Boehner has done nothing positive for this country. All the things he is saying have been tried and have failed. I can't believe that people believe him.
4
I guess this re-think by the GOP means they will support unions and a higher minimum wage. When I was a lad and Eisenhower was President, an average blue collar worker could support a family. And the top marginal tax rate was 92%.
8
What can one say. But the economic policy have not trickle down to the working middle class. And the Republican call for change, And there Tax Reform bills will not save the party. When they are playing politic, With the working class. Over issue of entitlements ect... For the few to benefit even more at the expense of the working middle class....
3
Talking in platitudes and keeping the electorate as ignorant as possible is what got us in this mess in the first place. You want to focus stagnating wages, worsening income inequality and the eroding middle class? Nothing is stopping you. How about backing a minimum wage that people can live on? How about making sure more wealthy corporations, which claim the corporate tax rate is too high, actually start paying something close to the statutory tax rate before you start talking about lowering the rate? How about backing President Obama's proposal to boost taxes on capital gains? How about you close the private equity loophole? How about you stop systematically eroding the rights of workers to collectively bargain and thereby boost their wages? How about you stop allowing big banks to privatize profits but socialize risks? How about you stop being beholden to deep-pocketed donors? How about you stop saying things like, "end the scourge of poverty," and actually work in a bi-partisan way to enact solutions that address it?
It's time for a revolution in this country. Sadly, people are so busy trying to keep their heads above water, they don't have time to be up in arms about a political system in which members of both parties are beholden to moneyed special interests. ... and that's the way the ruling elite likes it. Eat your gruel and be quiet.
It's time for a revolution in this country. Sadly, people are so busy trying to keep their heads above water, they don't have time to be up in arms about a political system in which members of both parties are beholden to moneyed special interests. ... and that's the way the ruling elite likes it. Eat your gruel and be quiet.
11
When Romney speaks about income inequality he was referring to his income compared to billionaires. Beware of bandwagon politics!
5
Republicans had a different term for income inequality last year - it was called Class Warfare. Whenever the subject was raised the response was Democrats were trying to wage Class Warfare, pitting the poor against the rich out of jealousy. The 47% was trying to get their mitts on Mitts money. Now the facts have overwhelmed them (Oxfam reports the richest 1% control 50% of all wealth) and now Mitt and a growing number of Republicans are cynically trying to reinvent themselves, or at least appear they have. Ain't gonna happen.
8
The middle class votes its pocketbook. We are far more concerned with our well being than with the wealth gap. Billionaires don't concern us nearly as much as how much we earn and what we can buy with it. We're sick of wage stagnation. Paid sick leave and free community college tuition would be nice, though hardly front and center. Most of us already get paid sick leave and we want our kids at universities, not dead-end community colleges. Tax cuts sound great -- we'll take those and pay off some of our debts. The EIC is for poor people, not for us. We pay our own way on the whole. Balancing the budget concerns us little -- we are not interested in sacrificing our well-being for future benefits that we have no faith in. Cutting spending that taxes us without benefit, however, is a huge priority. Programs that help those earning $200,000 don't help us. We'd like to see them milked along with the billionaires. That's lesson one for both Democrats and Republicans. Any questions?
4
According to Boehmer...“We need to fix our broken tax code, balance our budget, replace the broken health care law with solutions that lower cost and protect jobs.”
Apparently Boehner feels entitled to his own facts. Health care costs have been coming down and there has been no job loss attributable to the ACA. And we've seen the impact of austerity, budget cutting measures in the Eurozone.
Either the Speaker is alarmingly Ill read and uninformed or he has set a new standard for the "Liar, liar pants on fire" award!
Apparently Boehner feels entitled to his own facts. Health care costs have been coming down and there has been no job loss attributable to the ACA. And we've seen the impact of austerity, budget cutting measures in the Eurozone.
Either the Speaker is alarmingly Ill read and uninformed or he has set a new standard for the "Liar, liar pants on fire" award!
