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Subscribe to RSSRepublican members of the deficit reduction supercommittee softened their take-it-or-leave-it stance on new revenue, suggesting Wednesday that they might be able to at least examine new revenues if Democrats accede to entitlement reforms.
Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling, the Republican co-chair of the 12-member committee, told reporters on Capitol Hill that Democrats would need to offer a new proposal to counter the GOP's offer if supercommittee deliberations are to have any hope of succeeding by next Wednesday's deadline.
"I'm not going to negotiate against myself," he said today of the Republicans' plan to put $300 billion in new tax revenue on the table. "I'm still waiting for Democrats to actually solve the problem. Put something on the table."
Hensarling had sought to walk back somewhat comments he made last night on CNBC, when he said Republicans "have gone as far as we felt we can go" in terms of its supercommittee proposals, which call for making the Bush tax cuts permanent and reforms to entitlement programs.
The supercommittee is charged with identifying $1.2 trillion in savings from the budget over the next decade. Democrats have proposed a package that would eliminate $2.3 trillion from the budget by raising $1 trillion in new revenue, cutting another trillion, and saving $300 billion in interest costs.
But Republicans argue that $1 trillion in new revenue is too much, let alone politically palatable for most of their members in Congress, who face conservative pressure to reject anything even smacking of a tax hike.
Hensarling's comment on Tuesday evening stoked the ire of Democratic members of the panel, warning that they could mean the breakdown in talks.
"If they're in the mode that's take it or leave it then that's troubling because everybody needs to continue to find a way to bridge the differences," said Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen, the top Democratic member of the House Budget Committee. "If there's was a take it or leave it position then that suggests they're not interested in continuing the negotiations."
Democrats argue that Republicans haven't put enough new revenue on the table to balance out the type of entitlement reforms they have demanded.
"I am still hopeful that the Republicans will see their way to bringing to us a real revenue package, that's what all of us are looking for in terms of fair and balanced," said Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the Democratic co-chair of the committee.
Talks are entering a critical moment for supercommittee members. While their formal deadline is next Wednesday, Nov. 23, members in both parties agree that an agreement would need to be reached this weekend if the plan is to have any hope of being "scored," or measured for its impact on the budget, by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
Members of the supercommittee have been huddling together for most of Wednesday. On Tuesday, talks extended to the leadership level, when House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Majority Harry Reid (D-Nev) met with each other.
Optimism for supercommittee success isn't exactly riding high at the moment. A CNN/ORC poll released Wednesday found that 78 percent of Americans believe the supercommittee is somewhat or very unlikely to reach an agreement by its deadline.
Republicans sought to put Democrats on the spot to make a new offer in order to break the impasse.
"I am willing to look at any offer that actually reforms our entitlement spending and solves the problem. I'm still looking forward to that and should that come I would be more than happy to negotiate around that offer. I look forward to it," Hensarling said.
But Republican members of the supercommittee also found themselves under friendly fire when the third-ranking Senate Republican, Tennessee's Lamar Alexandar, came out in favor of new taxes as part of a supercommittee deal.
"We now have Republicans who've put revenues on the table. We have Democrats on the supercommittee who've put entitlements on the table," Alexander said at a bipartisan press conference of about 30 House and Senate members, who encouraged the supercommittee to "go big" in its talks. "Both need to put more on the table and get a result, and we're here to support them"
The statement is a break from both his party's stance on taxes and from the Republican Co-Chair, Rep. Jeb Hensarling's (R-TX), comments last night on CNBC where he said that any step higher than the $250 billion in tax increases that the GOP has already offered is "a step in the wrong direction."
If a deal is not reached, it threatens to trigger a series of automatic cuts that were included as a backstop as part of the debt ceiling agreement that lawmakers approved this summer. But some lawmakers have suggested undoing those automated cuts because of the hefty cuts to the defense budget included in that plan.
Looming on the horizon, too, is next week's Thanksgiving holiday. Reid warned Wednesday that incomplete work could threaten what has become a recent yearly tradition in Congress: holiday work.
“If we have procedural obstacles on that very important legislation, it will mean we have to work the weekend into next week,” Reid said this morning on the Senate floor, referring not just to the supercommittee's work, but a new Defense funding bill, as well. “I want to make sure everyone understands that.”
