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Subscribe to RSSSen. Patty Murray (D) and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R), the co-chairs of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, released the following statement (after the markets closed):
After months of hard work and intense deliberations, we have come to the conclusion today that it will not be possible to make any bipartisan agreement available to the public before the committee's deadline.
Despite our inability to bridge the committee's significant differences, we end this process united in our belief that the nation's fiscal crisis must be addressed and that we cannot leave it for the next generation to solve. We remain hopeful that Congress can build on this committee's work and can find a way to tackle this issue in a way that works for the American people and our economy.
We are deeply disappointed that we have been unable to come to a bipartisan deficit reduction agreement, but as we approach the uniquely American holiday of Thanksgiving, we want to express our appreciation to every member of this committee, each of whom came into the process committed to achieving a solution that has eluded many groups before us. Most importantly, we want to thank the American people for sharing thoughts and ideas and for providing support and good will as we worked to accomplish this difficult task.
We would also like to thank our committee staff, in particular Staff Director Mark Prater and Deputy Staff Director Sarah Kuehl, as well as each committee member's staff for the tremendous work they contributed to this effort. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Douglas Elmendorf and Mr. Thomas Barthold and their teams at the Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation, respectively, for the technical support they provided to the committee and its members.
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Am I supposed to act *shocked*?
That sound you hear is the can clunking on down the road...
Who knows, maybe some day the Congress critters will remember the definition of compromise...
What's comprimise?
I believe you are talking about a mystical fantasy item of power.
In all seriousness though, its sad that they were unable to do anything to fix the problem.
Feisty - No, not shocked. Saddened maybe.
The "automatic" cuts will be repealed long before they go into effect. On the upside the Republicans weren't allowed to force this country into a default via holding the debt ceiling hostage.
We all knew what the problem would be months ago: Republicans won't allow revenue increases on the wealthy. Any change in the tax code needs to be a change that will increase the wealth of the top .01%. That is why Republicans made the joke of an offer they did - they knew that the tax "increases" were actually cuts for the people they care about.
Goose & nisl - you hit the nail on the head...
I am feeling much more of a sense of sadness than I am surprise! ;o)
Feisty---how naive am I---I actually thought they were being like they used to be when they would have a committee do military base closings---delegate the tough work to a few and then say their hands were tied. I really thought they would find a way to make this work. I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
Had to announce this today.
They need to get over to Alice's Restaurant for a Thanksgiving Dinner that can't be beat.
Steeler Fan - I don't think this was ever about deficit/debt reduction. This was about getting past the debt ceiling vote without the Tea Party (aka the Republican base) making our country default on its debt.
If it were about reducing the deficit/debt the cuts wouldn't have been delayed until 2013, a time line that allows ample opportunities for repeal of the cuts. Heck, if they wanted a deal that would reduce the debt/deficit they could have done that months ago. Obama and the Dems put entitlement cuts on the table, they put everything on the table, but the Republicans didn't want a deal, they wanted to ruin Obama and the Dems. Also too, Grover wouldn't let them raise taxes, so they didn't.
While Obama was up doing his job gaining $35billion more in exports for the USA, and maintaining a high approval rating for this Commander-in-chief handling of our military and foreign policy, the Congress could not even do their JOB they appointed themselves of passing a deficit reduction Bill. Yet some moron here will find a way to blame Obama for this - he didnt hold their hands while they take a pee, maybe?
I heard Luke Russert this afternoon reporting that the GOP already has plans to get around the defense cuts trigger (which we already knew). However, now the GOP plans to make it almost impossible for the payroll tax cuts and unemployment insurance to be extended without the cuts THEY deem to be responsible. Guess all tax cuts aren't the same - and they had this in the bag the whole time. The whole supercommitte thing was a farce as far as the GOP was concerned. They weren't going to deal at all.
The reality is that you have a far-left radical ideologue as president, a guy that promised to "transform" America.
Obama is by far - the most polarizing president in Gallup history - as long as Gallup has been taking polls.
Obama doesn't even work with his own causcus, dosesn't work with his side of the committee - even in a time of crisis.