13
These are euphemisms for denying healthcare and public services to the lower and middle classes. If we get an American Taliban president next time, you can count on that. Of course, tax cuts will be much more meaningful for the wealthy and the well-to-do. Milk, bread, and fuel cost the same whether you're rich or poor. (Did you recently read that 85 people own HALF of the world's wealth. There's something terribly wrong with that.)
4
I'm sure it's both.
“It is going to be a very difficult challenge for conservatives to make the argument that they have better solutions, because these things sound so appealing...”
Actually, it's going to be a difficult challenge for conservatives to make the argument that they have better solutions, because the flat out don't. The current situation has been CAUSED by 35 years of "trickle down economics." I'm still waiting for my trickle...
--- Steve
Actually, it's going to be a difficult challenge for conservatives to make the argument that they have better solutions, because the flat out don't. The current situation has been CAUSED by 35 years of "trickle down economics." I'm still waiting for my trickle...
--- Steve
12
Steve - Don't look up. You won't like what's been trickling down!
2
If American Corporations are people, does that make them American citizens ? If so, why are they not taxed on their worldwide income ?
11
This from the Bush III campaign: “While the last eight years have been pretty good ones for top earners, they’ve been a lost decade for the rest of America.” Eight years! Is this guy kidding or are our aristocratic dynasties that out of touch?
6
The last 8 years have only been pretty good ones for the "top earners" (AKA thieves)? LOL
1
In which of the 57 states did he say that?
2
How frustrating for the GOP "true believers" to repeat year after year after year: if only Republicans can do "a better job of explaining our policies in an emotional way that shows voters they care." said Sean Spicer.
It is not the explanations; it is the policies that show Republicans don't care.
It is not the explanations; it is the policies that show Republicans don't care.
10
"The problem for Republicans, though, is that a debate over wage stagnation and a shrinking middle class plays on Democratic turf, where Democrats can offer up what Mr. Romney once derided as “free stuff.”"
Ugh, the Republicans have a number of problems but this isn't it. Their real problem is convincing people that the same policies they've had toward workers for the past 30 years will somehow produce different results.
Ugh, the Republicans have a number of problems but this isn't it. Their real problem is convincing people that the same policies they've had toward workers for the past 30 years will somehow produce different results.
11
“Republicans shouldn’t be afraid to say whatever gains are out there, they’re going to the top 10 percent,” Mr. Pethokoukis said.
'Cause Americans are so dense...what?
If I were a GOPher candidate--yeah yeah, I know--it's a stretch--good sense against me, parents rolling over in their graves, spending the afterlife with boors and bores, just go with me here.
Would anybody hire this guy to give advice to a candidate?
Inherited his money, you figure?
'Cause Americans are so dense...what?
If I were a GOPher candidate--yeah yeah, I know--it's a stretch--good sense against me, parents rolling over in their graves, spending the afterlife with boors and bores, just go with me here.
Would anybody hire this guy to give advice to a candidate?
Inherited his money, you figure?
3
Remember, republicans are DESPERATE for the presidency. They will do just about anything to get it, except govern.
That in itself is a conundrum: To win the 2016 presidential election they need to show they CAN govern, that the government CAN help people and fix problems (especially income inequality). However, that is antithetical to their core philosophy of "governments are not here to help people".
So how do republicans stay true to their philosophies of little or no government intervention to help people, and yet show that they can do exactly the opposite to win the presidency?
No wonder they all look so grumpy.
That in itself is a conundrum: To win the 2016 presidential election they need to show they CAN govern, that the government CAN help people and fix problems (especially income inequality). However, that is antithetical to their core philosophy of "governments are not here to help people".
So how do republicans stay true to their philosophies of little or no government intervention to help people, and yet show that they can do exactly the opposite to win the presidency?
No wonder they all look so grumpy.
14
Not that they are actually going to FIX the problem, just figure out a way to LIE about their role in causing it.
Oh, and blaming Obama.
Oh, and blaming Obama.