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No biggie gang.
We just hit $15 Trillion.
That's $48k per person.
You all are good for it, right?
But Republicans argue that $1 trillion in new revenue is too much, let alone politically palatable for most of their members in Congress, who face conservative pressure to reject anything even smacking of a tax hike.
Sorry, but it seems that the supercommittee will sh#$%^T a brick before they brake their promise to Norquist.
The daily pray of the Republican Supercommittee: God Save Norquist
I have excellent credit. Maybe you could lend it to me. ;-)
So much for that oath to the constitution they took. The oath to good old Grover is more important than the country.
"You are all good for it, right?"
Deficits don't matter.... Who cares? Besides, a deal will be done after the 2012 elections. The markets have already concluded that a deal will be done after the 2012 elections.
This is just the last act in the process of exiting the drama of the budget showdown brought to you by the economic terrorists.
No worries....one day that pledge will be there nemesis.
About time an adult stood up!
Not all at once. I would be willing to do 10k a year over 5 years. I agree with leavingBB though, it is just a number at this point.
Unless your bought and paid for leaders come down off their high ideological horse and find a way to put Americans back to work, it's not going to matter if it's 15 trillion or 15 trazillion.
People like you are so irrationally focused on the destination, you've forgotten how to take a first step.
Funny part is that the ability to sh#$%^T bricks would create jobs (probably help the housing market a little too).
How does raising taxes create jobs?
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No worries, buddy.
The super dems on the super committe have come up with a super swell idea.
They are are going to cut the budget by counting the ending of the war in Iraq as a savings over the next decade.
Just think ..... when the tell this to a 10 year old grandkid and the grandkid asks why don't you count the years / savings from WW II ..... we're all rich!
you are only talking about the debt,the money promised down the road is much greater and can be paid for by earnings in the future.get to work.
there will be no more fiesty redheads in the future as they will be bred out of existance.
It allows the government to keep paying public sector employees as well as support the private sector through government contracts.
Look at it from the opposite perspective - when the private sector isn't hiring and the economy has constricted, by far the worst thing the government can do is further restrict the economy through austerity measures.
$15,000,000,000,000
"Just a number."
Yep that's what they were saying in Greece, Italy - why all over the failed Euro-Zone.
I say we start getting everyone to poniy up their 'fair share' - $48k.
I just know Feisty is good for it.
What a good debater, someone that would come up with something this intelligent.
I'd do 10k extra over 5 years. If we cut spending to a more reasonable level. This includes defense and medicare.
I have a redheaded wood pecker in the back that's pretty feisty. Will that little bird brain be ok
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Well the operative was word is create, to add to, not "to keep and most rational people understand this to be self-sustainable jobs, not government jobs that rely on taxes from the private sector.
You menton government contracts for the private sector - like defense contractors, right ...... which is getting to get cut, right - because the private sector is flat / no job growth with no new tax revenues from those who should be employeed in the private sector.
Feel free to try again, though.
Fess up booby!
It's been years since you've had any wood in your pecker...
Studies have confirmed too much Scotch can have that effect! ;o)
Explains why you lead such a miserable existence little buddy!
All the bichin' and moanin'....
Maybe we are finally get past the past ten+ years of partisanship? I choose to hope this is a positive thing... even as little as it is.
Can we all hope, "Maybe"?
Said Co- chairman Hensarling.
I absolutely agree! Everyone in congress should receive the same benefits as those of us, on Social Security and Medicare.
And I want the Republicans end ALL of the tax loopholes for the wealthy 1% and make them pay taxes. That is what the GOP can put on the table
Also, I believe no American should be allowed to make a career out of politics. One six year term for President, Senator or Congressman and then they should put that experience on a resume and try to get a "real" job. Oh, that's right their are no jobs. Republicans will have to rely on their wealthy friends. They can just call the Koch brothers and ask them to give them all jobs. I forgot, they are already working for the Kochs and Norquist.
Something tells me, when they call all of their wealthy BFFs, no one will be home.
