a new president, we will break free with a failed past and take America in a New Direction to a better future."
Note the marked difference of the above from the statement she issued on Sunday:
"Significant bipartisan work has built consensus around dramatic improvements to the original Bush-Paulson plan to stabilize American financial markets -- including cutting in half the Administration's initial request for $700 billion and requiring Congressional review for any future commitment of taxpayers' funds. If the government loses money, the financial industry will pay back the taxpayers."
I think we ought to give Speaker Pelosi a "Good Job" button for keeping party first and maintaining the reputation of the "Do Nothing and Say NO to Everything" 101st Congress!
The Bushwhacking that has been going on by this "Do Nothing, Say "No" to Everything" Congress finally came home to roost. They thought they were above the fray. Not so and the electorate has spoken: "We don't trust any of you" and for good reason. So when the chips were down, the Democrats ran. And the electorate won!
The game of "party first" has finally turned the electorate on the self styled aristocrats and the rich bankers. Two years of party bickering and jockeying to take over the white house has come to roost. I don't think we'll be listening to debates about Iraq any longer; that one has been milked for all it was worth and now the politicians are forced to face real issues.
I suspect the electorate isn't crazy and we all want this resolved in a manner in which the economy can go forward. I certainly don't trust these politicians and the line has to be drawn somewhere. Enough is enough!
Good, may the games begin!
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