He was and still is nothing but a community organizer - certainly not a leader.
This is what you get with an incompetent community organizer. It is amazing that you guys don't get it ..... heck even Chris Matthews is starting to realize it.
So demagogue the repubs like this is the first time in history the opposition party didn't agree with the president, blame Bush, turn on Matthews and Gregory and Todd and everyone else ..... but what do you end up with ..... Obama and failure.
You guys need to accept the fact that he just isn't capable of doing the job .... there will always have been excuses and there always will.
Losers always grasp them - real leaders ignore them and overcome them.
No matter how you frame, no matter all the excuses - Obama is simply a loser.
Republicans will never take responsibility for this failure to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans, even after they're voted out of office next November.
They are simply not capable of accepting responsibility for any action or inaction they take.
Dear Congress
I'm very sorry to tell you this, but the American voters cannot decide whether to pay you in heaping piles of steaming horse@!$%#, or with bushels of rotting tomatoes, so, consequently, you will not be paid at all this quarter. Thanks for showing up, however.
After months of hard work and intense deliberations
Never, ever, confuse effort with results.
That's funny Amy. Good luck with that.
Bottom line is this is all a side show.
They are increasing the debt $1.6 Trillion each year. in 10 years they will double the existing debt.
This commission was talking about cutting $1.2 Trillion over 10 years. Big whoop.
Things will continue to spiral downward until the big brains running the show figure out that they need to spend less than what they collect.
Count me among the saddened but unsurprised.
The situation has gone beyond ridiculous.
As always, someone is blaming the President for the failure of Congress.
GOP is going to face a veto if they try the trick about the defense cuts. Go Mr. President!!!!
Not to be cynical or anything, but did they make the announcement before or after the markets closed?
Never mind. It looks suspiciously like BEFORE.
Ouch.
And I especially love this title:
http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/21/news/economy/payroll_tax_holiday/index.htm
Almost like they've been mowing them down right and left and just resolved the last one, or something like that.
AM, the GOP has already said no to the payroll tax cuts. Guess they found a tax they like - on working Americans, not the wealthy.
And perhaps collect just a wee bit more.
C'mon, Spanky ... you're good for it ... give it up for Old Glory. ;-)
You and me both AM.
But we also both know that any MORE money they get will go to increased spending, not debt or deficit reduction.
That is just a fact.
But economic reality will eventually prevail. It always does.
Here goes Bob again, spinning and lying! Since he won't step up to the plate to fix his statement, Gallup has not taken a poll to determine if he is polarizing. What Gallup polls indicate is that America is polarized when it comes to support for Obama.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/01/obama-most-polarizing-presiden-in-history/1
And from the article you reference, the very first sentence .....
BTW - That was just the first year ....... It is much worse now.
RedDev, feel free to twist it how how ever you want .... then feel free to sit and spin on it.
Hope the hell someone (media) uses FOIA to get copies of all notes, records, reports and recordings of this disaster otherwise known as the "SuperCommittee". Epic fail. We deserve the truth on why it failed!
Anyone who expected anything worthwhile to come out of the stupor committee must have been in a stupor themselves.
No need to be surprised with the outcome. The committee was never going to deliver on anything that would benefit the nation. If we want to change the direction this country is heading in, we’d better think hard when casting our vote at the next election.
This should be a lesson to anyone planning to depend on the government aka someone else to plan for their health and financial well being. Make a little effort to provide for yourself. It won't matter who is in the White House then.....
UAW, sensible statement provided you have the meager means to accomplish that, but a large number of citizens do not have those means, they barely have the means to feed themselves with the small wages they are paid or able to make for many reasons. I really doubt all people want to be poor or live on the street but the opportunity is just not there for all our citizens otherwise we would not have unemployment in this country as it is now. So what do we do with those citizens, let them starve, die say so sorry not our problem. Is that what we are becoming as a people.
Yeah, the government is useless, as long as Republicans control it. Worst Congress, Ever.
Amy you really got to pull your head out and look around.
See Amy the Republicans control the House. Now, and as you know, your very own team Blue controls the Senate and the White House.