As a fiesty red head I promise you we won't be gone anywhere near your lifetime HorsePuckey!
Plus how does that help our current problem?
Sure, Spanky. As long as those who supported Bush's wars and his tax cuts pay the bill on those first, I'm good for my share of the rest. ;)
Sheeeesh, all this talk about Democrats have proposed this and Republicans have proposed that, while the Super 12 Ring Circus has NOT MEET TOGETHER in the last two weeks. Typical of Senator Murray being a moderator.
This is beginning to sound more and more like the Mandated Universal Health Care Reform legislation behind closed doors "GRAND DEALS"...."We won't know what hit us until we read it".
Wait.....(1) No agreement of the Budget deficit, (2) the Defense spending has not been resolved, and (3) Thanksgiving is coming up, but these turkeys have enough time to submit legislation for folks to carry concealed weapons across State lines.
Guess they will all vote to go with (3) so they can be at home with their families and special interest friends.
Go Big or Go Home! For good.
Before you commit to supporting this, wouldn't you like to know at least a little more about these "entitlement reforms"? I sure would.
I couldn't agree more DCIA!
We need to lower the curtain on the Kabuki Theatre!
*popcorn*?
Always knew this super committee was a farce. None of them wore a cape and tights!
Glass of chardonnay anyone?
Anna - Will we have a say? My concern is that if they don't do something this "cloud" will linger for the next year or so. Remember anything can be changed.....something the Republicans have made clear lately. ; )
Where's that popcorn ladies!
Don't mind if I do!
Mucho Gracious! ;o)
Coming right up!
I have to share what happened to me this evening - it's just too good not to!
Kids can do such good. Too bad the adults can't learn a thing or two from them.
Awww...It's things like that gives me hope! A new generation willing to help others.
Thanks for sharing that Feisty!
@ Feisty -- Good for you.
It's so sad we have to do things this way, but bless you for your generosity.
I live in a multi-unit apartment building, and I never get that kind of thing anymore. :-(
The strange thing is, if I'm lucky I might see a 6 or so trick or treaters?
I'm not complaining though - more candy for ME! ;o)
I am a sucker for the kids that come to the door. I live in a condo complex (like an apartment complex, but a bit fancier). We have a lot of children here. They are real big on helping out after big storms.
The same thing is happening in my neighborhood. Fewer and fewer trick or treaters each year. We had way too much candy left over....which of course we ate! lol
Had you been a teatard repuke you would have told them to get a job and buy their own food. Good for you Feisty.
Don't look up girls. Looks like rain is on the way!
They made me realize how lucky I am this year. Think I will do a bag of groceries this week for the food bank. Thanks kids for the inspiration!
That just breaks my heart. Kids going door to door to help others, that image brings tears to my eyes.
Entitlement?? I've paid into Social Security and Medicare for the past 36 years, since I started working at age 16. I have a vested interest not an entitlement. But let me ask of the Conservatives/Republican'ts/Tea Putzes, where was your concern about the debt and deficit when when you were busy starting two wars (one based on lies and non-existant WMD) by putting it on a credit card? Where was your concern when we started building the nations of Iraq and Afgahnistan? Where was your concern when Medicare Part D was legislated without a funding source? Where was your concern when you socialized the banks, Wall Street, along with the corporate and financial leadership with taxpayer funded bailouts that also went to performance bonuses and multimillion dollar salaries in the name of "talent." Where was your concern when you guys legislated TARP a fund that is not being used and currently is helping no one? Where was your concern when Americans were losing 750,000 jobs a month? These guys are so far removed from Main Street America it's not funny. No, it hasn't been enough that the conservatives spent with total disregard of common sense and have launched so many socialist policies, but now they want to call what I have worked for and invested in an entitlement.
Seeing kids going door to door asking for food gives you hope?
Most people would hope Obama would put aside his social agenda, take his foot off the neck of American business and let the economy return to where it should be ....... an economy where kids don't have to go door to door begging for food.
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL,
OMG, Feisty!
Good to see you back and not collapsed. I rarely comment on your comment(s), but always agree!
I take it Bob, you are not a Christian. Just reading what you said proves it. Does your hate for everyone and everything make you miserable? You certainly act like a miserable excuse for a human being.
