...Nope'n'Dope is the real name for GOP-on-the-rope? I agree with Boehner on this.

It is not a stalemate it is a checkmate! These right wing nuts don't realize that the voters told them that they want Obama and his plan. They want compromises and negotiations, not walking away from their jobs. Off with the heads of republican. Let them eat cake!

The only thing that is stale, mate, is the GOP's rhetoric.

No Rope A Dope from the GOP - just DOPE! That's all they all are!

Isn't this what Obama said he wanted during the entire campaign? How can they possibly be surprised that this is what he is asking for? This is what the American people voted for.

Gil - it is clear you are the one who has no knowledge of economics. The President and his advisors have a good handle on the problem - if the obstructionists in the Republican party would just get out of the way!

Boner the S-Beaker should stop his fellow GOP s-wine (druncken pigs -) from destroying America.

GOP S-wine (there is alcohol in GOPigs' system).

Rope-a-dope? Think I'll put my lasso on EBay.

The Republican Party would love to end Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA just to start. They just don't want to "SAY" that they want to end them.

Entitlements are also a sticking point. The White House has accused Republicans of not being specific about what entitlement cuts they would like to see. Asked if the GOP would go back to the White House with which cuts they want, Cantor demurred.

The Republicans want to make cuts to spending, they just don't want to say which ones. No matter where they propose to make cuts, they will anger someone who gave them bribes support. Well, the GOP had better come up with some kind of real proposal or ALL the taxes will go up and ALL the cuts will take place.

Boehner, quit whining -- what is your counter-offer? If you don't like entitlements tell us which ones should be cut, how much, and when.

Gil - your post shows exactly who you are - low information; crude and classless - in other word - the perfect Republican!

Boehner and Cantor are being weasels. They want the president to name the cuts to the entitlement so as to avoid responsibility themselves, as well as to avoid the protest of seniors. They need to get some balls, especially Boehner.

Boehner and McConnel need to grow a pair. I don't think their Mommas raised them right, because they don't seem to have a lick of sense or decency in them. It's time for the Rich to pay up. Lord knows that they have gotten a thousand times more than their fair share. It's grotesque for any politican to keep licking the boots of the Rich. For Goodness sakes, show some pride in yourselves for once.

“When I come out the day after the election and make it clear that Republicans will put revenue on the table, I took a great risk,” Boehner claimed

You know, his comments prove that he may not be the brightest or that he has ADD or something (because, unlike the losing candidate who declined to promise anything for fear of accountability, the President actually has made his post-election intentions clear), but, the Speaker is VERY BRAVE.

Not only did this brave congressman take the very bold above-mentioned "great risk," he also is brave enough to risk both cancer AND electrocution each time he lays in that tanning bed (boo hoo hoo, we lost the election....boo hoo hoo...the American people are on to us...boo hoo hoo...) KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK..."Mr. Boehner, are you crying again, sir?" You know, you have shorted out two other tanning beds and we have a three strikes and you're out policy. We may have to revoke your membership...Mr. Boehner?..."

@seekingsanity,

Gil is a troll and like most right wingers that get info from fox, has no idea what Obama's ideas really are. They only are told to oppose them because "if they come form Obama, they must be bad".

It's never about substance, it's only about "us versus them".. Most of the right still doesn't "get it" .. still doesn't understand in terms of reality, what happened this election.

The entirety of the right's leadership roll for the past four years has been to shoot down anything coming from the administration. Boehner knew what he was going to say before he even went in the room. Because it's not about "what it is in reality" it's about "what we can tell our base to demonize the left and keep them (the base) in a constant state of hate, intolerance and fear that they are 'victims" of some liberal plot.

In fact, hardly ANY of the right's rhetoric in the last four years has been based on reality.

Where is the "laser focus" on jobs ?

Where are all the proposals and specifics that will end the "uncertainty" ?

More Republican obstruction! These GOP jerks never learn..... Boehner, stop playing politics and call for a vote on the Senate bill so the country can move on.

Isn't it a little early to be declaring a "stalemate"?

We pay Mr. Boehner and his colleagues $174k a year plus benefits.

It's time they earn it!

Obama has learned the hard way that you don't start negotiations from the center, because the GOP will burn you every time. This time he is starting far left to have some wiggle room.

Boehner, if you don't like the offer, make a counter offer. If you are looking for specific cuts to entitlements, say so, put it on paper, in an offer; in other words, legislate. That's not the job of the WH to write your bills for you.

How in the world can you declare a stalemate when your party has yet to make an offer of their own? Would you really rather piss off 98% of the Americans to hold your Norquist pledge to the top 2%? All the campaign contributions in the world won't help if you refuse to pass the Senate version of the tax cuts. We will not forget.

'Rope-a-dope'? LOL!!! Sorry boys, but you've already been 'roped', I just surprised you're smart enough to know it.... Grow some nuts and own up to what you really what to do to America. Or are you really so stupid that you need Obama to furnish you with ideas?

rashinal - well said!

Gee, a whole bunch of post without even one stinking right wonder mentioning Benghazi, its a miracle.

Gil, a simple google search that takes less then a min would probably shock you out of that bubble we all knew had popped on Nov 7th... no amount of hot air you pump in to it will ever get that going again. Get with the times bro lol

Indubitably, Big Al. I can't think of why the House shouldn't be allowed to vote on whether to extend tax cuts for the vast majority of Americans. What's the problem? What are they doing in Congress? The Republican Party seems to be having some sort of identity crisis, with some willing to tell Grover Norquist to buzz off and others willing to die to save low taxes on the top 2 percent.

Republicans - put up a counter offer or shut the hell up and get out of the way.

If Boehner could please show up to work sober for a change, maybe he would realize that the only thing he needs to do is pass the tax-cut extension for income under $250,000 NOW. That way he can take his own, sweet, inebriated time to stale all other negotiations for as long as he wants.

I pity any Republican who does not see that this is all they need to do. Any Republican making less than $250,000 who thinks that it's OK for House Republicans to hold their tax-cut extension hostage and not pass it unless the tax-cut extension for the rich be passed along with it has simply been indoctrinated. Use your common sense! Don't you see that the passage of our extension doesn't mean that their extension won't ever be passed?

I wonder if it's possible that some of these GOP morons could face recalls? It's obvious they didn't hear the 'will of the people', maybe it's time to circulate some petitions in their districts....

We WILL go off the fiscal cliff. Plan on it, because it is going to happen.

Republicans will say that the President was not serious about entitlement reform, and Democrats will say they couldn't get it done with a lame duck Congress.

Next year they will CUT taxes retroactively to Jan 1st for all tax rates. The House will hold everyone's rates hostage for the benefit of the 'job creators' and will have the trump card of the Debt Ceiling coming up in February to ensure nothing productive gets done in the form of tax revenue increases. Likewise, the Democrats will refuse to go along with meaningful reforms in Medicare or SS, so we will continue running the same deficits that have plagued us before.

Fact: It's never good politics to actually VOTE to raise anyone's rate or take away an entitlement/subsidy, etc. Lowering taxes is much easier to vote for.

The dope have already been roped. Their backs are up against a cliff. There is no way the GOP will be able to allow massive cuts to the military budget, no way. And they can do nothing to stop the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy to expire, that was part of the deals they committed to. That only leaves the process of negotiating with President Obama. This is something they never planned on. And this time Obama holds all the cards.

They can stamp their little feet and pound their little fists, but The Boehner and McConnell find themselves in a very bad deal of their own making and they know it. What we all are about to see is the GOP getting snookered so badly that they will entirely forget about the snookering they got over the Affordable Health Care act.

Seeking Sanity: Yes crude but sometimes you have to make a dramatic point. Last time you asked me for a source, I gave you one and you cowered away. Where is YOUR source for disputing what I said?

I can't wait to see the look on old Mitch McConnell's face when Harry changes the Senate rules to make it a 51 vote to pass laws. Then we will get something done. That 60 vote to pass anything just causes gridlock. Elections are for a reason, the winners have control. Mitch will swallow that fat tongue of his when Harry changes the rule. I was about sick of Mitch anyway.

Gil - you've made absolutely no points to dispute. You've said nothing but meaningless drivel. My, my you sound so much like Kirk I'd almost believe you're him! Silly little boy - post an actual fact - that would be interesting for you!

To listen to John Boehner's bluster, one would think he won the presidency. Guess what, John-boy, you lost. You lost seats in the House, you lost more seats in the Senate which the democrats kept and the White House belongs to President Obama. Now, deal with it; and how about YOU, Speaker Boehner, PRESENTING your proposal for consideration. Oh, wait, that's right; your side proposed increasing the age for medicare, your side proposed privatizing medicare, your side proposed spending more on defense and less on education and investing in America's future; your side proposed cutting tax even more for the wealthy and.....the voters rejected it!

A majority of voters (democracy means the majority rules) chose President Obama's balanced approach of spending cuts and increasing taxes on the rich so, Speaker Boehner, just do it.

Rope-a-dope

But Cantor would not say if Republicans would make a counter-offer to the White House, only saying that "this is a serious matter," and "we're not interested in playing rope-a-dope."

Courtesy of Wikipedia: Rope-a-dope

In competitive situations other than boxing, rope-a-dope is used to describe strategies in which one party purposely puts itself in what appears to be a losing position, attempting thereby to become the eventual victor.

Eric isn't interested in playing Rope-a-dope.

That's because the Republican's want to play the same "perception game" they played two years ago.

This time, President Obama has all the cards in his favor, so yes, Eric, the President will play Rope-a-dope for as long as he wants.

And guess what, Eric.

You and Boehner are the Dopes.

Salud

Gil - you couldn't make a frightened child cower. Again, you post nothing - just drivel. And, believe me - you couldn't scare your own shadow! Typical Republican - all hot air and no substance!

Thomas - as always, well said!

Ladies and gentlemen - off to a meeting. If I don't return today, have a great weekend! And, to my libbie friends, see ya at the DDI!!!!!

Sorry folks, but if they took all the money from all of the wealthy it might run the govt for 2 days.Gil may be crude, but he's not so far off base. Some of you are going to be shocked when we of the middle class eyes pop open come Jan. 1.

No Stress, that's childish thinking. You need to take a course in MacroEconomics. Without the Middle class to buy the goods of the Rich--(the few ones that actually produce, that is), even the Rich will suffer. Henry Ford knew this well. That's why he gave his employees salaries that were high enough to buy the product that he produced. And, boy did it work! Perhaps, one day, you will understand this, too.

What??? Cnile much rooster?? I said nothing about the rich.

Srew the rich. Kill the rich and take all their stuff.

I actually think going off the "Cliff" may be the smartest move. The Bush tax cuts go away,and the President can offer the Obama middle-class tax cuts. Some Republicans say they would vote against them,and offer their own tax cuts for everyone including the rich. But the President would veto that.And the American people would see the Republicans as just being for the rich,and finish them in 2014. As for the debt ceiling,that the republicans want to use as a threat. Many believe that the 14th Amendment gives the President the right to raise the debt ceiling without a vote in Congress. He doesn't want to use it because it is traditional to have Congress vote it. But if the Republicans try to hold America hostage on this issue and risk another downgrade of our credit rating,they will leave him no choice.

Uh Bill1488 this president is # 44 not 88, BTW you are a puke Bill.

SEEKING INSANITY -- you called my comment @ 1.38 drivel. When you asked me for a source, I gave you one -- now get out off your couch and give me any source that disputes what I have said. I answered you -- answer me. "The Communist Manifesto" -- how is that for a start - or can you do better?

Bill1488-

What he is blathering about is the ni88er that we are stuck with as president not offering any real solutions to any of our problems.

I hope the moderators of First Read see this.

Buh Bye, Bill.

Go back to the 19th centrury where you belong.

Take your hate merchants, Rush, Hannity, Beck, etc. with you.

Salud

No; wrong ni88er you should be put in your place.

Klan meeting at bigot Bill's double wide... 8pm SHARP!

White sheets & hoods optional...

I have seen some PIGS around here from time to time, but YOU are a full clown racist @!$%#!

SAME unhonorable political theatrics we have witnessed daily for 4 years now. Nothing more, nothing less.

There is NOT ONE honorable bone in their collective bodies. Guess stomping them again at the midz is our only answer.

Lets do it REALLY big this time. Destroy em, they are OBVIOUSLY worthless for the future.

Same old BS from republicans, any offer that is not what they want is described as "not a serious offer", and "we will put revenue on the table but we will not increase tax rates". Really, how? I think they will find out how serious the American people and the President is on this, we should just sit tight because if they do not reach a favorable agreement the taxes go up and their precious defense spending gets cut. Hold their feet to the fire, if republicans want to commit political suicide I would say to them "make sure you get your whole head in front of the shotgun, thank you for calling".

Bill1488: You are a disgrace to our species. Take a trip to East Africa and discover your roots. "Infantile", coming from you? You were born about 375,000 years too late. Lucky them.

Bill .... 57% of K and first graders are NON-WHITE.

In 17 years white folks will be the true minority. Think about that before you make enemies.

Ms. Redhead-

Klan meeting at bigot Bill's double wide...

I'm guessing that a double wide is way out of Bill's budget.

A two story Out-house with Bill living in the first level is more like it.

Salud

A two story Out-house with Bill renting the first level is more like it.

Tomas,

Why, I do believe you are onto something!

The fascinating thing about Billy the Bigot is, in his racist filled rant, he doesn't possess enough testosterone to type out the actual word @!$%#!

Like "ni88er" makes it less offensive...

Only thing worst than a blatent racist is a cowardly blatent racist!

Salud!

Ms. Redhead-

I remember a M*A*S*H episode where and injured white patient wanted to make sure Hawkeye gave him the "right kind of blood".

The entire unit quickly took action to change his perception on race.

Amazing how in the 21st Century, our nation still struggles with ingrained, pent-up racism.

More amazing, is there are media outlets that use their power to perpetuate the problem.

Have a great weekend, my lovely.

Salud

Patrick Swayze was in that episode of M*A*S*H

We are going to go over the fiscal cliff with the way both sides are acting and I am fine with that now.

I have saved up for something like this. You can take the Rush Limbough's, Harry Reid's, Glenn Beck's with you.

You can keep the racism too. I don't care for any racist.

I will be watching from the sidelines as the cuts and everything go into effect. Have a great weekend :)

Feisty & Tomas,

I do hope the moderators moderate FR - usually the losers get kicked off of other boards. Man, oh man are there a lot of newly-registered trolls today!

See you two at the DDI! :)

Gil - when do you understand that I said give me a FACT to dispute. You've still given me nothing but your continued drivel. Gil - just quit while you're only a mile behind. You just look foolish!

justicnonexistant,

Sorry, but the republicans lost the election and the left, as you refer to us, has received the vote from the people, by over 3,500,000 to ignore the extreme right and they want what Obama is offering. There is plenty for Obama to credit himself with using. bush called it something else, but we don't care what that coward hiding on his ranch in Texas has to say! The Worst President Ever!

Seeking Sanity: Here we go again ! Obama trying to get 10 days of money for the Federal Government by taxing the "rich" and F**King over the middle class taxpayer if he doesn't get it. F**k him -- the guy is incompetent. He promised the middle class "no increase" -- where does he stand now?

This 10 days of money for the Federal Government costs the taxpayer much more than 10 days of money for the Federal government. What do you think happened with the money that President Bush's tax cuts gave? The middle class and the poor spent it. The rich put it away in Wall Street, where it started chasing returns. There was so much excess cash it broke the real estate market with the subsequent downturn that we are now still suffering from.

So the middle class taxpayer lost money by the rich getting a larger share of the pie, and then the middle class lost money by bailing out the mess created by the same money that was taken away in the first place.

We can't afford this any more. Sorry.

Numb3rTech

Patrick Swayze was in that episode of M*A*S*H

Thanks for the follow up, Tech.

Gonna have to watch that one again.

Nicely done.

Salud

I remember a M*A*S*H episode where and injured white patient wanted to make sure Hawkeye gave him the "right kind of blood".

Tomas,

I remember that episode and even as a child, recognized the powerful message behind it!

Have a great weekend, my lovely.

You too, my darling!

Salud!

Gil this is Gil! Please stop texting under the name Gil! You are an embarrassment to the name!

Sorry, but the republicans lost the election and the left, as you refer to us, has received the vote from the people, by over 3,500,000 to ignore the extreme right and they want what Obama is offering.

More than that. Obama ran on a platform of raising taxes on the upper class. He won. But MORE people agreed with him on that than voted for him.

That is what having a mandate means: people who voted against you still agree with you.

What??? Cnile much rooster?? I said nothing about the rich.

Srew the rich. Kill the rich and take all their stuff.

You mean like Warren Buffet? The man who constantly calls for an increase of tax rates on the rich and also just happens to be the richest man in America?

Actually, what the Party of No is not interested in is the greater good of the American Public.

The Party of Divine Rape does care about the 1%, though.

My favorite part of the article is Boener saying that he took a great risk offering revenue. Of course, the revenue he was talking about - closing some tax loopholes - is what Romney proposed over and over on the campaign trail. Does he really think anyone will think he 'took a risk' and 'compromised' by offering to enact Romney's plan? Do you?

My second favorite was the part about the measly $400 B in spending cuts the President proposed. Uh huh. What about the $1 T in cuts the President had already signed as a 'down payment' during the 2011 negotiations? That doesn't count anymore?

Obama has already done all the compromising. Now he wants his due. He earned it. He had to go out, campaign, and win a national election to be back in this position. Now it's time for the republicans to admit it and give it up.

Byron - why are you crediting me with a post that is not mine????

Bill, Your remarks are truly offensive.

Forest Gump said "stupid is as stupid does" little does the people of America realize how much this applies to them. The public school system in this country should be abolished. It started out with the right idea but was then infiltrated by the leftist liberals who would and are trying to destroy America. The United States of America was originally a Constitutional Republic, and the Constitution spells out very plainly what powers the government has, which is actually quite few. We have grown into a Social Democracy, with the shroud of freedom of actually having representatives. And Social Democracies are all well and good so long as you are in the majority. If you are in a minority, your rights are in danger. In a Constitutional Republic, the minorities’ rights are protected. The US is the world's oldest Federation. However, the best answer came from old Ben Franklin himself, when asked. Sir what form of Government have you given us? ...Why a Republic ma'am. Any who state that we are a Democracy; they are indoctrinated to believe that. History dose clearly show that a Democracy is among the most despotic forms of government, with the Roman Empire serving as the most prolific example.

If a teacher tells you ours is a Democracy, they should not be teaching American history. If a politician tells you this, they should never be in-trusted any government position.

The Democratic Party used to be by the people for the people but it has since become the government controlling the people. I will not associate with either party because they both have become corrupt and overrun with the rich and powerful in the world who dictates to them how it is going to be or else. I say this “ If you will give me ten of the richest people in the world’s money I could own any country I wanted to. Today it is all about the money, everyone is for sale to the highest bidder, from the poorest to the richest, they are all for sale. Granted the only way a rich person can be bought is to offer them power, but so what, right, after all you are out to become ruler of the world. The only thing standing in the way of a world ruler is, well, nothing. Obama's Democratic Party has spent more money to buy his election than ever before. Now they are spending your money and it will destroy America. I never thought Americans could be so stupid to not realize that the Obama democrats are giving away your money that you do not have, as a matter of fact if all of the governments and creditors where to call in their loans, it is no doubt that America as we know it, would be gone. Every government entity would have to be shut down. There would be no military. They will not tell you that in reality America is eighty six trillion dollars in debt. Actually I believe America has already crossed the threshold of no return. The doomsday clock for America has passed twelve o’clock. If they were to confiscate everything every American owned and every dollar Americans had it still would not be enough. The fiscal cliff is a farce as we went over that years ago. Every President who claims they had balanced the debt was lying, we have been in this vallley for a very long time.

Everyone needs to take a moment and read Bill's post. I actually hope that it doesn't get deleted by the moderators because we all need to take a close, detailed look at what the "tea" party is about.

This is the ideology that the Republican party is pandering to. This is the ideology that the Republicans are afraid of upsetting.

Republicans have but one choice. They renounce all ties and associations with the "tea" party or they will completely and absolutely fail.

Democrats want to go off the fiscal cliff. That way, they can get all tax increases and blame the Republicans for it.

Democrats don't want to go off the fiscal cliff, provided they get tax rates raised and no cuts to entitlements.

See how easy politics is. Win, no matter what happens.

Ha DB that is pretty much were the majority of the country is at, not just democrats, it is a pretty fair assessment of the situation republicans have boxed themselves into. By continuing to defend tax cuts for the wealthy while simultaneously calling for cuts in programs for the old sick and poor, it is a huge political loser for them, across the board, not just with democrats.

Seeking Insaniity @1.52 I think you are there. You cite only your opinion. When asked for a source you never give one. I have followed you for a good while and find your comments to be propaganda. I state an opinion and always include the facts, unless I'm simply arguing with idiots who can't or refuses to read what I have previously written.

I comment on fact which are common knowledge from the general media or facts that I can back up. Just ask me and I will back up ap anything I say -- THERE IS NO NEED TO INSULT ME !

Why are you so shy - do you hid in a closet? Do you have much to substantiate what you are talking about?

Sanity - "Off to a meeting", aka "Off to a meeting with a meat loaf, pint of ice cream, and diet coke."

Billy the Klan: That is the most offensive post I have ever read on this site. Your existence makes it an embarrassment to be a white male.

Feisty: A double wide is way out of that dirt bag's class.

"I never thought Americans could be so stupid to not realize that the Obama democrats are giving away your money that you do not have."

We really need to call conservatives on stuff like this. We have long ago established that the fight between liberals and conservatives has devolved into a fight between smart people and dumb people. The problem is - the dumb people listen to the conservative entertainment industry, that feeds them this image of being smart. That poster actually believes he is smarter than the average!

Everyone knows we have a deficit. Everyone would like the deficit to be smaller. The smart people want to decrease the deficit with modest tax increases, returning to the tax rate of the 1990s when we were on the path to zero public debt by 2011. The smart people back Obama's common sense, proven approach.

If you don't understand why raising taxes a little and holding down spending is the best way to approach a deficit, then you have no business calling others "dumb." Ditto if you don't understand that the House sets the spending, not the president.

Boehner -- there is no stalemate -- we are all waiting for your detailed counter-proposal.

noncoms,

I never thought that republicans would allow $4,000,000,000,000 to be poured down the hole in bush's wars for nothing with no returns expect 7,200 body bags!

In before they collapse the entire thread or Bill's racist comments.

Bill, I think you are a white N word yourself!

I'm interested in entitlement and welfare cuts too.....corporate welfare and entitlements. No more rolling stock tax exemptions, no more petroleum industry subsidies, no more tax breaks for off shoring money. If you clowns on the right are serious about entitlement reform, let's start there.

And let's not forget, it was Bush's fault right?

Yep, that right. No recession, no need for stimulus no need to extend unemployment benefits, no reason for 45 million on food stamps, no need for TARP or the auto industry bailout. It's about time you azzclowns finally realized that if you would have bitched as much about the deficit while curious George was dismantling the polices and tax rates that would have eliminated the debt entirely and instead put a fools war, huge drug entitlement program on our credit card and gutted or refused to enforce regulations meant to prevent financial wrong doings, we wouldn't be having this conversation now would we?

lump-2908335 and DB Akron

Look everyone.....I'm going to explain this thing to you.......It doesn't matter if we go off the fiscal cliff or not......The first things the Dems are going to do is propose legislature to restore the under 250K tax reductions and then...then....what Repub would be so stupid as to not vote for it?....This is checkmate... idiot man children ......our ever so brilliant president will get what he wants.....Again..(you know ACA, the election....this...) .....

The Speaker is just doing the dance of the seven veils for the Tea Party Caucus. He know the negotiations are a lost cause for the GOP, they have no leverage. But he is putting up a mock fight to look as though he is being a tuff guy to try and defuse the self destructive reactions of the most out of touch members of his party. He will be able to go to them in a couple of weeks and say,"look guys I put up a fight, but we can't let the economy go over the cliff. Be good patriots and vote this one through for the sake of America."

First= Bill you are a dirt bag.

Second= Start contacting the House Republicans and ask them to resign for failure to do the will of the American people who voted them in. All the while the Republicans stall the debt gets worse and worse, and the economy doesn't improve. IT'S THE REPUBLICANS IN THE HOUSE'S FAULT.

Michael....Honestly...The POTUS....has a checkmate....He will get what he wants....The easy way or the hard way....Republicans have painted themselves in a corner.....Rats in their traps....LOLZ.....I love the taste of their sweet tears....LOLZ

It's obvious that all the failures will be the Rebubs to blame and all the successes will be Obama's...but for over 4 years there haven't been any successes.....lol PATHETIC...drink the koolaid.

I think in matters such as this, if Congress doesn't come to an agreement within 90 days of a deadline, then open season should be declared and we should be allowed to shoot any Congressmen we see on sight. I bet then they'd work harder to get things done! Hell, so what, a few dead crooks, what does it matter - there are plenty of thieves around to take their places!

Shoot Congressmen on site? ......

Republicans just will not quit!! They are always trying to pull one scheme after another, take the new republican immigration reform, look beneath the surface and you'll find another republican trick.

Personally, I think it's those far-rightwing fanatical nutjobs, also known as the Tea Party. Republicans know they're nuts, the problem is republicans think all of us are just as stupid as they are. Why would republicans use the exact same lame con-job over and over if they didn't think we the people is just as nutty as they are and will believe anything they say??

Since President Obama was first elected, everything, and I do mean everything, the republican leadership have said, has been a lie, a half-lie, a mis-leading lie, but mostly bull sh##.

The people that write these glowing reports right here on this page, how better off the country would be if Romney had won the last election, these are the fanatical nutjobs that keep encouraging republicans to keep trying. Makes you wonder if they understand anything republicans are saying, if they can understand what's being said, they most certainly can't comprehend what it means.

Tea Party members,President Obama and the Democrats are fighting the republicans for you, Democrats know that the middle class is the lifeblood of America, they are fighting to lower your taxes, to improve your way of life. Democrats know the middle class must come first if America is to succeed, republicans are trying to make everyone believe the rich must come first, they're lying.

Tea Party members, republicans already think you're stupid, stop proving them right.

Want to fix the budget, end the life salaries of all the ex senators and ex congressmen. Take away their medical insurance. Think about how many of millions of dollars annually that will save. Then force the bastards up there to live off a minimum wage paycheck. See how quickly things get fixed. Better yet, aim at the bastards pocket books. If they take in more in lobby money than they are paid, they are fined that amount. I know its not going to happen, the people holding the purse strings in Washington set themselves a nice benefit package and then made is automatically upgrade, so they do not have to dirty their hands about it.

Every one of the bastards on Capitol hill gets their pay for the rest of their lives and full medical benefits. Even though they rake in millions from various sources, WE still pay their medical bills.

Since when did Entitlement mean the things we have paid for since our first jobs.

Britt, entitlements for the poor is a bad thing, entitlements for the rich and themselves is what makes America strong. Haven't you read the republicans handbook??

Hey There Folks,

I would just Like to say the following:

1. raise the top 2% rate by 1% say from 25% to 26% estimated earnings 100,000,000,000+

2. eliminate QE savings range from 600-800,000,000,000

3. end the war 80,000,000,000

estimated saving per year 100+600+80 = 780,000,000,000 low side or 100+800+80= 980,000,000,000

estimated deficit this year 1,100,000,000,000 next year with the above estimates 300,000,000,000+ to 100,000,000,000+

This does not include the budget deal passed last year or the sequestration bill which if used would balance the budget

Sincerely,

verong

When is Congress and the President going to really address taxes, spending and deficit? So far it has just been grandstanding with no real solutions.

Real solutions would eliminate the deficit within 5 years.

GEE! Boehner said "rope a dope" OMG he talked BLACK speak! wonder if he's coming back wtih "float like a butterfly next week? What's a matter Boehner? Don't like being played hardball with? You ran a WOMAN out of politics on YOUR side because you play this "my way or the highway" game. No wonder you couldn't come up with a good committee position OR a strong woman to cover it.

K... got to correct some things here. Obama has spent LESS on the politics that previous candidates, not MORE. and there is NO DIFFERENCE, if you're going to call it entitlemnets it's ALL ACROSS THE BOARD, it isn't entitlements BELOW a certain income. TAXES pay for pretty much everything. Period stop halt. Fricking make it a swear word. REALLY? I read how Exxon Mobile took offense to being told it takes corporate welfare. WELCOME to the word war! it IS, if all of you are calling everything entitlements due to an income bracket, It's ENTITLMENTS when you get money for ANYTHING from the gov't. be that the d**m stadium for the football team, the roads to the new plant in town, or the benefits the oil companies take even though they don't need them. That's RIGHT Exxon.. you got it "legitimately" Well SO DOES everyone else. You heard of a food stamp robbery? that's cuz they had to fill out gov't forms for benefits SET UP by the gov't AND it's for FOOD on the table. Not for killing some of your workers in an off shore oil rig explosion and leaking toxic deadly oil into the ocean because you wanted to keep the money instead of commit to the safety measures REQUIRED for you to get the benefits YOU got from the gov't. yup it's a dirty feeling isn't it Exxon? how DARE you under $250,000 demand or defend entitlements! Only the RICH can.

Boehner.. rope a dope? really? well get out of the boxing ring then. You SO look good to the rest of America threatening to raise the HUGE majority of people's taxes but PRESERVE tax cuts for the rich. You've got your priorities STRAIGHT boy! I bet you even dance around the room telling yourself "I am the GREATEST!" The greatest moron born in the 21st century. Hey! and CONGRATS on making a woman in charge of the coffee machine in Committee! would NEVER have thought of that idea! Gee, imagine how NOVEL it is to believe a woman needs to deal with the toilet paper committee! I'm mailing her my June Cleaver club button! I'm sure you made a comment about leaving it to beaver in YOUR committee meeting.

@justoneguy - It'd be more difficult to shoot these guys on site as most of them rarely spend more than 5 days a month actually in Congress. The rest of their time is spent mooching off of the American tax dollar. I mean, they took a break from their jobs for nearly the last three months and they've come back dragging their feet.

Lets create an exchange program with Mexico. Give us your immigrants that are willing to work, and we will send them our lazy liberals

Kiss,

Why not get out of town when you hear the words of Bonehead Boehner who is ready to walk out again and is still protecting the rich money givers to the republcan't party! Bonehead still hasn't added the words, "compromise" or "negotiate " to his vocabulary The republican party is pitiful!

Why do I use the word pitiful and disgusting. Because I used to be one! Come on folks get real and look at who the republicans want to represent! They don't care about you!

K I Smart, You asked, when is congress and the President going to address taxes??

The President and the Democrats have been trying to get republicans to come together so they can discuss just that, but republicans have refused to talk unless President Obama include tax cuts for the rich in the discussion.

That's why Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi said, we are giving republicans until next Tuesday to come together with us to talk about middle class tax cuts. If they do not comply, we will file a discharge petition.

A discharge petition means, Democrats don't need speaker Boehner to bring middle class tax cuts to the table, they can go around him and force republicans to vote on the tax cuts for the middle class alone.

Democrats have been trying all along to get with republicans to talk about every issue, but republicans won't comply, because before anything else, republicans want another tax break for the rich. They are back trying to get Democrats to adopt the Ryan budget.

A tax cut for the rich means more to republicans than any other issue Washington faces.

SURPRISE, An unexpected turn with BONEHEAD and his TEA LOONIES, hands off our 1% buddies or we will see to it that AMERICA goes off the CLIFF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOP - We will go off the cliff for them "The Mega Rich" !!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOP - The Middle Class can eat dog food and go to hell !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Come on people, raising taxes on the top 2% of income earners in this country as the democrats want, and Obama ran his campaign around, is only estimated to fund the federal budget for one week.

When are you all going to admit that raising taxes on "the rich" is not about fixing this country's defecit, it is all about jealousy and class warfare. You are all so obsessed with destroying anyone who succeeds in this country, you risk shutting the whole economy down again. Over raising one week of Federal Spending?!? One week is 2% of the budget, and you have been arguing now about raising taxes on the rich for years; it was Obama's entire economic game plan for reelection. How many times did you hear Obama, Biden, and Bill Clinton say we just need to "ask the wealthiest American's to pay a little bit more." The way they talked about it, you would think doing so was going to pay off the defecit overnight. Certainly do more than pay for 2% of their spending!

In truth it is just blind hate of anyone who has more than you, whom you feel compelled to beleive achieved success somehow at a detriment to you, so you want to get back at them.

The time that has been devoted to making "the rich pay their fair share" surely could have been better spent in other areas that would save us more than just 5% of the federal budget. It is utterly crazy. The democrats spent weeks earlier this year trying to shove the "Buffett Rule" down the Republican's throats, and that was only going to fund a matter of hours of federal spending each year!

It is just hatred, and envy, and jealousy, and paranoia that has you convinced that taxing the rich is going to solve anything. Maybe it will make you feel better about yourself, but it sure isn't going to fix this economy.

Hiap... you're right. This is called low-hanging fruit. The question is why don't we take the low-hanging fruit and work on the hard stuff next? Furthermore, as DOUG and several other of my more reasonable minded compatriots have pointed out, where is the repugnicans counter-proposal? If they want to negotiate, that suggests that both sides present offers? Where is theirs? As was also pointed out by one of my brethren here, they want to kill SS, Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA. They just don't have the guts to say so.

Doug-384925

Boehner, quit whining -- what is your counter-offer? If you don't like entitlements tell us which ones should be cut, how much, and when.

Good call, Doug. And even more interesting to me is that the "fiscal cliff" they are trying to avoid is a deal that Baner himself was giddy about at the time. " I got 90something of everything I wanted." Remember that statement? And yet now it's a catastrophe to be avoided? I guess it wasn't such a good deal after all...I say let's all go over the cliff. And if the 'pugs don't want to really negotiate, that is exactly what will happen. And IF tax cuts occur later, you can be sure it won't be a give-away to the rich. And further, I suggest the GOP will get sodomized over this in 2014 if the "cliff" actually does produce severe problems.

This isn't a "stalemate"... LMFAO. It's "check" one move away from "checkmate". The GOP is playing checkers with our economy, again. Vote these Idiots out in 2014. Send' em packing their bags back to the South..........

hiap,

So if the raising of taxes on the rich will onlyraise a small amount of revenue why are the Republican'ts so stubborn? Greed for the rich? Then why not double the tax increase to raise even more revenue.

clwyd: True but is that issue worth dragging this country down the drain? Now Obama is trying to hold Congress hostage unless it gives him unlimited power to increase the deficit. That will never happen -- over the cliff we go. Thanks Obama and thanks for your promise not to raise taxes on the middle class.

Mr. Cantor says directly: “We're interested in trying to solve the problems of the American people so that you don't see taxes go up on anybody, so that we can engage in tax reform and get this economy going again. We don't want to increase tax rates; we're not going to increase tax rates, and we want to do something about the spending problem.”

These are mutually exclusive goals. When George W. Bush took office, our national debt was $5.6T, we had a government surplus of $200B and unemployment was 4%. His first acts were to pass massive tax cuts that would stimulate the economy, produce more jobs and, most importantly, pay for themselves with increased government revenue. When Bush's last budget expired in 2009, our national debt was $11.9T, government deficit was $1.3T and unemployment was 10%. That didn't work out according to plan, did it?

And George W. Bush had a lot of help from Republican majorities in the HR and Senate. Let's just look at Boehner's and Cantor's voting record, shall we?

June 2002: Congress approves a $450 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $6.4 trillion. McConnell, Boehner, and Cantor vote “yea”, Kyl votes “nay.”

May 2003: Congress approves a $900 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $7.384 trillion. All four approve.

November 2004: Congress approves an $800 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $8.1 trillion. All four approve.

March 2006: Congress approves a $781 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $8.965 trillion. All four approve.

September 2007: Congress approves an $850 billion increase, raising the debt limit to $9.815 trillion. All four approve.

Fact of the matter is, Mr. Cantor and Mr. Boehner, you helped create this spending problem! Now, it is time for you to step up and help fix it! You want to cut spending? Then roll back every action that was taken during the Bush years: that includes tax cuts, the massive government spending binge that includes Medicare part D, Medicare Advantage programs and the largely ineffective, costly Homeland Security program!

Leave Medicare and SS alone for tight now: that is not where the massive increases that led to our current debt problem came from.

Bil1488/ I commend you on one thing only.You have the honesty to refuse to hide your rabid racism. Anything else that you write is illogical and pointless to debate. There is no way to wish you good day! you have succeeded in making your life unpleasant enough. Good! you deserve it!.

Let's put Medicare & Social Security on the chopping block by applying means testing. Wealthy seniors, for whom everything worked out well, do not need Social Security checks and should not receive them. Social Security is insurance against poverty in old age and should not be handed to the wealth so can buy another country club membership. Put social security and medicare benefits on a sliding scale. Increase the cap on contributions to social security. These should be easy to do, will help balance the budget, and will not reduce benefits one bit for those who truly need them.

Now we realize that the repugs are not only liars but they aren't too "swift". They must still believe they won the election. What do they think the President was talking about said during almost all the campaign speeches that he wanted to keep the Bush tax rates on all the people except the rich (ones making over $250,000). They were "surprised" that he would propose such a thing now. No wonder the country is in trouble with dumba**es like that in congress and the tea potty dummies that vote them in.

Joe: As to Social Security I think you make a good point. As to Medicare; have you seen a hospital bill recently?

We as the majority of American citizens who voted to re-elect our President, need to keep the pressure on the GOP to send the message loud and clear that the people have spoken and we are not going to lay down and let the dying Republican Party and the fanatic Tea Party run down our nation anymore.

The Republican Party sunk us with the last GOP Administration and have thwarted the President's attempts at progress for the last four years. They need to OWN UP, STAND UP, STEP UP, MAN UP, WOMAN UP, AND GET UP out of their comfy leather chairs and help solve these problems instead of dragging their feet and running their mouths. Stop playing political games and put some real counter-offers out there on the table for a change. We're sick of their silly posturing.

Gil, I see your point. Most of us could pay only a small portion of hospital expenses out of pocket. I've been hearing a lot of proposals to change how medical care is charged, including abandoning the fee for service system which results in unnecessary medical procedures. Maybe we should be arguing over the best way to make medicare more efficent instead of voucher systems and other crazy ideas.

Kornfed says: "Lets create an exchange program with Mexico. Give us your immigrants that are willing to work, and we will send them our lazy liberals"

You know Kornfed the lazy liberal thing is so old and worn out it is not even funny anymore, not to mention the fact that you don't know what you are talking about. Let me ask you a question if liberals are so lazy then how come the solidly conservative, republican voting states such as Texas, South Carolina, Montana, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Alabama, West Virginia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Arkansas, and coming in at dead last Mississippi have the lowest median incomes in the nation. Are the people that live in these states just too lazy to better themselves? Do these people want to work hard to make a good living or do they rely on welfare? Whats up Kornfed? The people in the liberal voting states make a lot more money, tons more, is that because they are lazy, are you telling me they make more for being lazy, than conservatives make for being hardworking. Take a look at the breakdown of median incomes by state and then explain to me why all the "lazy liberal" states at the top make the money and all the "hardworking" conservative states are at the bottom. Then explain to me why the people in these states at the bottom cry so much about high income taxes and welfare when they don't make enough money to even owe federal taxes, and use the biggest proportions of federal welfare as compared to the little bit of money those states pay in federal taxes. The truth is if republicans get their wish on welfare programs nobody will be hurt worse than the poor and arguably lazy fools that live in the states that republicans and conservatives count on to consistently vote for them. I am a liberal, I make 5 times in wages and benefits than the median income of the state with the highest median income of the states I mentioned above, do you really think it is because I have lived a lazy life. I also pay twice the percentage in income tax as someone such as Mitt Romney does. Get a clue Kornfed.

Joe mota/ Maybe you are one of those who did not/do not pay social security tax/entitlements. Most of us workers did/do. Social Security and our Retirement benefits are taken out of our pay whilst we are employed out of our wages along with all of our other taxes. Are you advocating that after working for the majority of our lives and paying for those insurances that they are not true entitlements? These are true entitlements,contrary to the gifts that big businesses receive.Even the federal government could not deny us our entitlements.They are payed for by us,their receivers.I suggest that you question the gifts that you claim should be discontinued,you minion of the super rich! As for the other slaves of theirs, your pleas that they can't pay off all of our debts so let them pay less than their fair share should appear unreasonable,even to you .

Hiap: you're right that the tax increases on the wealthy are modest, but they add up over time. That modest bump in the marginal tax rate is just under $1T in 10 years.

Obama has proposed $1.4T in spending cuts, $1.6T in revenue increases, and $1T in decreased war spending by ending the Afghanistan war, for a total of $4T in 10 years. If we enact this plan, we also save just about $1T in interest, which brings our total up to $5T. That cuts our deficit in half.

He has already signed $1T in spending cuts as a 'down payment' in the negotiations last year, and set the date for leaving Afghanistan. He believes he can squeeze another $400B out of entitlements without cutting benefits, which the dems will get behind. So all we need is the repubs to agree to those modest rate increases, along with cutting some of those loopholes they've already said they'll agree to, and the deal is done.

You can say that raising the top rates will 'only fund the government for a week' if you just have to be pessimistic. But the fact is the deal on the table will cut the deficit in half. Does that sound like chump change to you?

Listouire: @1.122 Neither Joe nor I said that. Neither of us are talking about taking away your Social Security. Please re-read. I agree with you that Social Security is not an entitlement and we have paid for it. The fact is that it cannot survive and should the rich, who do not need the monthly check, drain the fund so that you and I can no longer receive it.

Gil-2872519,

Going over the cliff won't mean taxes going up on the middle class. Taxes and/or Tax Cuts can be passed by Reconciliation only requiring 51 votes within the Senate for passage. Technically, Dems only need 50 votes with a Vice President passing the tie breaking 51st vote and they have 53 within the Senate now. Just like Republicans did in 2001 with Dick Cheney's help passing those Coporate tax cuts which put us in debt to this day. This is why we have been passing increased debt ceiling Bills like George Bush who did it seven times from 2000-2008. If it weren't those things, we wouldn't need debt increase ceilings now. And Boehner voted "Yes" on those debt increases under Bush. Why "no" now??? You got it.....he's making it political instead of thinking about the Nation. Boehner's full of sh#t.....

Forrest Gump 2.0 ,

If Dems are so lazy....why have Dem Congress caucases historically passed more Legislation than this 112th Congress??? Huh???? The average Congressional caucus has passed on average of over 350 peices of legislation each term, historically. Yet this 112th has only passed 81 pieces of legislation. That is even less than the "Do nothing" Congress under Truman during WW2 with over 100 Bills passed. Go educate yourself. Or are you too lazy to learn????

“When I come out the day after the election and make it clear that Republicans will put revenue on the table, I took a great risk,” Boehner claimed, adding of the White House plan, “It's not a serious proposal and so right now we're almost nowhere.”

Bull@!$%#. Since when is admitting that revenues will be on the table a "serious concession????" Obama cut spending ACROSS THE BOARD by nearly $1 trillion without any revenues and promised at least another $2 trillion in spending cuts; THAT is a concession. Stating that spending cuts will be a majority of any deficit deal is a concession; a real compromise would have a 1:1 ratio, but Obama went to 1:2.5. $800 billion in revenues is a concession; $1.6 trillion is good if we go for a $4.4 trillion deal, because Republicans will still get $2.8 trillion in spending cuts; if the GOP wouldn't take the candy when they had it in 2011, they should have to take the broccoli now and pay for their stupidity.

@ Forrest Gump 2.0,

Correction: My apologies. My comment above is responding to Kornfed...........

obama has learned that you can't start in the middle with this bunch of clowns. he offered 4 dolars in cuts for each dollar in taxes and they turned it down. now they are gonna get dollar for doallr and they can't do a thing about it.

if boner wants cuts bring forth this list of cuts you want. the president has put the revenue on the table he wants, lets see the cuts you want. he has offered nearly 400 billion in cuts to medicare. time for the gop to put the cuts up. they won't because they know that what they want to cut, the american people don't want cut.

We are good Tony.

The ONLY REAL FIX is to Raise Revenue, by Bringing Back Jobs to US Citizens who Pay Income Tax.

Massive cutting just puts more people on unemployment, which just depresses the economy even further.

Returning private sector jobs to American Citizens will provide income tax revenue to OUR Government versus our government having to pay unemployment benefits to those who would be jobless instead. We need our elected officials to Start Protecting American Jobs and do whatever it takes to bring back the jobs they let go. We need leaders who will actually stand up for the American people.

The bottom line is that “Our Government” has to protect domestic industry and the jobs that those industries provide. If they do that, the rest will take care of itself.

We may have to pay a bit more for products made here in the USA by US citizens, but at least we'll still have jobs and a future for our children.

What I have gathered reading this whole thread is that the conservatives think raising the tax rates of the top 2% would only pay for 2 days, 10 days or 30 days. Which is it? The truth is that is not the whole reason or story. Cutting needed programs is not the way either. If ALL so called entitlements were cut 100%, that wouldn't balance anything either. So, to start out, a combination of the two is needed. That is the "fair and balanced approach" the president talks about.

Now, let's consider the tax increases on the top 2%. The top 2% are captains of industry. They provide jobs, not necessarily create them. Consumers create demand that in turn creates the need for extra workers. The top 2% has had nearly 12 years of the current cuts. Where are the jobs? Why are they building homes costing 10's of billions of dollars? The consequence of raising taxes on the top 2% is if they don't want to pay that increase, they would reinvest that back into their businesses and take less (for now) in profits. They would be more innovating. That is what would grow jobs. More jobs would mean more paid in taxes (in dollar value) by the middle. Are they even considering raising capital gains taxes? How about excise taxes on stocks and commodity trading? Are any of the entitlements for the rich on the tables? How about the oil subsidies which were started when that industry needed it to build their infrastructure and no longer makes sense. How about the cost deductions for moving industries off shore? How about weapons systems the DoD says it doesn't want or need?

The president put out his first offer. It isn't his last. He awaits the republicans counter offer. He offered only $400 billion because there is already $1Trillion passed in spending "cuts". Your turn republicans...it is your play now. Do your job we pay you for. Another cut, as small as it is could be to mothball the Senate Subway. That would cut, from what the tparty would say, a lot of lazy takers jobs though.

We could continue to complain on message boards, or we could do what we are supposed to do and write our congressmen and demand that they start listening to us, or they will be out of office the next election. Overwhelm them with emails, and if they ignore you remember that and vote them out. They are there to represent US and they work for us.

Ha Ha Ha, To believe there is any hope of turning this mess around YOU have to be an IDIOT, the MATH is simple, America has to face the truth there is NO fixing this without millions of government workers losing their job, pensions, and medical plans, and this will only be the beginning, then TAXES will need to be increased by minimum 10 - 15% across the board, this would at least make a dent in our deficit, ask people that know about business there is no way these ELECTED MORONS can fix a damn thing, they are lying through their teeth and keeping the truth from it's citizens, America went over that CLIFF a long time ago people, grow a Fu-king brain.

Obama is bound and determined to raise taxes and Boehner and the GOP are bound and determined that he's not. Obama has proposed that the 99 weeks of unemployment be extended. He also wants 150 billion more in stimulus.

Heard enough, there's more, he wants to raise the debt ceiling without Congress' approval and there's more that is so disgraceful I will not comment on it.

It takes a fool to think that this president is trying to put America back on track and is making decisions that will make it happen.

It's time for everybody to forget about their favorite PARTY and do what's right for America.

KKwilson, President Obama is bound and determined to raise taxes on the riches 2%, them only, the middle class and poor, he's fighting republicans to give them a tax cut, Boehner and the GOP is bound and determined he's not.

President Obama wants to extend unemployment benefits because republicans have voted no on every jobs bill they have been given. So many people still unemployed caused by republicans, need money to live.

Raising the debt ceiling is commonplace, it happens all the time, every President does it.

If you don't like President Obama at least don't use half truths to prove your point, that only make it appear you have no real reason to dislike the president, so you just make things up.

The GNOP wants entitlement reform? They can start with the free healthcare being given to all the millionaires in Congress.

OMG!!! The President's proposal has new taxes on the top earners!!! Crap!!! What a surprise!!! Now we're "no where" because I had no idea there would be such a thing!!!

Shut up Boehner and do you GD job. These GOP brain-trusts can't think beyond one-line talking points and need to be thrown out of office. This latest repeat of bonehead thinking may do just that.

And what are you liberals going to say when taxes are raised and Obama still runs a trillion deficit?

You apparently do not even know that he has planned spending for the "savings" after the wars are ended.

Spending is like crack to these politicians.

hiap,

It is called greed of the rich! Bonehead keeps saying no and the people have told him they want compromise and negotiation, yet he keeps waking away. Pig headed republicans who aren't facing reality and the fact that they were elected to help American and Americans not just the top 2%, businesses and corporations. GREED AGAIN!

There is no savings from the spending for war. Yes, even though Obama, who I support 100%, says there is!

All of the cuts they are considering are a gut punch to the middle class and poor (the slight rise in taxes on the rich is window dressing)

"Fiscal Cliff/"Grand Bargain": It's class warfare stupid!

Graphic comment:

http://www.dropshots.com/GCaplan#date/2012-12-02/14:48:19

TO: Gil-2872519 who wrote:

"Obama and his "advisers" (the ones he refuses to listen to) have no idea about economics. Obama has his own ideas, stupid as they are, and will take this Country down with him as a matter of ego."

It was the Republicans who took a thriving economy and changed it into the 2nd Great Depression, NOT the Democrats.

My response was supposed to be offensive, just as offensive as what the @!$%# is doing to our country, with his over spending. You know most of you don't even have jobs. All you do on this site is whine about what it is that the government is not giving to you, but at the same time you are telling the government to go tax that guy over there and give me what he has earned so I can lay on the couth collecting your welfare. Someone said the difference between corporate welfare and public welfare is one is used to buy food and one goes to companies that don’t need the money. Let me tell you of course you are going to take a subsidy if you have a company with all the regulations our government places over our business already. I am a Mechanical Engineer that works for a construction company that does new and maintenance construction for all of the energy and mining sectors. I also own a tanning salon that now gets a 10% tax because of Obama care. Yes the subsidy’s should stop but it is not the same as someone getting welfare, most of the companies are responsible for most of the wages in their community, so you cannot compare that to someone that does not want to work. I know there are people that really need the help and the disabled certainly do. Then you have others that have 6 kids to be able to collect more welfare. Someone on here said on only buys food, well that is not accurate at all a lot of drug users sell these benefits for $.50 cents on the dollar.

Then you have our borders not being secured. So now you have illegals voting on what the policies in the US should, if you had to show ID when voting this wouldn’t happen, but if that was the case the Dem wouldn’t get the votes they need to win elections if you passed a law requiring people to show ID. As far as me being a racist I did not try and convince anyone otherwise. Someone said one this post said that 47% of kids are no-white I believe this we are breeding ourselves out of existence. The ones that pay for interracial babies are not the parents but it is the kid that pays. I know this half white half black kid that was raised by the white side of his heritage, but he is not accepted by either side, of his heritage at school it has made this kid very angry at his parents as he should be.

Hey, GOP on the Rope: fool us once, shame on you, fool us towice, shame on you, fool us again, more shame on you (GOP-on-the-Rope)

New Day---it isn't even the President's job to get Boehner out of the fix the GOP put itself in with their sequestration deal yet the President has made a bona fide proposal. Time for Boehner to make a counter-proposal--that is how negotiations work, after all.

Steeler: I wouldn't hold my breath that anything remotely reasonable will come from the Republicans!

John Boehner & Eric Cantor - Do you really think you are fooling anyone..... There is no way you are ever going to agree on this so why not MAN UP and just admit it….. If you want to cut any Entitlements then start with your PAY & BENEFITS, after all there is no way this DO NOTHING CONGRESS has earned any of it…..

Vote more (if not all) Republicans OUT OF OFFICE in 2014!

They've held us all hostage for too many years now.

OHGuy raises a good point. Why the hell are we even paying these Republican obstructionists? They do nothing but cause problems for the country. Remember how they deliberatly caused Americas credit rating to be downgraded costing the all of us BILLIONS and BILLIONS of dollars......................

I am with OHGuy lets cut their entitlements ours were paid for and we pay theirs which is much better and a real entitlement!

We take the position that raising tax rates is absolutely
not something that helps get people back to work,” Cantor said, adding, “We
don't want to increase tax rates; we're not going to increase tax rates, and we
want to do something about the spending problem.”

WASHINGTON, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Allowing income tax rates to
rise for wealthy Americans would not hurt U.S. economic growth much in 2013 if
Congress extends expiring tax rates on lower income levels, the Congressional
Budget Office said on Thursday.

Nothing is more dangerous than a person deathly committed to
an idea that doesn’t work!

I am a little confused. I thought the House of Representitives was charged with creating the spending bills for the United States. Why is this President Obama's fault?

It is the JOB of the House to generate the spending bills, do your job.

If you Representitives don't do the job for which you were elected the Citizens have the ability to replace you every 2 years.

The House passes a spending bill to the Senate and they provide advice and consent then the President signs the bill or doesn't sign the bill. It is pretty simple if every does the job for which they were elected.

There were some good points made about cutting Congresses pay. You know I used to think the best part time job was teaching. But I was wrong, Its Congress. They get full time pay for part time work. They have the best health Insurance money can buy and tell us we don't deserve any insurance. I bet if there is a way we could do like Hostess did and stop paying there Insurance, Retirement and pay, they would get to work and get things done. We should start recalls on all the Reps that don't stand up and do there job. We can take back the House right now and break the Koch Brothers at the same time. They will have to spend Billions to keep there slaves in Congress. Look how much they paid to keep Scott Walker as Governor in WI. That's a win win for US and America.

Look, folks, the writing (maybe I should say, 'righting') is on the wall. The Republican leadership, if such they can be called, is clearly and unmistakably committing themselves to another two years of obstruction and interference, and thus condemning the Productive Class to two more years of slower-than-necessary growth- all so they can remain loyal to the people they represent.

WHAT? No, of COURSE I didn't mean the American taxpayers- my Dog, surely you're not as naive as that! I was talking about Big Insurance, Big Pharma, Big Energy, Big Ag... silly, we taxpayers provide their paychecks, but the Republican caucus doesn't take orders from US. How the hell would we know what's best for us, anyway?

This is as clear an endorsement as any you could ask for- an endorsement for Congressional Democrats in 2014! That is the only way we're ever going to get past their disloyal, hard- hearted and- let's just get this out into the open, shall we?- utterly criminal behaviour. The Republicans have had four years in which to demonstrate that they have ideas that would benefit the productive class, and all they've given us is oaths of loyalty to the ultra-wealthy, non-productive class and their stooges.

Republican voters, y'all have got to wise up sooner or later: Your party does not represent you. Boehner, Cantor, McConnell et al don't give a flying rat's * about improving your lives in a prosperous, vigorous and free America. If you can't stomach the Dems, either (and I'm very sympathetic to that point of view), think about a third party- but make yourself heard.

The last, best hope is that we can reform the filibuster rules and elect supermajorities in both House and Senate in 2014. We must put every seat into play! We must make the next mid- term into their Midway, the battle that would take away their strategic advantage (corporate money) and put them forever after on the defensive.

CHAAAAAAAARGE!

I said this before but I will say it again.

Federal Reps make $174,000 in salary, a lifetime pension for 5 years service, the best health insurance-bar none, at least 16 weeks of paid vacation each year, and they have the gall to fight unions, minimum wage raises, employer provided health insurance, and now SS and medicare for people who actually paid for it. Where is the outrage, they have a deal that makes the best union contracts I have ever seen look damn shabby. The American people should start the negotiation on reducing "entitlements" when they throw the things they vote for themselves and think they are entitled to on the table, and not before. I'll tell you what how about we propose your Congressman is paid the median level of income and benefits for his state, you think the reps from Texas can live on $11.20 an hour, that's $22,400 a year, why should they make nearly 8 times what the average wage earner in Texas makes, and that is just cash, if you compare the benefits it is even more obscene, if that is even possible. Don't you love a guy that makes almost 8 times what you make, with solid gold benefits, and a lifetime pension at full pay for 5 years work telling you that you have to settle for less because you are costing his business donors to much. You get that folks? They get a lifetime pension at full pay for fives years service, but want to deprive you of the benefits you paid into for a lifetime. If I was in these negotiations these guys would do well to wear a clip on tie because I swear I would be reaching across the table and choking some of these phony bastards.

Soap on a rope= GOP on the rope !!!!

Merry Christmas , We all know what happens ,Slip and fall and break a hip!!!!!!

GOP you lose !!!!!!! out of office 2014

First, for those here crying to cut earned benefits: Social Security and Medicare do not contribute a DIME to the deficit. They are self-funded programs.

Taxes are at an all-time low for the wealthy, including estate taxes, capital gains, and income tax. The very same people who took us into two wars cut taxes at the same time, with Bush telling us to "just keep shopping." Cheney even told us, "Deficits don't matter." So the electorate just watched TV instead of speaking out about

1) the longest war in the nation's history (Afghanistan),

2) an illegal war (Iraq)--about which they LIED, and

3) both wars unfunded--never put into the fed budget before 2009--

--and NOW that the time has come to pay for all that, you start to scream it's the black guy's fault? Hah!

Republicans WANT to tank our government, because they are devoted only to the corporate agenda and smaller (nonexistent) government unable to defend the environment, humanity's sole habitat.

Did any of you read how cattle are dying everywhere near fracking wells??? They are the canaries telling us what our own future will be. Ice at the poles is melting 60% faster than predicted. Mountain-top removal is poisoning the air. There are 18,000 chemicals in our food supply--only 200 of which have been investigated by a grossly underfunded FDA. You wanna holla 'bout Susan Rice because she said exactly what the CIA told her to say? You wanna holla the president didn't protect Benghazi? Then take a closer look at the GOP HOUSE that refused additional funding for security!

You folks blaming it all on the president are not patriots at all. I pay 30% in taxes, and I'm willing to pay more. Those who are screaming about taxes being too high need to look at the military-industrial complex and the fact we're spending more than the rest of the planet COMBINED to police the world--only to make them hate us more.

Look to yourselves. You insist on an ever-increasing military because you're cowards.

You insist on ever-lower taxes because you're NOT PATRIOTS. You're all about me me me me and who gives a rat's ass about America's hungry kids, or whether or not they can read, or write, or count?

Cowardly. Greedy. Uneducated and insisting on it as though you have a d---ed right to be stupid. There is NO RIGHT to be IGNORANT!

If given any opportunity at all, the GOP will continue to bankrupt our government and give corrupt multinational corporations ever more power.

And you, my right wing Americans, are the target. Corporations want you to remain dumb couch potatoes pushing their agenda while they strip from you all the benefits you enjoyed because of unions and worker organization.

While they lower your wages, delete your pensions and health benefits, and take away any chance you may have had for a contented retirement.

While you holla loud against anybody else having benefits, completely unaware that it's YOU being screwed by your utter lack of compassion for your neighbors and fellow Americans.

I'm sick to death of you. I'm sick to death FOR you.

While you haven't even the balls to stick up for your country. Shame

I nominate Dee Turner for Shop Steward.

Forrest Grump: A very humble thank you!

No Dee Thank You, you apparently have the good sense, fortitude, and generosity of spirit to tell it like it is, and to look out for other people who are too weak or naive to look out for themselves.

Yay you guys. I would just point out Dee's statement that SS and medicare do no contribute to the deficit. Those guys who say that they want entitlement reform as a means of fighting the deficit are effectively saying that they want to use payroll taxes (which were meant to be solely for SS and medicare, and therefore are a kind of retirement investment for the worker) to be used instead for general funds. It is a way to increase income tax only on the working class, since it means an increase in the paycheck going to pay for the things that income tax is supposed to pay for.

YEEEAAAAAH, DEE! (FoxTrotsky jumps up on table, stomping and applauding.) WAY TO GIVE 'EM HELL!

You sound like you're everything that Progressivism represents, in the Teddy Roosevelt tradition.

I will be looking for your handle from now on. BRILLIANTLY stated!

(Mrs. Trotsky sees Fox on table. Pyrotechnics commence.)

Dee Turner, as you are probably aware when totalitarian governments (Fascist, Communist etc.) want to take over it is intellectuals that they go after right away. They do this because they know that the intellectuals will not fall for their lies but the uneducated, ignorant peasant will. That is why the current Republicans, controlled by the right wing extremists who are tantamount to Fascist wannabes oppose anything that will ensure our children are well educated and that it is difficult to get a college degree due to the costs of it.

Waaa,ha,ha,ha. The republicans thought they were committing themselves to "sequestration". Now they realize it was really "self castration". Poor things were thinking short term "nuance" while the democrats were going with longer term "syntax". The President and the Congressional Democrats play this right, they'll hurt the hell outta the republicans, and there's nothing the republicans can do about It. Couldn't happen to a more deserving pack of fools.

Blah...Blah.....What do the Republicans want to cut....Medicare...Medicaid....Social Security......They made this clear during the election......Now they are afraid to say it because they know how terribly unpopular these cuts are....LOLZ.....PONTUS has checkmate.....

Dee....Spoken like a scholar and a gentlewoman....(bow)

Peter Dean at al: Humber still, thank you! I'm a bit overwhelmed. How to make an old woman cry--

I thought maybe I was coming on too strong but this was deeply, deeply felt. But--Peter-- no more bowing, ok? In this country, we don't bow.

It sucks that our nation is so divided when most of us want the same things from life: to work well enough to know we've been of value, to have enough to make living comfortable, to be able to retire in good health, to be able to give our kids an education that allows them to be their best when they join the work force, and to have a little something to leave them when we pass.

But all of that is meaningless if we refuse to help each other or If I can't see your value and potential as well as I see my own or my children's.

For example: I keep hearing folks being downright bloodthirsty about "illegal aliens" as though these were beings from another planet-- when they're people we work with, who work for us, who take care of us when we're sick, and care for our children--or live in our neighborhood. Our drug addictions and munitions forced these people to leave a nation we've destroyed, and they are the hardest-working people of their former land. Educating their kids is as important as educating ours, for America's future.

The fact is, if a butterfly on the wing can cause a tsunami half a world away (physics' chaos theory), then clearly if even one among us fails we all lose a bit of life, or divinity, spirit, soul, or whatever-you-may-call it that makes us--us.

Multiply that by the hundreds of thousands to begin to know the suffering of our nation's most vulnerable, and we begin to hear our future's destruction.

On the other hand, a handful of Dirty Energy/Sin Mongering multi-billionaires are rushing towards that end for the sake of maybe three more generations of their families raking in the wealth of the world--no matter that our species may not survive their ruthless greed. (By 'sin mongering' I speak not of religion, but of the Sheldon Adelsons who thrive off the gambling/prostitution-seeking social diseases of weaker folks.

If we fail now to consider at least 7 generations ahead, there won't be a 7th generation ahead. That--is certain.

So, I must be blunt.

I've even tried to take it to the pont of envisioning the Republican goal of entitlments being 100% cut. Why lordy.. I'll be the first one to lay on the street a dead body in front of Beohner's door. By gum golly the guy got rid of a poor LIVE person. But HE will have to pay to have the body removed! If he refuses, goodness he should NOT have to squander his money EVER on a person idiot enough to DIE and without a GRAVE... why the God above who granted HIM monetary grace will whisk away all those diseases that come from a rotting corpse! It was SO ORDAINED. The black plague is GOD ORDAINED upon the poor. So is cholera. it'll NEVER affect those above the million dollar mark! which is why ONLY THE LITTLE people pay taxes. I feel SO pity for Beohner taking such a BIG risk in putting the POOR people's money on the table. I think that was an EXCELLENT play: Let's bargain everyone! you put something on the table, and I'll put something else of YOURS on the table. and I will win EVERYTHING without putting ANYTHING on the table. That was a big risk Beohner! had to really hope that people were too stupid to see your hands in their pockets.

Put the rope around the GOP's neck and let them fall for a better America, Don't forget the Tea Loonies !!!!!!!!!!!

Put the rope around the GOP's neck and let them fall for a better America, Don't forget the Tea Loonies !!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Kitty, that was Toasty - Is that Buffalo N.Y. ???

Dee Turner

As individuals we should never fear expression and passion....Passion for the right thing.......Passion for making the world around us a better place for ALL people......This is not Socialism (the curse word.....wish people would google the definition) or Communism......This is about making the world better for all mankind.....for human decency....Which seems to be lost to most people...Narcissism rules and yet if you aren't a narcissist you are a communist....kinda f-d up.....Loose associations and propaganda seem to rule.....

I knew when the Republicans held on to the house that this would happen. The Republicans WILL NOT CHANGE. If we don't PURGE this Republican disease out of our entire political system they will continue to destroy anything that isn't part of their agenda of greed.

When I say purge I mean at ALL levels federal, state and local. The Republican Party has proven again and again that they don't give a damn about the country, they only care about themselves and their rich friends............. THINK 2014.

Jesse - why doesn't it surprise me you're from AZ????

If Republicons really don't want to raise taxes--then all they have to do is to vote yes on Bill 3412 which will NOT raise taxes on 98% of Americans. Right now!

Liars!

If we just pulled out of the war right now, What would that save. And why isn't anyone talking about cutting the War machine. When the Army said we don't need any more Tanks, Congress stepped in and yes we do. I don't want to see those people loose there jobs but we need to put that money elsewhere, Shift those jobs. Just to keep making those Tanks when we have 10K of them setting in fields rusting away makes no sense at all. Congress is just protection its rich friends. Talk about Welfare! If we cut Corporate welfare and Big Oil and Farm and Frama welfare we could balance the budget, along with military spending. All that is money we can save right now. Get off middle East Oil. We could cut out Nave by 3/4 if we didn't have to keep that oil flowing for China and everyone else. Why do we have to pay the cost of that? And we should cut all aid to other country's also. Hell we are paying our foes to fight us.

Friends don't let friends vote Republican.

Good one Forrest, first laugh.

I just liked this string to write my thoughts.To understand me, I told the republican party to stick it about 3 years ago. Not part of the tea party or anything else. Just a proud conservative. I love my country as do those do on both sides of the isle. I also believe the constitution is the greatest document ever written since the 10 commandment's.

So, here goes; Both conservatives, liberals and everthing inbetween should be mad and scared. Please someone explain why there are secret meetings being held to make a budget deal? No, this is just so wrong!! This belongs on the floor of both houses of congress to do the name calling, debating, exchanging of views and ideas for all to see and know. There is enough equal blame from both houses and the white house to go around. In the mean time, so many are hurting from both the left and the right because it is just all about getting your sorry butts or the butts of a party elected at the next election.

Mr. President, Mr Speaker and Senator Reid all I can say is shame on all three of you! However, believing there is no shame in D.C., this will mean nothing.

The true strength of this country has been good honest and open debate of different points of view. Here is a idea, how about unless there is a budget put into law we shut down the government and NO elected person gets a pay check. Just like a contractor, no money until the job is done right. Also, penalty clauses. If not done on time, there is a substantial reduction in pay. Then, if the government is shut down for more than 30 days, NO elected person can run for reelection at the end of that persons term, and they forfeit all retirement benefits.

Any takers to this nutty idea?

Mike Nielsen: I think you're on to something--and, you're not alone. Here's what Warren Buffet had to say:

Universally respected super-rich Midwestern gentleman Warren Buffett recently sat down for an interview with CNBC’s Becky Quick reporting from the all-powerful mogul retreat in Sun Valley, Idaho. Buffett was asked to opine on the current deficit crisis and debt ceiling conversation/quarrel/tantrum currently on the minds of politicians and media types alike, and provided a level-headed and reasonably bi-partisan assessment. No, this will not be the end of the world, he made clear, before echoing some of the words said by President Obama on this issue, asking why are we putting a gun to our heads over this? But the money quote? He could end this in five minutes.

Buffet said: “I could end the deficit in 5 minutes. You just pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP all sitting members of congress are ineligible for reelection.”

Read the rest at:

Warren Buffett Tells CNBC: ‘I Could End The Deficit In Five Minutes’
WITH VIDEO
by Colby Hall | 4:14 pm, July 8th, 2011 at mediaite.com

We the People can achieve any goal, but only IF UNITED WE STAND. Keep the good ideas rolling, Mike!

The GOP Tea Loonies will destroy our Country so the 1% can live their lavish life style, this Party doesn't care about the Middle Class, this Party has become the Party for the Mega Rich !!!!!!!!!!

Even worse for the GOP, President Obama has been burned too many times trying to meet halfway with them. He has learned his lesson, there will be no more catering to the babies. No more Mr Nice Guy.

Umm... they are the only ones governing. Can you point me to the Senate released budget proposal?

Umm...Jesse--this is your idea of "governing?" SERIOUSLY?

You probably think they're creating jobs too, huh?

yikes!

really? what exactly are they governing?

Jesse: Did you hear that Arizona is the 4th worst-managed State in the Union? Right at the bottom in education - which is all too apparent.

Jan Brewer gets my vote for Mummy of the year. Her skin is drier than a camel's saddle in the Sahara. She has a bone to pick with Obama, a dinosaur bone that belongs to her Grandma.

Jesse, the Constitution, you know that document the Bush Administration called a GD piece of paper, says that it is the House of Representatives who originates money bills. The Senate and the President can make comments and suggest changes before approval. All three must approve before they become law. The Senate has proposed changes already with SB 3412. If they can't do it for themelves they can approve the Senate version of the bill and that would at least cut taxes for most people. There still needs to be some question of spending cuts and revenue increases, however. I won't be surprised if we go over the cliff. The Republicans will, rightfully, ge the blame.

I am not sure that the President cannot simply extend the Bush tax cuts for the middle class by Executive Order, letting other tax cuts expire. He cannot IMPOSE taxes without Congressional approval, but that is a whole other matter. If there are any REAL Constitutional Law experts out there (i.e. law professors or historians NOT folks who imagine what the Constitution says after listening to their buddy Rush) who could shed light on this possibility?

The names of these Republicans need to go down in history as the worse bunch to ruin this country. You are a bunch of greedy, selfish, worthless hogs who don't care about their country. Americans care about what is best for their country, and that is certainly not the party of the worthless NO.

As far as Entitlements goes= Lift the cap of of social security of the $ 108.000, you pay social security on each dollar earned. Have a $ 2.00 luxury tax on any ticket sold. $ 1.00 would go into social security fund and $ 1.00 would go into Medicare fund. We could have a national lottery ticket to put money into these two funds. If you go to a ball game for example, you pay how much for a hot dog now. So to add a couple of dollars to the price of a ticket wouldn't kill anyone and no major changes to the two funds.