Now I know math is hard and all but 1 [the House] is always less than 2 [Senate and WH].
So you see, when you make silly statements like 'as long as Republicans control it... you just make me sad.
Sad for you Amy. Cause I know you know better.
Sorry Spanky - but the Republicans virtually hold both the house and senate due to a little nut sack grab known as the filibuster. Never in American history has the filibuster been so abused by either party as it has been by Republicans during the past few years, and that's a matter of public record. Republicans have either used or threatened the filibuster THREE TIMES more than ever in U.S. history. So save your demeaning commentary for your dehydrated friends who watch Fox News.
Spanky, Democrats barely "control" the Senate, and you know it. The White House is not in charge of legislation, again, you knew that. What Obama can control, he excels in.
Barley control, eh gang?
Obama 'excels' does he?
Amy - you are just precious. The fact is Reid and the dems control the Senate. Golly for a long time Pelosi controlled the House too.
But maybe you all need to get with Chris Matthews. See, my 2nd favorite MSNBC entertainer, um, I mean newsman is very down on Obama these days.
The tingle is gone gang.
Say Amy you think Reid, leader of the Senate could find his way to come up with a budget one of these days?
Wait, I know - GOP mind control.
Oh and good news - next year the GOP will have both the House and the Senate, then you all can enjoy the Senate procedures and rules. That is, if you can maintain enough seats to make it matter.
Spanky, you have a child's view of the three branches of government. A very naughty child, who doesn't do his homework, and cheats off other kids' papers. Sasha Obama knows more than you do.
Ouch Amy.
But they were your words dear - "as long as Republicans control it. Worst Congress, Ever."
Not sure how that makes me naughty or someone who doesn't do his homework, or a cheater, but coming from someone who would walk over hot coals for Obama....
Do you know Sasha Obama?
Spanky: what Rick said.
Enjoy your fantasy world Amy.
Compromise is something that the Republicans have to do as the Democrats hold the moral high ground.
Awww...ain't that cute...the Little Rascal picking on Amy again...
So, fill me in Spanky. What's your talking point today?
...lay it on me, toadie...
If Amy's living in a fantasy world, Spanky; you're camped out in the Land of the Lost.
No surprise here. The uncompromising Republicans haven't changed their stance since prior to creation of the Super Committee. Their primary objective is make Obama a one-term president in order to maintain the status quo for the 1%. To hell with the rest of the wants/needs of the country. This article further proves the Republican party is in it for the 1%, not the 99%.
http://openchannel.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/19/8884405-lobbying-firms-memo-spells-out-plan-to-undermine-occupy-wall-street
Forget the next generation time-line, how about the next congress? If these idiots can't reach a reasonable compromise, then vote 'em out and bring in a new batch. Eventually maybe we'll get a group that's willing to WORK!
U.S. Representative (now Senator) Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) told The New Yorker:
Leona, Jim DeMint is an idiot and this statement you keep repeating just proves it. Find other parrot to quote. Better yet go back to your cave painting.
This got posted below accidentally.
Every day, the Republican Party is losing constituents, because every day more people can vote themselves more benefits without paying for it.
Hmmm, DeMint seems not to know much about history. Back in the day of true fiscal conservatives the top marginal tax rate was 91%, and Eisenhower refused to lower it if it would add a dime to the debt. Then along came supply side/Trickle Down/Voodoo economics, and bang, Republicans stopped even trying to pay for things. That is why Reagan tripled the national debt and why Dick Cheney said, "Reagan taught us deficits don't matter." So when DeMint says, "The tax code will destroy democracy, by putting us in a position where most voters don’t pay for government," he needs to go a bit further and explain who it was that decoupled spending and taxes.
Also too, someone should explain to DeMint that in America we the citizens vote for members of Congress, and then Congress votes on laws. The idea that, "every day more people can vote themselves more benefits without paying for it," is, well, wrong.
Ok Tis - help me understand.
Which one of the statements is false?
