Senate Rupublican Orrin Hatch and House "Blue Dog" conservative Democrats hail Obama/GOP tax deal.

[Better Believe It]

"Opposing this bill is tantamount to supporting massive tax increases that threatens our economic future," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. "Allowing middle-class families, small businesses and investors to keep more of what they earn, while denying Washington hundreds of billions in new tax revenue to spend, is the right thing to do."

(This is clearly part of the Republican plan to "starve" the government and will be used to justify massive cuts in Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other programs that benefit working people next year. Isn't this obvious to everyone? BBI)

Thirty-one members of the conservative Blue Dog Democrats sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging quick passage of the bill.

"It is time for us to put aside the partisan talking points and accomplish what the American people sent us here to do," said the letter.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40675581/ns/politics-capitol_hill

[DemocratSinceBirth]

1. And Palin, Limbaugh, Ingraham, And The Tea Baggers Hate It

I think there are more fissures on the right than the left...

[Better Believe It]

3. The nut cases don't understand it. The sane right-wing corporate CEO's and politicians applaud it

[leftstreet]

2. The 'American people' sent them to DC to protect the wealthy elite?

Huh, I didn't know that

:grr:

K&R

[Nite Owl]

4. Keep hearing about that 31

and no names are ever mentioned. Is it the ones who lost or the ones who will still be there?

[Beetwasher]

5. I Think This Is Part Of A Plan To Ultimately Raise/Eliminate The SS Cap

And I have as much evidence for my assertion as you have for yours.

It's funny how people deride the notion that Obama is playing chess, unless of course it's chess that supports their particular spin on events. Because of course that's what this claim that they are undermining SS is, it's a claim of some vast conspiracy that Obama is taking part in with Repubs.

[leftstreet]

6. They wouldn't need to 'plot' to do that. That sounds like conspiracy crap

You just do it.

[Beetwasher]

7. LOL! Right, JUST DO IT! How?

Executive fiat?

People who think Obama is plotting with Repubs to undermine SS are the one's spouting nonsensical conspiracy bullshit, especially since Obama actually has talked about eliminating the SS cap as a way to deal with SS in the long run and has always adamantly been agaisnt any cuts.

[Better Believe It]

10. "Obama has always adamantly been agaisnt any cuts." Not correct. Obama said cuts are on the table.

[Beetwasher]

11. No He Didn't, Source It

Obama in his OWN words:

Obama said Sunday that if elected he will push to increase the amount of income that currently is taxed to provide monthly Social Security benefits.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-11-11-obama-social-security_N.htm

This is the more likely scenario than him conspiring with Repubs to cut benefits. And since I actually have proof of what Obama prefers and you have nothing but empty speculation, my theory has more support than yours.

[leftstreet]

12. How is Obama planning to do it?

"...especially since Obama actually has talked about eliminating the SS cap..."

So Obama is agreeing it can just be done?

[Beetwasher]

13. No, That's What He'd Like To See Done, But Anything You Do Would Need To Pass Congress, Duh

Perhaps you need a bit of a refresher in how our government works?

[leftstreet]

17. Well....he's able to influence Congress for many things he wants

This should be no different

[Beetwasher]

18. With His Magic Wand And Pixie Dust!

He can get whatever he wants! :rofl:

[leftstreet]

19. er, maybe you need a refresher course in how government works

[Beetwasher]

20. Just Subscribing To Your Theory That He Can JUST DO IT!!!

In fact, you've now convinced me!! Obama's playing 23 dimensional chess to fuck us by conspiring with the Republicans to cut SS!!!

"They wouldn't need to 'plot' to do that. That sounds like conspiracy crap
You just do it."

Yes!! Just DO IT!!! With pixie dust!

[Better Believe It]

8. Hardly a conspiracy. It's being done right out in the open. Not a secret at all.

I thought everyone knew this. They have done everything but send everyone an e-mail announcing their strategy and plans!

[Name removed]

9. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Better Believe It]

14. The Republican/Obama tax cut framework was worked out behind closed doors than revealed to Congress.

If that's not factual, where do you think this plan originated?

Everyone knows, especially the House and Senate Democratic leadership, that the framework of this tax cut plan was a joint effort of the White House and Republican leaders!

Are you disputing that?

Now please be serious.

This is nothing to joke or clown around about.

[Name removed]

16. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Better Believe It]

21. I have to put you on ignore for your stream of personal attacks.

Strong and passionate debate on DU is fine and in fact welcomed by me. However, uncivil personal attacks are unacceptable.

[Beetwasher]

22. Can't Refute Actual FACTS So You Run Away???

:rofl:

[Name removed]

24. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[mmonk]

15. They earned it I suppose.

[Scurrilous]

23. K & R

:thumbsup: