On letting the Bush's tax credits expire

[Sheepshank]

Why not let them expire?

Why not let the Reps stupid letter of intent (to not discuss anything until the Bush tax issue is resolved) become null and void, because the Bush tax issue would have been resolved/expired

So,Bush's tax cuts expire, it's no longer part of the discussion and we can all move on the 9-11 responder health benefits, DADT, extension of unemployment benefits.

THEN when that's done, THEN why not address Obama's tax cut

[KansDem]

1. I've wondered this myself....

Why are we even debating the Bush tax cuts? Why not just let them expire?

Obama and the Dems don't have to do a damn thing and they'll expire.

Why the fuss?

[rfranklin]

2. Perhaps it gives cover for other agendas...

"We had to pass those egregious Bush tax giveaways because of the unemployed!"

[TwilightGardener]

3. Republican House will have control of cuts. If any. But Obama breaks

a major campaign promise and raises taxes on the middle class, and Republicans will be cutting your taxes.

[Sheepshank]

5. Ahhh....but another twist would be

If Obama throws out the Obama Tax Cuts to the next Congress, and THEY decide not to pass it, it's the REPUBLICAN Congress that gets the blame for not passing the cuts....no?

[TwilightGardener]

9. Obama can't start legislation. The House originates legislation.

If Republicans want Obama to fail and be a one-termer, why would they help him keep his campaign promise to the middle class after they've taken control of the House?

[Sheepshank]

12. I am procedurally naive....so given your statement

Isn't that something Obama can negotiate with sypathetic House members? That they bring a bill forward?

[TwilightGardener]

13. The best that Obama can negotiate, he's just done with this current deal.

[Blue Meany]

4. Call their bluff...

See if they are willing to hold the whole government hostage for tax-cuts for billionaires. Expose their priorities: they don't give a damn about the American people or governance--only about further enriching the super-rich so that they will continue to put them in power.

[Sheepshank]

7. It's a sad statement you make there.

1-2% of the population that don't get a possible tax break, can hold the entire Republican party hostage. It sure isn't about what's best for the majority of the people, but what's best for the people with the majority of the money.

[SKKY]

23. Of couse they're willing to...

...they've filibustered 9/11 responders care to make sure this happens first. You think they really care?

[kjackson227]

6. Because to let them expire would mean that up to $3,000 worth...

of taxes will be added to the middle-class on January 1, 2011, which will make the economy worse. Not to mention 2M won't receive UI.

[Sheepshank]

8. You really think the unemployed will

not get an exension if the Bush tax cuts expire?

IMHO Once the link between those two bills is broken, I don't think there is any way UI won't get extended,

[niceypoo]

11. To keep them means wages drop, two years added to recovery

...and the end of Obama's presidency/legacy

[polmaven]

24. Over the course of the next

2-3 months, up to 7 million will have lost UI benefits.....I am astonished that so many here seem to have an "oh well" attitude toward that reality.

[niceypoo]

10. On the contrary, Obama wants to take ownership of them

The Obama/Bush tax cuts for the rich.

[Sheepshank]

14. I'm not convinced this is the entire story

I've statement after statement you have made and I'm sure you have made up your mind.

After reading an article today, there is a lot of convoluted pork barrel issues, I had no idea are in any way related to taxes, being brought to the bargaining table. So the reasons for any final decision is actually more obscure that a general statement that Obama is siding with Republicans.

[niceypoo]

15. Making a deal with the devil is one thing...

...but using it as a platform to publicly attack his own party and those who put him into office is just beyond the pale.

I am facing facts here. I am a liberal, I hold traditional Democratic values dear, and Obama hates them both.

[Sheepshank]

16. Okey dokey then

[ncteechur]

17. Did you take Civics? Huh?

I think not.

[rhett o rick]

18. Well said. nm

[frugal99]

22. +10000

[akbacchus_BC]

19. If the current administration allowed the Bush tax cuts to expire, do

you really know how many Americans would be affected in a negative way. Why would you want that? Then come January, everything that the President wanted to pass will not get passed. Well, need I say it, some of you voted for rethugs!

[quakerboy]

20. If we do not give everyone a $5000 check immediately

do you know how many people will be worse off than if we did?


Do we really have any reason to believe that somehow passing this deal will suddenly open the floodgates and suddenly the republicans will start voting in favor of everything (or anything) on Obama's agenda?

[frugal99]

21. KR