It comes as NO suprise you're talking out of your ass again booby!
Now go back to your scotch & continue ripping the wings off of butterflies will ya JR!?
You're far too kind phinephancy!
Eh, I'm used to it Boris!
Thanks for the shout out! ;o)
Told you it was about to rain!
Bob -- Sheesz....the kids were learning how to be good citizens. Lighten up for once. Step out of the tunnel for a sec, okay? Have a great night. ; )
The only "entitlement reforms" I've seen yet are the suggestions that came out of the Joint Armed Services committee. For our Vets...it's just another kiss from a grateful nation...vintage 1970.
Feisty Redhead,
It seems like there are several trolls are people that can't bare your point of view that are collapsing your comments.
You should take it as a compliment, since they can't debate with you they do the cowardly act of collapsing your comments.
Keep up the good work!
Now this comment will be collapsed for sure!
Joe - I wear it like a badge of courage!
Always better to have a bulls-eye on your back instead of a boot on your neck!
I do believe I hold the Newsvine record for having my same comment collapsed twice in the same day? lol
How does THAT work anyway???
Thank you for the kind words! ;o)
I don't hate anyone.
I hate what Obama has wantonly done to America and the suffering he has caused.
And I don't rip wings off butterflies.
I rip the wings off arguments of the intellectual equivalent to mental butterflies.
Ol Doc -- I would be outraged if they cut the benefits of veterans. Something I would never support. Ever. Extremely grateful to all who serve our Country.
Everybody here...................."Get a Life"
Darn straight. In fact, Scott Walker and the Republican legislature is working on that in Wisconsin. That's why they've recent authorized a request for a Medicaid waiver to take away coverage for more than 12,000 children, and worked out a plan for ending the school milk program.
Who needs milk, anyway, when what we really need is tax cuts.
Next thing on the agenda -- after Koncealed Karry for Kids, of course, so that every child can have a gun in school -- will be child labor laws. When we end those pesky, job-killing maximum hours and minimum wage regulations, then those little underage beggars will be able to get to work and pay for their own food and health care.
You know, just like we did it in the old days.
Yessiree, bobby -- We're doing it right here in the Heartland.
At least, I'm sure YOU think so.
bob...you are THE troll! You are probably among the 12% that think the Republican House is doing a good job.
"bob",
[I don't hate anyone.]
Just admit it already...you just hate black presidents...
[I hate what Obama has wantonly done to America and the suffering he has caused.]
Oh, bull@!$%# "bob"...Obama has done nothing of the sort, and you now it. Poor, poor booby is sufferin'!
Would you be saying the same thing if [*GASP*] there was a McCain/Palin administration? No, you wouldn't.
Why? Because they would be doing the EXACT SAME THING the Obama Administration is doing to get us out of the septic tank that the Bush Administration put us in.
[And I don't rip wings off butterflies.]
Uhm, yes you do, "bob"...again, just admit it...then go for counseling...Spanky is a good "counselor".
[I rip the wings off arguments of the intellectual equivalent to mental butterflies.]
booby, you haven't "ripped the wings" off anything You only bolster the findings of the study that conservatism is a mental illness.
bob-1805084 Raising taxes forces people with money to use it or lose it. If the wealthy individuals and the corporations sitting on piles of cash had to choose between investing and taxes, they'd invest and they really would be job providers, rather than lobbying to retain their wealth at the expense of all the other upstarts. Its why there is general prosperity when the tax rate is higher for the moneyed class, and recession and unemployemnt when the tax rates are low. Trickle down only works when the wealthy are forced to invest in jobs, otherwise they could care less about you and me.
Hey you guys, give Bob 180 a break right this instant. He is going to come to First Read tomorrow with a list of regulations that are wiping out jobs. He is a sensitive sort and is trying to help put America back to work. I'm so excited, bob.
Don't_carry_it_all: I'm witcha babe, I'm witcha. Let's keep those veteran benefits in place. I get to see how the V.A. works first-hand. I tell ya, single payer is the way to go. Top-notch, high quality medical care. It's what's for health. (That's kind of a Robert Mitchum thing. You know - Beef, it's what's for dinner.)