Demint is an idiot because:
1. More people are paying taxes than ever?
2. Are less people dependent on the government now?
3. Did not some super smart old time guy not say that democracy ends when the voters figure out they can vote themselves more and more handouts?
4. Wait, I know Tis - you think the tax code is super cool and needs no reform.
So is it all of the above Tis? Where is he wrong?
Tis - 40% of the revenue comes from 1%.
So how about it Tis - you like painting? Got a cave? The way things are going you might very well need one.
But yet we are still supposed to believe this same old tired line of "hope and change..."???
Enough with your spam trolling Leona - you have posted that same crap over (although you finally added the source) over 25 times in the past 48 hours!
Look at Sheriff Feisty, laying down the law.
So Feisty, what you gonna do about it?
Hey I know - you could put Leona on 'ignore.'
Spanky, I think nisl stated it clearly enough even you can undertstand neither you or I vote ourselves more benefits. As for number 1 think about that one for a second, more people are paying taxes than ever before, true and more people live in this country than ever before. #2 Every person in this country is dependant on Governments for something. #3. which party is trying to disolve democracy today? Restricting voting rights? Removing elected officials?. #4 Tax Code, no it needs reform but his hypothis is incorrect. As for where he is wrong is still blaming the people for republican decissions today. As for the cave yep you may be right unless we can rid this country of the infestation of self rightous, ignorant, greedy politician who swear to conflicting oaths to serve this country or a single individual. If this is really the country you want, I will fight you for it, it is your thinking that has bankrupted this country morally and financially so keep going and we may be sharing that cave for a short time Spanky. You really want that.
You are totally wrong Tis.
I do indeed vote for benefits. I vote for the benefit of paying as little in taxes as I can. See Tis, I really like the money I make. I do everything I can to keep as much of it as possible.
Less people are paying taxes, on a percentage basis. And so many are now government assistance. So few pay the burden of so many. That's not equity. I should have to pay the same rate as every other citizen in this republic. But I don't get to do that, do I Tis? Is that 'fair.'
But explain how my thinking has bankrupted the country. Can you do that Tis?
See Tis - I advocate for spending less than they collect. That'd be the opposite of insolvency.
Feisty,
wow , they pay you to search for my posts and count them too !!
Your kids must be PROUD. LOL
The Republicans held the rest of Congress hostage, and our country, over the debt ceiling crisis. Now, they do it again with the "Super-committee" by refusing to accept a minor increase in taxing the rich and wealth to have a more fair and balanced approach to resolving the deficit. Folks! Remember their action when it comes to our next election. And throw out those who do the bidding of Grover Nordquist, who do not have the courage to think for themselves and do the right thing for our country.
WaltD,
You are the typical Dem/Liberal who just believes in bloated govt.
The govt. should NOT be a "nanny state" that is there to take care of every need, raising our taxes and spending us into the kind of debt that Greece has.
Why don't you and all your liberal friends move to Greece?
You can still get there in time for the riots in the streets that take place every day.
That's as ignorant as saying that typical Rep/Conservatives believe only in the success of the wealthiest Americans. Now that just isn't true either, is it?
Walt,
What is really chilling is the disregard the Republicans are showing for the will of the public. They don't even try to convince anyone not raising taxes on the very rich is good for the country. They know Americas see the need to raise taxes, but they choose to serve the ones who bankroll their campaigns. Is this the end of our democracy? Do elections even matter anymore?
I just love it how you can speak for all of America Amy.
That's great.
But as to your query - why do elections matter - you have the WH and control the Senate, but in your mind the GOP is in charge.
Too funny.
You know what does matter? Being flat broke. And that's what the country is Amy. So buckle up and don't expect too much.
I have the perfect answer to the woes of the "Super Committee."
All the Dems/Libs can move to Greece/Italy/Portugal/Spain..... ( since liberals believe in HIGH taxes and increased spending.)
They can still get there in time for the riots in the streets that take place every day.
U.S. Debt problem Solved !
Spanky, polls show most Americans agree millionaires should pay more taxes. The Bush tax cuts did not grow the economy or create jobs, and we spent trillions on two wars.
