"THERE IS NO FREE LUNCH"

[kentuck]

This is one way for the Democrats to counter the Republican attacks about big-government spending. The voters need to be reminded often of their profligate ways.

It was they that doubled the national debt. It was they that cut taxes while fighting two wars, without paying for either. It was they that passed a big Medicare drug bill that will cost over a trillion dollars. And they paid for nothing. They have absolutely no credibility talking about fiscal issues or balanced budgets or government spending.

It is time to discuss taxes. Yes, taxes! Democrats can no longer shrink from the reality that if we are going to fight wars or create new programs, then we need to pay for them. The way we pay for them is by taxes. There is no free lunch. The Republicans have proven that.

If the American people want good roads, high-speed rails, good schools, strong military, or healthcare reform, they are going to have to pay for it. That is a reality that the people need to come to grips with. We have been robbed by the wealthy class, who have taken our jobs and our wealth overseas, as they ravaged our country. The solution is obvious.

[Mari333]

1. I do not see the status quo changing anytime soon as long as dems are as corporatized as the gop

until the citizens demand campaign finance reform, nothing will change.

I have pretty much given up the 2 parties.

[bigtree]

2. voters don't want to hear from politicians about their own fiscal responsibilies

. . . as much as they want to hear from the elected legislators about their management of our contributions to our government. Key: It's about priorities.

[Brickbat]

3. Yeah, but in most cases they'd rather we went without the lunch at all.

Except for war.

[whattheidonot]

4. changes across board

this bill changes lots. it is going to flush out the system and force changes. The rich may leave and the insurance companies will have to adapt or go. this bill gives insurance companies time to move their capital elsewhere. insurance will still be too high for too many and if the economy does not get better all of this is dreaming.