Bob
I guess you find the need defend your actions, first stating you don't hate anyone. Then you tear into Obama blaming him for all the ills of our country. That is very simplistic and completely untrue.
There is more blame to go around than just to blame Obama. I could go very deep and give facts that it is not only Obama's fault but instead I will say that it is the fault of both parties some more guilty than others.
It's hard to have a civil debate with someone who blames one man, and then to judge someones intellect who disagrees with you in a vile manor. You haven't ripped the wings off of anyone but you continue to play the same record over and over and over. No one has all of the answers and to even suggest you do shows your level of intellectual ability or lack there of.
That the republicans are even mentioning increased revenues says to me that they love guns a lot more than butter. I imagine they will pull that old flat tax out of their hat and call that a compromise that the middle class and poor will have to pay while the wealthy rake in even more.
x
Thunder Dog
finally some one come's along making sense. Thank you for telling this to all the Glory Seeker's. [ R's ] They need something to think about.
they should just go on vacation now everyone knows the teapubs won't vote for anything that's reasonable. so just let the automatic cut take hold and watch them cry like baby's over the minimal defence cuts they are already to pass a resolution to reverse them.
Over 70-75% of the citizens of this country want higher taxes on the upper income earners, but the GOP refuses. The people refusing to abide by the will of the people is obvious.
Why would our elected representatives every represent what our views are? (Sarcasm) Our elected officials represent their corporate owners.
And of course the unions!
Think Progress:
Group Of Millionaires Visits Washington To Tell Congress: ‘Tax Me’ | Two-dozen millionaires are coming to Capitol Hill today to urge Congress to raise taxes on millionaires as part of any debt deal. The group, Patriotic Millionaires for Fiscal Strength, is scheduled to appear before at the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ hearing on job creation this morning. After that, the group will visit the offices of all six supercommittee members, Democratic leaders, members of the Tea Party Caucus, and anti-tax advocate Grover Norquist.
******
More Than Half Of All Congressional Members Are Millionaires | If the voices of the 99 Percent Movement are being heard in Washington at all, they’re being heard predominantly by the 1 percent. As the Center for Responsive Politics notes, “About 47 percent of Congress, or 249 current members are millionaires.” Sixty-six percent of the U.S. Senate reported an average net worth in excess of $1 million in 2010. In fact, “despite the global meltdown in 2008 and the sluggish recovery that followed,” the estimated median net worth of a current U.S. senator was $2.56 million, up about 7.6 percent from the median net worth in 2009. All together, 315 out of 535 members of Congress — or 58 percent — are millionaires. Noting that few Americans have access to “the same financial cushions” or the same “market-altering information,” the Center For Responsive Politics pointed out that “the vast majority of members of Congress are quite comfortable, financially, while many of their own constituents suffer from economic hardships.”
Pat,
This is good news that two dozen millionaires understand that taxes have to be raised. As you pointed out though it would hurt a majority of Congressmen to raise taxes since the majority of them are millionaires.
I have worked my tail off all of my life and always paid my fair share of taxes. Right now I would be willing to pay more as long as the Government wouldn't waste it own wars, eliminate Corporate loopholes and Corporate Welfare.
People like Grover Norquist and his pledges need to be taken out of the political equation. I would love to see the Republicans gather all of his pledges and burn them outside Congress. No one elected this man and our Congressmen and women swear an oath to Citizens and they need to abide by this oath and not to any damn pledge.
Karl Rove and his political machine needs to be dismantled. He has only helped crooked politicians and the Corporations that pay him. He has damaged our country more than any other single human being. He destroys his competition buy telling lies and spreading rumors. He did it to John McCain and any other Democrat or Republican he wanted to see defeated. He is a cancer in our political system.
There are good honest men and women in Congress on both sides of the isle and they need to stand up and take our Government back and give it to the Citizens of the United States. I wish the honest ones would stand up and turn in every crooked politician they know. It might take our most of Congress but at least it would set an example that we will no longer accept corruption as the norm in our Government.