It's scary that Republicans seem so unmoored from public opinion. It's as if elections don't matter. Republicans aren't even trying to convince us they are doing this for the country. Their actions belie traditional conservative values, they don't care about the deficit, they just care about keeping the tax cuts. It's almost like a coup has occured. A coup of the wealthiest 1%.
Amy,
Wake up. Put the kool aid down.
Elections do matter, the American people spoke.
That's why 60+ Republicans were elected in 2010..........
simply put, they were elected TO DECREASE THE SPENDING IN WASHINGTON D.C. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Leona, if voters chose Republicans to reign in spending, why are Republicans not agreeing to raise taxes on millionaries, who can afford to pay more, in exchange for spending cuts? Why do Republican candidates say they would not accept raising taxes by $1.00 in exchange for $10.00 in spending cuts? Why are the Tea Party freshman sending millions of dollars in pork to their home districts, if cutting spending is what they were sent to do? Because the true constutuency for Republicans is the wealthy 1%, not the poor schmucks who voted for them.
Yep Amy - unmoored from public opinion.
You know kinda like Obamacare.
And come on now Amy - say it with me - Obama's tax cuts for the rich.
It is funny how you just can't understand that reigning in spending has NOTHING to do with raising taxes.
You know funny n an sad way.
Dear corporate "people" : if you don't pay your taxes, we can't invade countries for their oil. Think of it as the price of doing business.
Hi. Im a liberal democrat. I am more intelligent than everyone else, and my smug attitude only shows how stupid everyone else is that isnt a liberal democrat. I have an understanding that the peole of this country are too stupid to handle their own affairs, so I want agencies protecting agencies supervising agencies to make sure those that dont need any help pay most of their income to those in need. I either work for these agencies, or get paid to help people that do. Deficit shmeficit! Its fake money anyway. I only care that I get mine today, and let someone else take care of the problems tomorrow. After all, i believe the rich and upper middle class should give more of their income, with NO RESENTMENT AT ALL, so I can keep the less fortunate enslaved and dependent. hey, thats who votes for my friends! Anyone want a free ride, sign up now for the democrat party! I promise you, the more fortunate have plenty of money to give us, till we destroy them. Thats what Obamanomics is all about. Oh, lastly, i am supervising low income housing in New york city, 30 square blocks. Cheap rent subsidized and owned by the chinese govt. They paid cash, american dollars, with only one months interest(25 billion). i think they bought it with the money we borrowed, but i dont care. I hear they are doing this all over the U.S.The new mayor of that area is chinese, and he convinced the city mayor to change immigration laws for chinese citizenship. Its cool, isnt it? You see, a deep thinker keeps asking, and then what would happen, and then what would happen, until you have an end result. You dont have to sell freedom. You have to sell enslavement, which is what all you libs bought. Go ahead, deflect, name call, criticize, grab your rocks and torches and gather round. Your cowardly criticism is shallow and transparent. Just like the murderer Eric Holder and Solyndra scandal. Freedom 2012. Brought by... now and always.... republicans! GOD BLESS AMERICA! LAND OF THE FREEEE( not subsidized and entitled, free) HOME OF THE BRAVE. Signing off, back to work for me! NOT for you! lol! Funny thing is a liberal doesnt even pinpoint itself in this sarcasm.
Well said !!
No shocker here folks. 6 months of wasted time (and our money. Why do we vote for these clowns and I mean both Party's.
Vote them all out.
Obama in 2012.
Both parties? How bad does it have to get before you lay the blame at the feet of those Republicans, who would sooner see our credit rating collapse than raise taxes to the level they were during the Clinton years?
Amy,
Both sides are equally responsible for this mess.
The sad truth is that all of us end up losing. The Dems didn't win. The Repubs didn't win. And the American people for darn sure didn't win. Why can't we tie a corporate tax increase into some sort of "bringing the jobs back to America" plan? Here is your corporate rate. You bring "X" number of jobs back to America instead of outside of this country, and we lower your tax rate. You provide new jobs for "X" number of employees that are currently unemployed, and we lower your tax rate. Someone at the GAO would have the ability to calculate what those "X's" should be.