12
Well, it's about time! But it is hard to believe that Mitt, Mitch, and Jeb will stick with "refocusing". Let's hope they do and the lives of the disenfranchised will improve, and especially help those folks' children have more educational, nutritional, and health advantages.
3
Olympic runners run faster than me, olympic swimmers swim faster than me, it's just not "fair". So what do "progressives" suggest to alleviate this "unfairness"? Put weights on the olympic runners and swimmers to slow them down? That appears to be their solution to folk who are just better at earning money and creating wealth. Trickle down government take from the hard workers and successful and give to the lazy and slow.
1
I thought this article was about the economics of the middle class and you change it to an athletic one. I will help you as you must have a Fox clouded brain. All of the benefits of any economic expansion has gone to the 1%ers and the rest of us would like to receive some of it too. Nearly all of the tax cuts have gone to the top and these do not create jobs. No employer hires people because they received lower taxes; they hire people because they need them regardless of the tax implications. Finally if "trickle down economics worked would not the trickle have begun by now. You know it has been since the 80's the Ronnie Reagan gave us that plan. Henry Ford found out when he paid his workers more it increased business for him and others. So maybe you should listen to some other source for your information than Faux.
1
Uhmm, the one percent who own most of the nation's wealth are world class olympic runners and swimmers. While the middle class who have stagnated because of wage freezes and lay-offs designed to increase profits for the 1% deserve to die on the track or in the pool.
Don't make me laugh! Being born on third base, as are the majority of 10-percenters, hardly makes them better at making money. They've been lying to everyone about it for so long, they believe it themselves! It does buy them the best connections, the best schools, the best healthcare, the best housing, investment seed money and income, the best legislators and justice and 100 legs up on everyone else that money can buy - need I go on?
2
Hey republicans, what happened, you worked so hard to devastate our economy and tear down the president of the United States, don't give up now. Only the givers have rights, everyone else needs to get with the program. Billionaires should not need to pay taxes, everyone has to understand that. The poor just don't try hard enough, they need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. What, support a graduated income tax, don't be foolish no right thinking American would ever do that. History be dammed, everyone needs to worship Grover Norquist, it's the republican thing to do. Middle class, who needs a middle class, republicans are exceptional, they are not middle anything. Americans love you republicans, they just eat it up your sound bites like they're listening to gods.
7
It is a lie that small businesses are burdened with regulations and taxes, and that these are the reasons that they are being held down. Small businesses want customers walking in their front door. Customers who have enough money to purchase the goods and services that small businesses sell.
Anyone who tells you that a small business looks at taxes and regulations on how they run the business is either ignorant on how to run a business or is lying to you. Talk to any small business person if you don't know.
Anyone who tells you that a small business looks at taxes and regulations on how they run the business is either ignorant on how to run a business or is lying to you. Talk to any small business person if you don't know.
7
Pardon me if I don't get the least bit excited about the Republicans' sudden new concern about the wealth gap and worst economic inequality in this country since 1926. The 1% paid each and every Republican in Congress to help creat the wealth gap, and all their sudden concern has the validity of human gas.
If the Republicans had the slightest concern about the wealth gap, they would have agreed to President Obama's offer to increase taxes starting at the $200K mark for individual and the $250K mark for couples, with the tax graduated so it gets higher the more you make. If the Republicans cared about the wealth gap they would remove the income cap on Social Security contributions, and Social Security and Medicare would be solvent forever. If the Republicans cared about the wealth gap they would have repealed the tax credit to ship jobs overseas. Under the credit, if multinational corporation A makes a pair of jeans overseas at slave labor wages for $2, wholesale sells the jeans for $50 to a US retailer, they pay NO US TAX unless their $48 profit is reinvested in America. It never is reinvested.
Finally, if Republicans cared about the wealth gap, they would not be threatening to cut the benefits of all disabled adults and children TWENTY PERCENT.
The Republicans will never change, so don't bother smelling their gas. They will always pick on the vulnerable to keep the 1% as rich as possible.