I refer you to my post @

#1.3 - Fri Nov 30, 2012 12:28 PM EST

firstread.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/11/30/15573754-white-house-surprised-by-gop-surprise?commentId=72279627#c72279627

blackcatwhitecat...meet copycat!

(Or uh, great minds...?)

great minds never think alike ... the other saying was coined by a ...?

There's nothing to negotiate, all the Republicans have to do is vote on and pass the Senate bill freezing taxes for 98% of American tax payers................ Duh.

This is a true no brainer but the Republican A-holes once again chose to play their sick little song and dance of obstruction. The same song and dance that all of us have been held hostage by for way too long..... These Republican P&^%$s have got to go, ASAP.

Vote them out of office in 2014.

You are correct, Big Al. If Republicons seriously do not want to raise taxes--they need to vote yes on Bill 3412 immediately (if not sooner!) which would prevent taxes from rising on 98% of Americans. The fact they won't shows their true colors. They don't give a rat's ass about 98% of American citizens!

The problem is that cutting loopholes alone can't raise enough money. The math doesn't work. There have to be some small rate increases as well.

Then a combination of the two? Both sides have to project a win to their followers even though pain is coming to one and all.

The top 2% should have never been given those tax cuts in the first place. They aren't entitled to it. The got a way with it for a while. Those playing "rope a dope" are the Republicans acting like this isn't part of the issue. Another big white elephant in the room that they keep pretending not to see.

Both removing the loop holes and raising taxes on the top need to be done, how many here will be affected not me hell wish I made 250,000. Would gladly pay more taxes.

I put "cutting loopholes" in the same bucket as "tort reform". Sounds good but is just lip service, not much savings there.

2833 clark: hell wish I made 250,000. Would gladly pay more taxes."

RIGHT ON! Me too! Wish I made $250,000--I'd be happy to pay more taxes--seriously! Hell Romney pays less taxes than I do--and believe you me--I make a lot less than he does! I make less than the tax deduction ($77,000) he takes for his dancing horse!

Why should "rich people pay more taxes. And before you call me a teabilly or rethuglican, I would like to state I am an independent. What is fair about taxing people more because they are successful. Everybody has a chance to succeed in this country. To make things fair get rid of all deduction/corporate welfare and tax everyone the same. People need to quit complaining. There is nothing fair about taxing people more just because you don't like how much they make. If you think I am wrong I would love to hear reasons why. (I'm being serious, not trying to be sarcastic)

For the party that always wants to thrust their Christian morals on everyone, then taxing certain income levels at progressively higher rates should make perfect sense. To he who has more - more is expected. Since we have progressive income taxation, it is only those income amounts that are above certain levels, i.e. $250,000 for families, that are affected. These same more well-off people will still pay the same rates as everyone else on income that falls in brackets below the $250,000. No one is asking them to pay more taxes on the higher levels of income because we begrudge their success, but because they have the means to pay more without it being painful and because it is the right thing to do. Those who have are expected to help out those who have not - it's the Christian way, the same "way" that the Republicans keep trying to force on us with many other issues.

I voted for Obama and I'd prefer they do things that affect all Americans, not just the rich. Keep the tax rates the same for everyone and cut spending... but that means spending in all areas of Govt, not just the areas of spending so frequently mentioned by the GOP. And for the record, although I do well financially, I don't make 250K+. I just don't like the idea of raising taxes on anyone, rich or poor. This is an area where I disagree with Obama, but still love the guy.

Hey if I made more than $250,000 I'd GLADLY pay more taxes! GLADLY!

And I would point out - everyone is subject to the same tax rates on the first $250k. That is, the rich pay the exact same tax rate that everyone does on the first $50,000, and on the next $50,000, and on the next $50,000, and on the next $50,000, and on the next $50,000. It's only when you get to the next $50,000 that the rate goes up. And even then, it will problem take another $50,000 or two to cover all the deductions that the rich have, like the $100,000 deduction on the mortgage payments on their mansion. So really, the higher rates won't likely impact anyone who earns less than $350,000 gross.

Maxwell, you will find this to be an interesting read. This college professor was paying 16%.

Taxes, Warren Buffett, and Paying My Fair Share - NYTimes.com

ashley.....and yet you voted for Obama...You get the government you elected.

No - we get the government - YOU elected.

Bullet: IT IS NOT Obama who is hurting this tax extention it is CLEARLY the GOP sweetie I will NEVER make more then $35,000 a year and that was what I made in 1995 not now I make $18,000 per year so I think it IS Obama who is helping in 2014 I will at least qualify for healthcare I haven't had that since 2005. Now if I can just keep my tax credits all will be ok in MY WORLD and most of my Friends sure my Dad pays more taxes but who cares he can afford it...

Just because you disagree with one aspect of your leader's ideas, doesn't mean you vote for the other guy/gal. No way you can agree with everything someone wants to do, unless you just go with the party line on everything and in my opinion, that would be un-Amercian.

bullet45-3234791:

What a stupid comment.

You really don't understand economics, and most likely never will.

Pay me $250,000+ and hell yes you may raise my taxes! Hell yes!

If the Republicons REALLY cared about not raising taxes--they'd pass Bill 3412--which will ensure taxes are NOT raised on 98% of the American people. 98%!

So why don't they pass it?

The payroll tax cut was never intended to be permanent. It was supposed to be a stimulus and it didn't work. It is forcing the government to pull general fund moneys to fund Social Security. Dumb idea.

The payroll tax cut was never intended to be permanent

Neither were the Bush "temporary" tax cuts. They were put in place when the country was running a budget surplus and we were paying down government debt. They were sold to the electorate on the basis that they would increase economic activity, and the benefits given disproportionately to the wealthy would trickle down to the rest of us. Instead the economy tanked, the budget deficit ballooned, and the rich got richer at the expense of everyone else. I agree that going over the Fiscal Cliff would be a bad thing, but if it happens due to Republican intransigence I'm prepared to do my part and pay the same tax rate I payed back during the Clinton era when the economy was growing, unemployment was low, and the stock market was making new highs. Are the Republicans?

Yep someotherguy! So where all these jobs from the trickle down rich job creators? 30 years we've been waiting. Where are they?

Heyitschuck: Thank You!

Why are we the only ones thinking along these lines? Seems like common sense to me. Why isn't this what is coming out of our presidents mouth...Come on Barrack...step up to the plate, knock one out for us

Can you tell me what subsidy a corporation gets when it "ships jobs overseas"?

Include farm subsidies that go to the Republican farming belt states.

Yep, Yep and Yup. I think what everyone both in the political sector as well as in the private sector are afraid of is that a particular amount of money they now enjoy the benefits of will disappear. In Truth, they don't want to give it up. They feel entitled to it, and Therefore feel obligated to refuse to work with the President in hopes that this money issue falls beside the wayside somewhere.

This should be an across the board cut, with a larger percentage coming from the wealthiest 2%. Services and positions need to be cut where they should be. Yes, it will dethrone some people, but this is just the way it works. I'm sure almost everyone here either has been through or knows someone who has had their jobs/positions cut, and had their salaries 'frozen. The government is no different than private sector corporations, and should be downsized in order to make it run more efficiently.

Maybe because the democratic congress is in the pockets of corporations and enjoy their free benefits just as much as their republican counterparts?

Can you tell me what subsidy a corporation gets when it "ships jobs overseas"?

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/presidential/Do_companies_get_tax_breaks_for_shipping_US_jobs_overseas.html

“Firms can generally deduct business expenses,” said Kimberly Clausing, the Thormund A. Miller and Walter Mintz Professor of Economics at Reed College. “Thus, of course, if firms incurred expenses in moving abroad, they would be able to deduct those expenses.”

someotherguy: So the short answer is that there is no "subsidy" for shipping jobs overseas. Businesses can deduct ordinary business expenses, regardless of where they occur. And I sincerely doubt that Congress is going to take away a business' right to deduct ordinary business expenses.

T2q Mom: "Can you tell me what subsidy a corporation gets when it "ships jobs overseas"?

I'll tell you. They get tax breaks for shipping our jobs overseas--and when those tax breaks were put to the vote--the Republicons refused to revoke them! That's right! They give tax breaks to companies who are shipping American jobs overseas!

Why not reverse it and only award tax breaks to companies who bring jobs here to the USA?

Maxwell: All I asked is exactly what the specific tax breaks were for shipping jobs overseas. And nobody seems to be able to tell me other than a generic "businesses can deduct ordinary business expenses". I doubt if anybody in Congress will take away the ability of businesses to deduct ordinary business expenses.

And the reason nobody is telling me is that there aren't any "subsidies" to businesses that "ship jobs overseas". They don't exist.

The Democrats have tried to close that tax cut for exporting American jobs twice now. The first time was in 2010 and the last time was just last July. You can be assured that Bain Capital is using it while exporting that factory at Bainport. Will they export your job next?

Anti-outsourcing bill fails in Senate

Romney Ignores Bainport While Trying to Take Back 47% Comments

Can you tell me what subsidy a corporation gets when it "ships jobs overseas"?

From Citizens for Tax Justice:

For one thing, the kind of “tax reform” that big corporations and their allies in Congress are promoting would be perverse. Their central goal is to eliminate U.S. taxes on corporations’ foreign profits. Of course, to keep their promise to break even, their version of “tax reform” would have to increase U.S. taxes on profits earned here in the United States.

One could point out that the U.S. already collects almost nothing in taxes on American corporations’ foreign profits. But corporate leaders would like to convert our current indefinite “deferral” of taxes on foreign profits into a permanent exemption.

Why would anyone think this approach would help our “international competitiveness”? Well, you have to understand what corporate leaders mean by that term. They don’t mean making it more attractive to invest and create jobs in the United States. Quite the contrary. They mean making it more attractive for companies to invest and create jobs in foreign countries.

Real corporate tax reform would do the opposite, by ending the indefinite deferral (PDF) of tax on foreign profits. Companies may still invest abroad for economic reasons, but at least we wouldn’t be subsidizing them to do so.

There’s a second point. Due to a plethora of tax subsidies, we also have very low taxes on corporate profits earned in the United States. And a fat lot of good that’s done us economically. So we should be increasing corporate taxes on U.S. profits, too. Not on all companies, to be sure. But on average, Fortune 500 corporations now pay only about half the official 35 percent corporate tax rate on their U.S. profits. A quarter of these giant corporations now pay less than 10 percent in U.S. taxes on their U.S. profits, including many that pay nothing at all.

For the specific tax shenanigans we are looking at, Google “active financing exception” and “CFC look-thru rules”

Maybe the Democrats in the senate can come up with a budget, why is it always the fault of the Republicans? Between Obama. Reid and Pelosi they should be able to get an IQ of 100.

Shawn - which is 100 more than all the Republicans put together!

And why don't the Republicons tell us what "entitlements" should be cut? If that's what they want--then why not tell us what they want to cut?

This is nuts. They're getting paid good money to govern--and they refuse to do their jobs! If we behaved like that, we'd be fired!

Forget cutting "entitlements". Cut subsidies like the ones to Big Oil.

Turn Off the Oil Subsidy Spigot

Speaker Boehner whines about a stalemate but a REAL leader would schedule meetings with the opposition and work it out.

Gary who?

You know, Gary Johnson the black pizza guy with the 666 tax plan and a love for ladies. How quickly we forget.

Yeah, the entire country was totally shut down from 1940 to 1980 when the top tax bracket was 70%, or higher.

Oh, that's right, it wasn't.

In fact, economic growth was greater when the rates were higher than in the period since rates have been below 50%.

Causation or coincidence ?

John the Pizza Guy is Herman Caine. Gary Johnson is some Libertarian nut.