You still need to deal with entitlements, the whole income tax system, and the fact that half of Americans are not paying income taxes but still receiving every benefit they can. Someone, and it is less and less of us, is still paying the bill for each of those receiving the bounty.
Finally, there would have to be some comprehensive immigration plan incorporated as part of this whole package. What needs to be done with the illegals already here? What are we going to do to prevent more from coming? Does our immigration system to become an American citizen need to be simplified unless something in your backround sets off security alarms? Until you and I, regardless of our party affiliations, decide that this is OUR country, and OUR problems, and we let OUR elected officials know we want this addressed, will anything but the political blame game from both sides end.
Every day, the Republican Party is losing constituents, because every day more people can vote themselves more benefits without paying for it.
Hmmm, DeMint seems not to know much about history. Back in the day of true fiscal conservatives the top marginal tax rate was 91%, and Eisenhower refused to lower it if it would add a dime to the debt. Then along came supply side/Trickle Down/Voodoo economics, and bang, Republicans stopped even trying to pay for things. That is why Reagan tripled the national debt and why Dick Cheney said, "Reagan taught us deficits don't matter." So when DeMint says, "The tax code will destroy democracy, by putting us in a position where most voters don’t pay for government," he needs to go a bit further and explain who it was that decoupled spending and taxes.
Also too, someone should explain to DeMint that in America we the citizens vote for members of Congress, and then Congress votes on laws. The idea that, "every day more people can vote themselves more benefits without paying for it," is, well, wrong.
nisl you are funny.
91%, but yet the government has consistently brought in the same amount of revenue.
See nisl, the rates matter very little. You need to look at the deductions, exemptions, shelters, and other ways the code allows income to be excluded.
I wonder nisl - have you ever read the tax code?
I bet you have not.
You should google that qoute about voter voting themselves more benefits. This might surprise you, it's a very old idea, and not a Demint original.
Stop talking down to people. It just comes across as arrogant.
That's his shtick - it is all he has...
Best thing you can do is put him on 'ignore author'! ;o)
First 'attorney' I've met who doesn't understand the three seperate branches of Government!
Ah, Fiesty.
Queen of her cyber world. Can't seem to figure out that we have never met.
And gosh Feisty - forget about the separate branches - according to AMY the GOP is in control of the whole kit and caboodle.
Is the Republican Party losing more constituents?
Oh, Happy Day--they lost me years ago.
Nice to see more people not buying the BS.
(c'mon--call me a Marxist.)
[...have you ever read the tax code?]
And there we have it, people...the talking point of the thread...
I knew you wouldn't let us down, toadie...besides, you're way off your target, being waaaay down here on the page.
Good boy, Spanky...now sit...roll over...maybe FR will give you a milk bone.
"We remain hopeful that Congress can build on this committee's work and can find a way to tackle this issue in a way that works for the American people and our economy."
Maybe they are hopeful, I'm not. Congressmen are undoubtledly even now, drafting proposals to re-instate any funding for their special interests such as Defense, etc. that may be in jeopardy because of the comittee's failure to reach agreement, so that even the effect of the "automatic' cuts will be blunted. Nothing changes.
Quite frankly, I have always felt that the whole super committee issue was only a charade so that Congress could say "well at least we tried," a show that was never expected to succeed. Just hours of time and money wasted, false hopes of compromise raised, and several months of being able to put off inevitable hard decisions.
And the blame game goes on. Is leadership a forgotten concept?
Oh, except that the President has already promised to veto such a bill; in no uncertain terms yesterday, the President said "No" to those who would even propose it. On this, the President is smart not to back down. And he won't, which only sucks for Republicans. Because Americans by a 2 to 1 margin support tax increases on the wealthy while Republicans don't. Project yourself forward and do the math for election day 2012. Who is going to lose their jobs as this message pours out in an unrestrained tsunami, flooding into the public domain? Tea Party Republicans, by about a 2 to 1 margin. Watch for this margin in Scott Walker's recall election. It will be a strong fortelling of the near future for other Tea Party Republicans who show a rabid unwillingness to compromise.
