Raising revenues: Republicans still against higher tax rates. Only for closing loopholes. [View all]

[Justice]

Don't be fooled by the news that key top Republicans are for raising revenues and thus breaking their pledge to Norquist.

The Republicans (McCain and Graham et al) are for closing loopholes - scaling back tax deductions and credits. The Republicans want to impose “a limit on the amount of deduction on charitable giving, a limit on the amount you can take on your home loan mortgage deduction.”

McCain and other Republicans are still very much opposed to raising tax rates.

So they aren't for raising rates on wealthy, but they are for punishing the middle class and the charities.

There should be no discussion about anything (entitlement reform or closing loopholes) until Republicans agree that raising tax rates on the wealthy is in the equation. Full stop.