After Congress is cleared up the Supreme needs to be investigated and if need prosecuted. When a Supreme Court Justice fails to report his wife's income as required by law for over a decade he is either corrupt or senile. In either case he needs to be impeached or resign. The fact that the Supreme Court gave Corporations the same rights as living United States Citizens is deplorable and invites corruption in our elections. A Supreme Court Justice should set the highest example of moral character and a few of them think they are above the law.
We have to clean our Government up and we all need to contribute to this process. Our tax code needs to be corrected so it is fair and impartial. It is up to us to do what we can to right the ship. Fighting among ourselves because of ideological differences is just what the crooks want.
I think we can all agree, no matter if you belong to the Tea Party, OWS, the Democratic Party, Republican Party or any other Party that we want our Government to be run honestly by honest men and woman. It's time to stop yelling at each other and calling each other names.
Great idea but it ain't gonna happen....it's called POWER & $$$$$$
The GOP is a rare group in that they not only put all the nails in their coffin- they also dig their own graves.
Nothing like throwing the fate of our country down to the last minute... exciting! I think I'll start popping the popcorn to see the drama unfold. :(
The Dems will refuse to compromise.
Because their total failure of a President needs a phony issue to run on.
9% unemployment, and "Bush did it" hasnt worked for him.
bob, bush had 7.8 % unemployment so that 1.2% more under Obama not to bad because GW handed the keys to Obama after he wrecked the economy biggest recession since the great one an in real money that's huge compare the 1920's to today bush did it is the truth and obviously "you can't handle the truth"
BUSH DID IT Bush DID IT like crap , The housing thing and policies actually started under carter , Next presidents cannot spend one penny with out Congress So when did it all start coming apart about 2007 2008, 2007 110th congress in the senate D 49 R 49 In the house D 233 R 202 2009 Obama took Office 111th congress Senate D 57 R41 House D 257 R 178 , Congress controls the money , Democrats controlled congress , Bush left office we were at about &10 trillion in debt which was accumulated over about a 20 year period ,we are know at $14 .94 trillion in debt Obama and the Democratic controlled congress have increased our debt by about %50 in two years , 2011 112th congress Senate D 51 R 46 House D 193 R 242 What the Republicans are doing is Putting the Brakes on Obama and the Democrats SPENDING , Obama And the Democrats increased Government by %37 Obama is Anti American energy , Anti Jobs unless they are Government funded jobs , That is his record and he proves it every day , Blame Bush Blame Bush is about as naive of the facts as one can get ,
let the cuts happen, the senate, I include both parties, are worthless pond scum, and until the middle stands up and get angry it is not going to change.
The Democrats have put enough on the table. If the Republicans can't deal, let the automatic cuts begin.
Neither cuts alone nor tax increases will solve the problem. It will take a sensible combination of both to accomplish that. Unless the so called Super Committee provides the combination they might as well do something else as they won't accomplish anything. It is good that the Republicans are FINALLY starting to think about compromise. Their my way or the highway attitude isn't going to be seen favorably a year from now.
if you believe that the republicans will compromise I've got some parkland to sell you in Ohio(fracking on it's way to your yard).
"I am still hopeful that the Republicans will see their way to bringing to us a real revenue package, that's what all of us are looking for in terms of fair and balanced," said Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the Democratic co-chair of the committee.
Says unbalanced "Pork Chop" Patty Murray, big spender. Government has an insatiable appetite to pilfer from the private sector.
Time for a diet.
Bob, you mean the private sector that brought this country to it's knees? Is that the private sector you are talking about?
bob u r the most rabid talking point parrot in the cage. the facts are the only way to fix the economy is to tax fairly cut sensibly and grow the work force so the tax base gets larger big business has plenty so let them pay because the middle class worked to make them rich
Your man bush ran up the nation's credit card Bob. What were you saying in those days?
What I really love is that now they are figuring out a way to do nothing but still get around the automatic cuts. I love it. What a bunch of wimps.
The Bush tax cuts should be allowed to expire and that should not even be a topic of discussion. They should never have been passed. When we entered two wars they should have been rescinded. They should have been allowed to expire a year ago and need to expire a year from now. So, taking that into consideration, do the math from there. I am also interested in what the proposed entitlement reforms are.
