Comment by Alan Goldstein on August 1, 2011 at 9:57pm

These people are morons. 

Throughout most of Obama’s presidency, Republicans/TeaBaggers have tried to beat down a number of initiatives with the refrain, “The majority don’t want this”, or “The majority of Americans polled yada, yada, yada….”.  Well every poll shows the “MAJORITY” of Americans favor an approach that includes raising taxes, along with cuts in spending.  So why is it the MAJORITY is now being ignored by their self-proclaimed protectors?Perhaps what they really meant was “The MAJORITY of  Rich Americans don’t want this"

Comment by matt.clerke on August 1, 2011 at 10:05pm

"The MAJORITY of  Rich, conservative, christian, Americans don’t want this"

I fixed it for you Alan. That is what the republican party represents isn't it? It's hardly a majority if polls are contradicting their wishes.

Comment by Ed on August 2, 2011 at 12:00am

Alan,

What poll exactly shows most Americans in favor of raising taxes? Myself and friends in this area certainly weren't asked that question. None of us around here are in favor of upping the tax burden on already financially strapped Americans.

I don't have a problem with operating our federal government with the same principles I apply to a household budget. If I don't have the cash to buy something I don't get out a credit card and do it anyway.
If Bill Clinton (a democrat by chance) was able to walk away from a two term presidency with a positive cashflow then those that follow in his shoes should do the same.
Seriously, what poll shows most americans want a tax hike? I don't believe it.

Comment by Patrick Scherr on August 2, 2011 at 2:29am

Although I support the Liberal Party of Canada, it's times like these I really, really wish the New Democrats won our last election.

 

I would just fucking love to see the tea party americans flip shit because one of the free world's largest oil and lumber producers now has a socialist government. Wouldn't that be awsome?

Comment by Sassan K. on August 2, 2011 at 2:49am

@Patrick, not really. Making decisions because of someone else is a detrimental attitude. What Canada does doesn't make a difference in regards to everyday policies in America.

And I have to say - raising taxes in a time of recession has never proven fruitful.

Comment by Alan Goldstein on August 2, 2011 at 11:22am

Ed Delauter, so if you weren’t asked, the polls aren’t legitimate?

Running a country is a lot different than running a household. Comparing the two is simplistic and dumb, unless of course you have 311 million people in your family. How many wars and conflicts are you involved in, or monitoring? How many millions of people depend on you for assistance? How much infrastructure creation and repair are you providing funds for? How many unexpected disasters, terrorist attacks, etc. must you respond to, or attempt to prevent? I could turn this into a twenty page reply, but I won’t. 

 

So just how the hell is running your household like running a country?

As for polls, just google "most Americans favor a balanced approach to budget crisis”. Wow! Wasn’t that hard?

Comment by Ed on August 2, 2011 at 2:25pm

Alan,

 

Ok, I'll concede the issue is basically 50/50 on wanting tax hikes, per:

“Given the dividing lines in the current political debate, the partisan split is predictable, but Democrats are more passionate about their position than Republicans are. Fifty-four percent (54%) of Republicans would prefer a candidate who is against all tax increases. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of Democrats – and 56% of voters not affiliated with either of the major parties – would favor a candidate who supports a mix of spending cuts and increased taxes.”

 

As to similarities between household budgets and national budgets there is one:

you can't continue to spend money you don't have for very long before things start to implode.

Our gross national debt will likely exceed our gross domestic product for the next decade. Gross interest on the national debt is the fourth largest item in the budget;  by 2020, interest on the debt will be the second largest item in the budget. Were headed towards bankruptcy. 

 

Everything we spend money on should be looked at; no sacred cows. I am not implying that grandma needs to start eating dog food BTW. But those who are abusing our social programs need to be held accountable : second and third generation welfare recipients who have figured out it is easier to use the right lawyer and avoid work altogether, crazy check and disability recipients who feign mental disease or physical defect.  Not all abuse the system but there are plenty.

 

BTW, would you be in favor of reducing the congressional salaries by 25% until our budget is balanced? In yet another poll 82% of Americans favor this idea.

Comment by Alan Goldstein on August 3, 2011 at 8:28am

Balanced budgets are a great idea, and an ideal we should strive for, but to make it an absolute condition of anything, is not realistic. I do agree something must be done, but there are no easy answers.

 

As for cutting congressional pay, another idea that sounds good on paper, but could have unintended consequences. I’m not always for something because the majority favors it. I was just pointing out the oppositions hypocrisy on the issue. 

 

I hope to return to this debate soon, but I have some things pending, and it may be some time before I do. Take care.

 

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