Two Can Play the Extortion Game in Congress - How about a little push back against Republicans?

[Better Believe It]

Two Can Play the Extortion Game in Congress
By Matthew Rothschild
Editor of The Progressive
December 6, 2010

Before the Democrats cave in to the Republicans’ extortion gambit for the rich, the least the Dems could do is to bargain harder.

Not just for the long-term unemployed this go round, but for a permanent extension of unemployment benefits, especially given the no-end-in-sight reality of no jobs.

But let’s not stop there.

Let’s actually create jobs for these 15 million Americans and more. The Dems should propose that the government hire the unemployed to put up solar panels on every government building in the country, and repair the bridges, and fix the roads.

Let’s put that on the bargaining table in exchange for tax cuts for the rich.

And while we’re at it, let’s put on the table raising the minimum wage to $10 an hour, which 80 percent of the American public support.

And let’s put on the table a one-year moratorium on foreclosures.

And let’s put on the table a $200 increase for everyone on Social Security, whose incomes have been frozen over the last two years.

And let’s put on the table, as economist James Galbraith recommends, immediately lowering, nor raising, the retirement, so as to free up jobs for younger people.

Please read the full article at:

http://www.progressive.org/wx120610.html

[Better Believe It]

1. Pushback against Republicans? Well, that's something new!

[rhett o rick]

2. That would require a Democratic Party with fortitude. Sorry, not this year. nm

[glitch]

3. This is what we're talking about. K & R nt

[leftstreet]

4. K&R