Enough already, increase taxes on the RICH and let's get back to business. Everyone knows the meaning of RICH.
Let me just make sure I understand this GOP proposal. They want to increase revenue by 300 billion in exchange for lowering the tax rate (that will presumably yield the same amount).
So the GOP math goes like this: $300 billion - $300 billion = Awesome deficit reduction
And now the Democrats should propose the following:
[($1 trillion) in Medicare cuts + $2 trillion Pentagon increase] / 0 = Great deal, take it or leave it
Who says the Democrats are against military spending? Such a fantastic deal should make Mr. Panetta very happy indeed.
Damn rightwingers, it is about time that they realized that my way or the highway is not going to cut it. Either they work a deal out with the Dems or Sgt Bilko gets one in the head, GET IT. There is no way to weasel out this time, compromise will occur or else, the automatic trigger.
The solution is to cut some of this and that, to raise some taxes and hopefully close some loopholes and subsidies. We all need skin in this game and none need to worry about old Grover Norquist. If he doesn't see this coming he is blind and he will simply remake himself so he has a job.
The GOP is bound and determined to reduce/privatize SS and Medicare. That is why they created this deficit/debt crisis! I say NO to touching the SS, Medicare etc! The GOP created this crisis---let THEM suffer the consequences! It isnt right to fix the GOP debt crisis on the back of the poor and elderly and sick! There are planey of other areas where solid cuts can be made and eliminating the bush tax cuts for the wealthy and closing corporate loopholes would also be a huge step in effectively address these issues!
Tom - Seriously - perhaps the most ignorant post I have read in a long time. Harry Reid talking points will not fix the Country son.
"I'm not going to negotiate against myself," he said today of the Republicans'
Oh yes you are. Because until you put the Bush Tax cut for the wealthy and a tax on income over $250 it looks like the needed cuts come out of the Defense budget which is bloated anyway now. Finally the shoe is on the foot, and the Dems can just say NO! Hopefully they learned well from watching the GOP say it for the last 3 years.
Let me get this straight..... Those on the right of the aisle have offered 300 billion in new revenue, while cutting nearly 1 trillion in entitlements, all the while refusing to cut the largest military budget in the world?
save it.... come to no agreement and we'll just take 600 bil out of the military budget as you agreed to just months ago.
Stop the damn obstruction and get to work.
I think you may misunderstand the math. Somehow they are saying $300 billion in new tax revenues while also promising to lower the tax rate at the same time? That which goes up can not also go down. Or at least that is how I see it.
It smacks of funny math and that makes me suspicious.
We can hope for a Thanksgiving miracle that these politicians will put politics aside and come up with a real plan. But I'm not counting on it. It is far more likely they will come up with some sort of stop gap plan that will kick the issue even further down the road and we'll be having this discussion again in the spring.
These freeloading old people, schoolkids, grad students, and constructing workers need to get in line. Daddy needs 2000 new missiles. If kids want healthy meals in school they should earn it in factories like the good old days.
/sarcasm - for those Fox news viewers
typical liberal BS propaganda instead of the facts!
oh conservatives hate everybody but big oil companies!
boohoohoo!
But you never hear that mr grover or the soviets saying they have softened their stance on taxing the upper 1%. No. No. And whatever is agreed upon at the committee level still needs to be approved by congress. No real politician would ever sign any mr grover pledge.
soviets don't exist anymore.
No new revenue, cut first. Or you fail Boehner.
Is your real name Grover?
I see the fine art of negotiation is not lost on some.
When a business or a family is in dire financial straights, the ones that survive always do a couple of basic things first - and at the same time: they cut spending wherever they can, they look at ways of stretching every dollar -- companies stress productivity, families often concentrate on clothes and food, and they increase revenue in any way they can -- whether it's collecting money that's owed, finding new jobs to do, or charging more for goods and services.
An observation: when we take any one of those approaches off the table, that is saying to the country that our problems are not really that severe. So, I feel better; our economy is good enough that we can afford to play partisan games with it.
Bohner needs to go
bet you don`t like throwing your money in a hole,i bet you pay your bills before you have to also pay interest.i`m taking you like a grownup person and trying to make a point.