GOP 2012: Oops.
Normally, with Democrats and Republicans being unable to agree, I would blame the Republicans. Their intransigence on taxation/revenue increases is tantamount to the "ostrich head in the sand." Counter to that, the Democrats inability to figure a way to reform the entitlements so no one really gets hurt too much is like a donkey wearing blinders. The president is the man in the driver's seat but with no hands on the wheel. So, ALL are worthy of blame and shame. Grover Norquist has the Republicans scared just as the recipients of entitlements have the Dems scared. I'm one of the latter group since I'm on Social Security and Medicare. I can see the need for reform of both and Medicaide. I see that MORE REFORM is needed in our tax code. Last time it was changed was under Reagan (no longer to be called a Republican, I guess) in 1986 and THAT was fouled up.
Who knows how to do this? I don't, that's for sure. But the way our politicians are going at it isn't working. Both have to give a little, or, in the case of the Republicans, give a lot.
The fundamental problem with Congress has to do with Campaign Financing. For example it allows elected officials to take "Campaign Contributions" from "interested parties". In any other industry, it would be called a BRIBE. There are 2 solutions. Either limit the amount an elected official can take from any single citizen or entity (not-likely), or put a one term limit on elected officials.
No it's not a forgotton concept!!! Remember the old quote "fool me once shame on you, but fool me twice shame on me" that's why the President didn't get involved in the process. he and Mr. Boehner had a deal that could have already solve this problem six months ago as somebody said. Mr. Boehner walked away from it and the President got beat up because of it. Guess what the deomcrats tried to get the republicans on the committee to agree to the deal the original deal the President and Mr. Boehner agreed to in the first place and they still said it's too expensive for the wealthiest Americans to handle. All i'm saying if you're going to try to do something bipartisan there needs to be something from the other side besides phony numbers (300 billion in revenue that would end up adding to this country 200 billion dollars more a year in deficit after all is said and done) that republicans tried to use. Now they want to stop the payroll tax cuts and unemployment insurance until they get there regulation bills passed is just shows you who they really for America.
Democrats ensured this Committee would fail.
The failure of a President needs a phony issue to run on.
He sure can't run on his stewardship of the economy.
Bob, the GOP had already planned on getting out of the defense triggers. The whole thing was a game to them to make the Dems and the President seem to take the blame. Don't think the American people are buying it this time. The party of no has put politics over duty to the American people.
How do you figure it was the democrats ensured the committee would fail? I blame the GOP--Grover's Own Property.
phinephancy, the GOP can't get out of the defense triggers; Obama just said he will veto any bill doing away with the automatic cuts that comes to his desk.
Sueb1, I watched him on tv. Between you and me, I think is p1ssed. And yes, I believe he will veto any GOP tricks. He has had enough of their game playing. He gave them every chance in the world to do something for the American people and all they care about are they wealthy handlers and the next election.
This has been Bob's standard post almost every day for the last month. Man, it gets old.
3 years of backwards economic manipulation makes it impossible for any Democrate to run on their record...Blame the rich is all they have. Problem is the super rich leave if they don't like the game. The "working hard and trying to get rich pay" all the bills. Stop spending more than you have and the revenue increases...how many times does this have to happen before the Dems will stop trying to steal money from the job creators to get elected. You Dems who live in New York...$250K and you're rich?
After the GOP Presidential debate where all the candidates said they would walk away from a deficit reduction plan of $10 in spending cuts for every $1 in revenue, it was clear the committee would fail.
The fact the GOP Presidential candidates undermined the debt committee is something we will be reminded of for the next decade.
When the Freedom of Information Act allows us to learn about the deals that were turned down, all those involved will face a lot of questions. That is, unless we get a President who believes they should destroy documents. (You know, like a certain former Governor who is running for the President of the United States).
The reason why no sensible person would take the 10/1 deal is that the 10 never shows up and the 1 turns into 6 or 7. Ask Ronald Reagan.