If the Republicans had the slightest concern about the wealth gap, they would have agreed to President Obama's offer to increase taxes starting at the $200K mark for individual and the $250K mark for couples, with the tax graduated so it gets higher the more you make. If the Republicans cared about the wealth gap they would remove the income cap on Social Security contributions, and Social Security and Medicare would be solvent forever. If the Republicans cared about the wealth gap they would have repealed the tax credit to ship jobs overseas. Under the credit, if multinational corporation A makes a pair of jeans overseas at slave labor wages for $2, wholesale sells the jeans for $50 to a US retailer, they pay NO US TAX unless their $48 profit is reinvested in America. It never is reinvested.
Finally, if Republicans cared about the wealth gap, they would not be threatening to cut the benefits of all disabled adults and children TWENTY PERCENT.
The Republicans will never change, so don't bother smelling their gas. They will always pick on the vulnerable to keep the 1% as rich as possible.
7
The only reason this is taking place is the Democrats(D's) have, after taking money from the Banksters since the advent of the Clintons, learned to understand what is meant by capitalism-specifically market capitalism. Long espousing a definition called liberal capitalism based on a misguided use of Keynes D's have recognized the failures of market capitalism. The multiple failures of the Austerians to right the economy by increasing demand and the failure of bankster policy to have D's reelected let alone elected has forced the Republicans hand, i.e. their lies, to try and forward the argument that market based policies will increase incomes and outcomes for the middle class, vanished, hanging on and/or striving to become, before the D's policies take hold.
Go D's! Let Lizzie take her axe to the R's!
Go D's! Let Lizzie take her axe to the R's!
1
No, this started long before Clinton was ever in the white house. Think 1980.
Dear middle class,
Vote for us and perhaps we'll throw you a bone one day. But, in the meantime, please note that we will be spending the next two years doing everything we can to stop President Obama from doing the same because we're beholden to the upper class that helped get us elected in the first place.
Yours without shame, sincerity, or a clue,
The Republican Party
Vote for us and perhaps we'll throw you a bone one day. But, in the meantime, please note that we will be spending the next two years doing everything we can to stop President Obama from doing the same because we're beholden to the upper class that helped get us elected in the first place.
Yours without shame, sincerity, or a clue,
The Republican Party
14
"“I just hope that the tone continues that makes it easier for us to reach common ground,” Mr. Ryan said.
Recounting his triumphs despite Republican attempts to crush him, Obama's address blistered them. That was the tone. Now the ball is in their court, and if things get worse, Republicans are solely to blame. Blistering them is the only language Republicans understand. They look upon placatory language as weakness, and for a while they stomped all over the president, which is one reason he lost midterm support. America doesn't like gutlessness or the appearance of it. With nothing to lose (did he ever really have anything to lose?), he gets gumption, which would have served him well when he came into office. He learned, at last, how to deal with reactionaries.
Recounting his triumphs despite Republican attempts to crush him, Obama's address blistered them. That was the tone. Now the ball is in their court, and if things get worse, Republicans are solely to blame. Blistering them is the only language Republicans understand. They look upon placatory language as weakness, and for a while they stomped all over the president, which is one reason he lost midterm support. America doesn't like gutlessness or the appearance of it. With nothing to lose (did he ever really have anything to lose?), he gets gumption, which would have served him well when he came into office. He learned, at last, how to deal with reactionaries.
6
Decreasing Income Inequality is not a priority, Mr. Speaker? Unbelievable! And the said Republican Trickle Down Economics has'nt happened yet, nor it will ever happen.That this will ever happen is willful ignorance. Stubborn refusal in spite of evidence to the contrary. But that's not surprising, coming from deniers of Global Warming. But now they are tentatively admitting there is income inequality. And coming from Paul Ryan that is a step forward. There is a ray of hope. Maybe, there will be a few legislations or maybe it's just a farce to hoodwink the electorate once again in 2016.
3
It's all fluff. Anyone who thinks the oligarchs who run America will ever give up a penny without a nasty nasty fight (think '60s if mild, French Revolution on the other extreme), is delusional. Nothing will happen until something like Fergiuson on steroids develops. And it will.