The rich currently are taxed at 35 to 36% of their income...less than 10% more than the average under 6-figure Middle Class income earner is paying at 28%. So where's their big bitch? Their tax rate doesn't include the ton of cuts, breaks and loopholes they use to whittle down that 35 to 36% to 16%...less than the 28% the Middle Class is paying on average. The Middle Class doesn't begin to get the same number of tax reductions as the 1%. Yet, the 1% are on the bitch stick over a lousy 2% increase in their taxes. How Grinchmo do they need to get?

They refuse to give up their tax cuts. But, they also refuse to give up those loopholes they use and only THEY can use because of their higher than average incomes.

If the GOP is being rope-a-doped...it's their own fault. How about it's time for them to get off their lazy asses and stop working for the Kochs? Adelson and the rest of the Madoffers the GOP seems to be so infatuated with these days.

When 54 CEOs converged on DC this week, you just know they were pumping more and more of their wealth into lobbyists to get the legislation they want and to give the Middle Class yet another kick in the ass.

Must have stayed up all night thinking of that one.

Wood butcher: I think it was a joke making fun of the ridiculous tendency of the GOP to make-up nonsense about the President, it was kinda deadpanned, though; hard to tell. If not, well then......

Won't happen. As much as you hate to admit it, they had a chance this year. If it was so bad, people wouldn't have just gone to the polls to make sure Pharobama won and continued on with the ballot and voting. If Pharobama getting re-elected was a mandate don't you think it would have carried through to the Congressional candidates also? Kind of like "anybody but the GOP"? Well it didn't. They love the pres but they also didn't care enough to vote out those nasty conservatives at the same time. Perhaps they like watching the Government video game.

Talk to the Hand : "didn't care enough to vote out those nasty conservatives at the same time". Civil people tend to give the handicapped the benefit of the doubt.

TalktotheHand...And that's all your kind has to talk to...your hands...Make it good..because even your hands don't fall for it anymore. Those who have no respect for this president are the most miserable, hateful American terrorists to come out of DogPatch yet. All these fat gut, anti-president, anti-government jerks want is to divide the country...Well....you found out in November 2012...just how united we all are to get rid of mouths that have nothing but putrid remarks to spew.

The US has moved forward without the help of the lazy asses of the good ole bois network of the GOP...Poor lil Grovey...His Norquistian Regime is over. Hell hath no fury like a Norquistian denied of power and might...good...he can take Boehner, Issa, McConnell, Cantor and Rove and go pout like the spoiled little asses they are...we move on without them.

Talk to the Hand -

Are we gonna have to listen to this crap for another 2 years? Do you remember the leadup to this election?

"Democrats will get the same shellacking they got in 2010!"

"The presidency and Republican majorities in both the House and Senate!"

Blah, blah, blah...

Didn't happen. Democrats took the presidency, gained 5 seats in the HR and 2 seats in the Senate. In fact, it is even worse than that - Republicans actually lost 8 seats in the HR! So you just keep it up Republicans: keep working on that obstructionism. 2014 is coming!

Obama's actions will keep tax rates from going up on middle class earners. The GOPs actions will increase taxes on middle class earners. You figure that out. BTW, Obama has cut taxes 18 times on individuals and small businesses. Obama care only mostly affects those that choose not to buy insurance, and you are paying for them already through increased state and local taxes. Businesses are not obligated to offer insurance now, and many don't. They do to keep the best and brightest..and that won't change. You figure that out. Investments don't pan out if the businesses go belly up due to low demand from middle class consumers. You figure that out.

George my company makes MILLIONS there are 5 employees this EXEMPTS my employer from paying those extra taxes because you have to have a minimum of 30 FULL TIME employees did you read all of Obamacare or just took parts of it. Also if Obama haden't extended the tax credits trust me the GOP would have us paying double while the rich find loop holes to avoid paying taxes they should. Poor people have little to NO deductions (other then children) rich have houses cars computers they can deduct as buisness expenses...So enough and NO my taxes did not raise in ANY of the years Obama has been president it raised 2 times with Bush...

George Douglas:

You might think that employers would suddenly cut hours and add additional employees. Only stupid ones will do that. Aside from the cost of recruiting and training new employees, you also have the additional cost of unemployment and workers compensation insurance. Further, it will be more difficult than ever keep purely part-time workers. Also, the quality of work received from part-time workers tends to not be as good as full-time workers.

Eventually the threshold number of hours will be lowed to 20 or even 15 and all employers will have to offer insurance or pay the tax. That is the route this will eventually take. It may just take time to get there.

George,

What did the "job creators" do before the current cuts? Small business? 98% of all small businesses will not see their taxes increase and many have taken advantage of tax cuts already enacted under Obama. By the way, if the company ships the job overseas to escape decent wages with benefits, they can move their own asses over there to. Time to apply massive punitive tariffs, you can't sell your goods here if you are employing what amounts to slave labor. These "productive" people you mention are the vote buyers, as evidenced by the amounts they threw into trying to defeat Obama, alas to no avail. It seems the companies who are holding wages down, eliminating benefits, and don't even mention retirement, while at the same time reaping record profits are the ones who want the "free stuff". They love a depression, but they can and will be bypassed, by companies who understand their employees are their greatest asset, and who treat them accordingly. "Job creators" don't hire people in some sort of altruistic impulse, they hire workers because they make money. It just so happens that those same employees who make decent wages also make the employers wealthier than workers who are being used by some greedy Koch brother types. Taxing the investor class in this country is a good idea, they recovered (were bailed out) in 08/09 and can pay for some of the damage they caused to the economy in general. They're the takers and they've bought the conservatives hook,line and sinker. The middle class is being decimated by the policies employed by the Republican party. If you believed the BS you spout, you wouldn't have a problem keeping lower tax rates for 98% of all Americans.

Even more reason, for employers than can, to send the jobs overseas. To lower the number of employees threshold the law would have to be changed. When our country's economy totally fails, as it will with people like Obama leading it, the safety net the poor had previously will totally disappear. When a country is totally broke, which ours in reality is already, there is no money to give away. We are so far in debt we can't currently pay our way out. If you took ALL the money the top 1% has, it wouldn't even pay the interest on the national debt. Countries that treat their productive citizens equally will succeed. The ultra liberal countries will fail. The top 1% already pay 40% of the income taxes while 49% of Americans actually free load and pay not a cent of federal income tax. The 49% that do not pay federal income taxes act as though they have a right to take other people's money, just because they are successful and rich. Why are the 49% not paying THEIR fair share? They enjoy the same protection from our military tax payers do.

George your post is so ridiculously false it is pathetic. Yet my guess is you actually believe the garbage you wrote. Did you cut and paste it from a radical rightwing website because it sounds eerily familiar. Still stupid but familiar!

George Douglas: W R O N G !!!!

The phrase Bush tax cuts refers to changes to the United States tax code passed originally during the presidency of George W. Bush and extended during the presidency of Barack Obama,

One bill in 2001, the second (which worked by amplifying the first) in 2003, and extended during Obama's tenure to stave off a further decline in the economy, which was, BTW, caused by the Bush Administration.

While each act has its own legislative history and effect on the tax code, the JGTRRA amplified and accelerated aspects of the EGTRRA. Since 2003, the two acts have often been spoken of together, especially in terms of analyzing their effect on the U.S. economy and population and in discussing their political ramifications. Both laws were passed using controversial Congressional reconciliation procedures."

"Congressional Reconciliation Proceedures" refers to 'budget reconciliation' which is a tactic used by a majority party to overcome a filibuster (using 52 votes) by the opposing party. Bush SHOVED those f%$king tax cuts down America's throat, bankrupting us right before a war and during a war, BOTH of which were NOT payed for and sunk us into a mountain of debt! Stop trying to rewrite history, America is SICK of it. Then the fiscal morons started "Medicare Part D", completely unpaid for, totally on the credit card with an already 8 trillion dollar debt, to simultaneously ensure the senior vote in '04 and bankrupt Medicare. America has been duped by this party before (RECENTLY) and most of us remember, and it's gonna stop. Mr President: beat their asses, literally if need be cause this has to end!

George: and BTW: if 49% of America pays no income tax what the F%$K was that chaeck I sent to the IRS for??!! I'm not even in the upper 60% of income earners, what was that check for? I think we've already roped a dope, fellow 'Viners.

nm

You know what really cracks me up? All these so-called "conservatives" who whine and moan about our national debt--but don't want billionaires to pay a higher percentage in taxes than poor and middle class Americans because in their "voodoo economics" more money somehow suddenly would not make any difference to our debt. (I dunno why--since personally more money certainly helps lower my personal debt...)

If that's the case--then why not spend more too? I mean if more revenue won't help lower our debt--then in your world higher spending must, eh? I mean up is down and black is white in your crazy upside down universe.

Insane!

George: Has Romney, Cantor, anyone on Wall Street or anywhere else in the "financial sector" ever raised a crop, healed a patient, taught a child to read, built a building or a highway? Whom, exactly, are these so-called "productive" people you reference? I don't consider pushing someone else's 401k back and forth across a desk "productive". "They lend money to businesses so they can grow". No, WE lend money to businesses, they simply make a fortune on the exchange.

ashleyadamms, you are just the people that the GOP are talking about, but Obama lets you slide right under the radar. The GOP are the ones wanting to close the tax loopholes so that slime bags can't slither through without, "paying their fair share." as someone always says. While you gas bags are concerned with raising the wealthy people's income tax, the GOP are looking at the Capital Gains, that is where the equality comes in on the revenue side

Still have not heard Obama and crew talk at all about cost savings.

Sorry George,

Thanks to the very Party you seem to vehemently support, the people you claim pay no taxes have lost income, property, and wealth as almost 36% of their wealth has been redistributed to the top 2%, thanks to GOP Socialism for the Rich, (a/k/a tax cuts for job creators" over the past 24 years, 20 years of it being GOP Administrations who, over the past 28 years in office, created less than half as many new jobs as the Democrats you love to hate.

Strange how the Clinton Administration proved that tax increases did not slow down job creation, yet the GOP still claims this to be a truism. There are so many solutions to our fiscal problems, if those in the House would simply get out of the way. If you really want to cut deficits, first put people back to work, invest in jobs, and the deficit will begin to come a long way in fixing itself.

I personally find it simply amazing that all the Right Wingers will jump on board the "Marvelous Ryan Plan" which had massive spending cuts, and more gifts to the rich, along with another 5 Trillion in additional Federal Deficits, yet where were you? Right on board!

When did Harry Reid become republican?

He is, after al, the biggest obstructionist in Congress.

But, but....the GOP have put "revenue" on the table. How much more specific do they have to be?

If you don't like the original offer, come back with a counter-offer. That's Negotiating 101.

Absolutely.

The puffery will continue for a bit longer. It's all political theater. The House Republicans are on the verge of being rendered irrelevant. If they want to claim some of the victory, they will have to act before the end of the year. We'll see. It will be fun!

If the US is still the top country in the world, and other countries emulate us, it's downright embaressing to broadcast our troubles all over the world, and the players in this fiasco should not pass GO, collect $200, or keep a Stay in Jail card. Allowing the rest of the world to view our tarnished government/Congress just shows how, internally, we are crumbling. While Congress and the White House posture at each other, other governments are being busy bees, taking the opportunity to pull a slick one or two while our focus is elsewhere.

AnnieRooney: Which is why we're 17th in clean energy, 38th in education and healthcare-- and the president's vital Jobs Bill, Veterans' Jobs Bill, and Infrastructure Bill are gathering dust in the GOP House.

Oh. And our spending more for military than the rest of the world COMBINED, in order to police the world?

Only guarantees we will be Hated #1.

Woodbutcher, The GOP has put revenue on the table and they are very specific. Everything they put on the table comes with a BUT-ONLY, as in but only if taxes on the rich are not raised and they receive another tax cut.

Republicans will not seriously discuss anything no matter how important unless their 2 main points about taxes and the wealthy are allowed to happen first, so, no matter what happens, republicans have to be forced to the table and talk because President Obama will not agree to their terms.