Sen. Patty Murray (D) and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R), the co-chairs of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction---you want to thank the members of the committee for failing miserably? How about congress doesn't break for Thanksgiving and you all do what you're supposed to do. I will commend the dems for not caving like they usually do; but, perhaps they could call out the republicans for putting their pledge to Norquist above their oath of office.
Amen, Sueb1
Hey, Mr. Speaker, did you still get 98% of what you wanted???
Dumbass!
What happened to the country I used to live in? It's certainly no longer the "Democratic Republic" its supposed to be. We are now a "I want mine and the heck with you" country. How sad.
Da Noid - I think it's instant gratification - advertising, instant stock trades, no morals or patriotism. Big business moving jobs overseas for cheaper labor. I think it should be "I GOT mine - F.U.!!"
I have little hope that the changes needed in this culture/society can happen. The Tax code, 60 vote rule for the Senate etc... These are huge hurdles.
But - we got what we voted for. So sad.
No, the president does drive the congressional car. He is not even supposed to be in it. This belongs to congress, nowhere else. It never had a chance. And don`t be railing because Obama was on a trip on his job,either. And he knew very well that he was in Hawaii. He also knew that he was speaking to Asian representatives about Asian matters. Find something else to squawk about. If I were a republican, I`d worry about my own party. You could get stuck with "What? Me married?" Gingrich.
There is no financial crisis. The president controls the fed. All they have to do is to buy more paper and ink, maybe some high temp grease for the press and put the Bureau of Engraving on overtime. (whoever heard of the Weimar Republic anyway)
Congress repealed the law regulating banking (and they are so fond of regulations) that was left over from the Depression of 1929.) and then told the banks to give away some money, the Feds (Freddie and Fanny said go, go. go) said they were guaranteed by the taxpayer.
Din Congress essplane to ya that they were real good at managing (spending) your money?
Please don't mint any more coins, they are expensive. LOL
There is no possibility of anything meaningful being done now that the Republicans control the House and the Dems are stuck with Ben Nelson and Lieberman in the Senate. The Bush tax cuts expire in Jan of '13. If they are allowed to expire, the deficits over the next few years will be reduced. If they are not allowed to expire, our government will just have to print its way out of the mess. Inflation will ramp up and then, and only then, the rich will gladly agree to pay more tax. They will also ask the government to reduce the size of the military. Until inflation goes up, the rich don't give a damn about anything else. Zero inflation combined with a top rate of 15% on long term capital gains means that they are on easy street. And Republicans, as the whores of the super wealthy, have their marching orders from Grover Norquist and will goosestep merrily along.
Inflation is an increase in prices. Any business manager or owner...AKA the "Rich" will tell you that when costs, one of which is taxes, increase, they raise prices. "Business 101, Business for Dummies - the cliff notes."
Obviously you didn't take any economics in college. Or maybe you haven't gone to college. Prices will rise, but not as much as taxes. Check your supply/demand curves and you can see.
That is if you know what a supply/demand graph is.
Nice try...been there done that...also ran several businesses. Mine small, others very large.
College is great fun. How did you do in your history classes. Kennedy, Reagan, Clinton and GW all lowered taxes and increased tax revenues...
You should have paid more attention in class!
The goal shouldn't be to increase revenue. The goal should be to stop wasting it. Reagan made a bargain with the Dems way back when. Guess what? We got the tax increases but the spending cuts never happened...big surprise there!!!
The 66.4% are sheep. Don't you understand that a tax on the rich is paid for by raising the price of your rent, gas, sandwich...if you raise a certain Democratic Senator's taxes you will pay more for ketchup... The Democrats are so interested in creating class warfare that they will pull the country down to raise so small an amount of revenue as to be insignificant...Even Bill Clinton said it was a mistake.
Remember, it's only class warfare if the poor fight back.
That worked out so well in Russia and China...our system works great when the governement stays out of it...
Possible solution:
1. Two term limits for all elected officials.
2. Put all elected officials on Social Security and Medicare.
CONGRESS: 400 people dedicated to keeping 2 million people out of work.
CONGRESS: 400 people dedicated to keeping 2 million people out of work.