4
The four stages of Republican denial, as they've done with global warning; 1) Climate change doesnt exist, 2) Maybe its real, we all know the climate is always changing, 3) Well I'm not a scientist, maybe humans have something to do with it but we cant afford any solutions 4) Tax cuts for the wealthy, corporations and special interest and less regulation will do the trick.
With regard to income inequality, they've now moved from the first stage to the second stage More to come, dont be fooled.
With regard to income inequality, they've now moved from the first stage to the second stage More to come, dont be fooled.
6
Notwithstanding the soothing words of a GOP candidate parade lusting for the presidential limelight to solve middle-lower class struggles, voters should never forget that they are, after all, of the GOP.
This is the Party which, despite its born-again devotion to helping ease the economic stagnation of ordinary Americans, is at the same time hatching brilliant one-percent favoring tax schemes like the "alternative maximum tax;" eliminating an existing estate tax for the uber-wealthy, and replacing income, investment and corporate taxes with a steeply regressive national sales tax. Look it up!
Romney, Bush and the GOP clown cavalcade take and play us for utter fools. In 2016, will we still be buying?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
This is the Party which, despite its born-again devotion to helping ease the economic stagnation of ordinary Americans, is at the same time hatching brilliant one-percent favoring tax schemes like the "alternative maximum tax;" eliminating an existing estate tax for the uber-wealthy, and replacing income, investment and corporate taxes with a steeply regressive national sales tax. Look it up!
Romney, Bush and the GOP clown cavalcade take and play us for utter fools. In 2016, will we still be buying?
www.endthemadnessnow.org
5
So basically, the Republicans are going to close the wealth gap by offering tax breaks for rich people, reductions in regulations on banks and polluters and repealing Obamacare. That sounds suspiciously like the policies that caused the wealth gap.
The only way to help the middle class is for their to be higher demand for employees; more jobs. If corporate America would begin investing in America, and providing more jobs, then they would have to raise wages to compete for workers. That whole 'supply and demand' thing works. Unfortunately, corporate America, despite (or because of) record profits, has shown no interest in investing in new products, factories and American workers. The largest use of corporate cash for each of the past few years? Stock buy-backs. After that, dividends. This needs to stop. It is the only way to restore the middle class. It isn't even on the radar for either Republicans (see above), or Democrats.
The only way to help the middle class is for their to be higher demand for employees; more jobs. If corporate America would begin investing in America, and providing more jobs, then they would have to raise wages to compete for workers. That whole 'supply and demand' thing works. Unfortunately, corporate America, despite (or because of) record profits, has shown no interest in investing in new products, factories and American workers. The largest use of corporate cash for each of the past few years? Stock buy-backs. After that, dividends. This needs to stop. It is the only way to restore the middle class. It isn't even on the radar for either Republicans (see above), or Democrats.
3
Corporate America has no incentive to redistribute the wealth within their own organizations, so we have to do it for them. We, the taxpayers, subsidize their underpaid employees (because they earn the paltry minimum wage and/or can't work beyond 29 hours anymore), while the boards, shareholders, and executives hide behind their right-leaning (c)4 that supports defunding the very social programs needed to help their abused workers survive (and certainly not prosper). 30-some odd years of tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy have done little to address this, yet the GOP makes the same arguments every campaign. I don't know how they sleep at night, because a bed of dirty money ain't very comfortable.
2
The Republicans have always been the party of capital; their policies are specifically designed to shift more income and wealth upward. And they have been incredibly successful, with the top 1% now receiving 23% of the income vs. 10% from 1950-1980. The top 1% also have about 40% of the wealth, versus 25% during the 1960s.
Republicans have consistently advocated tax cuts for the rich and reduction of the welfare state, the exact opposite of what one does to cut income inequality.
Republicans will say enough about income inequality to get elected; it is up to the Democrats to fight to solve the problem.
Republicans have consistently advocated tax cuts for the rich and reduction of the welfare state, the exact opposite of what one does to cut income inequality.
Republicans will say enough about income inequality to get elected; it is up to the Democrats to fight to solve the problem.
1
Our so-called "Job Creators" have markedly expanded the category of "Wage Slaves" in this country, and it is now time for the shareholders of those entities to kick in a higher share of their profits. A Capital Gains tax between 22-25% seems like a reasonable start. A financial transaction tax also appears to be a means of providing a reality check to the froth created in our markets by the legalized gambling encouraged by day traders and hedging strategies like CDOs that exceed the value of the initial transaction by significant multiples. Finally, the carried interest provision in Private equity has to be firmly classed as ordinary income. If the Republicans hold out for the Keystone XL, despite the environmental risk of a pipeline that might go unused most of the time, let's add a $0.25 per gallon gas tax. It should be split in equal parts for Road and bridge inrastructure repair and improvement, one third for mass transit and one-third for a National Electrical Grid and renewable energy subsidies for producers and utilities as coal fired plants are shuttered. I think the GOP will await further instructions from the Koch Brothers and Fox News before commenting.
2
The president, by his speech shining a spotlight on the dreadful inequality in our country, has backed the GOP into a corner where it has to pretend suddenly to care about low income and middle class families. They will wring their hands and say all the right things, but there can be no doubt that in the end, they will cater shamelessly to the oligarchs who support them. Who can possibly trust sudden Republican compassion for the part of America that makes "trickle up" economics possible?
1
Attention 99%: beware of republicans "bearing gifts".
1
Billions are held by hundreds, and hundreds are held by billions. And, it is going that way more and more so as the months and years pass.
Time to hit the "game over" button and re-sent the Monopoly board.
Time to hit the "game over" button and re-sent the Monopoly board.
2
The republicans are rethinking their strategy on wealth distribution? Were we supposed to laugh at this headline?
1
The pitch will be different, but plutocratic greed will not change. Thus, Obama's tax proposal will be discussed widely but never adopted.
Unfortunately, this describes the United States political system as controlled by Republicans today, either by direct vote in the House and Senate when in the majority; through filibuster in the Senate when in the minority; and, indirectly, through the five conservative members of the Supreme Court.
Unfortunately, this describes the United States political system as controlled by Republicans today, either by direct vote in the House and Senate when in the majority; through filibuster in the Senate when in the minority; and, indirectly, through the five conservative members of the Supreme Court.
1
You naked it. But the study level of people is crazy. It's all too clear what the problem is, yet they voted for the very people responsible for the problem. As Stevie wonder said, heaven help us all!
The country doesn't have much of a future with so few people vacuuming up so much of the productive output of the citizenry.
But the best choice of what to do about it is to move to a one person-one vote model, from the current one dollar-one vote model. If 95% of congress is average working people with the concerns of average working people regarding health, education, opportunity, and retirement, the country will be just fine and will slowly address every problem facing it. Problems the country faces keep getting worse because the country is already working just fine for the 1% - the only improvement for this group would be lower taxes, and lo, isn't that the focus of congress?
Get money out of politics - not just campaigns, but post service sinecures, lobbying, lawyering, and the revolving door between banks and government and lets see where it gets us.
But the best choice of what to do about it is to move to a one person-one vote model, from the current one dollar-one vote model. If 95% of congress is average working people with the concerns of average working people regarding health, education, opportunity, and retirement, the country will be just fine and will slowly address every problem facing it. Problems the country faces keep getting worse because the country is already working just fine for the 1% - the only improvement for this group would be lower taxes, and lo, isn't that the focus of congress?
Get money out of politics - not just campaigns, but post service sinecures, lobbying, lawyering, and the revolving door between banks and government and lets see where it gets us.
1
Republicans reconsidering income inequality is like Muslims and Jews reconsidering pork. In both cases, it would be against their religions.
However, both Republicans and Democrats might reconsider the “pork” they put into the federal budget, along with the “flesh of the filthy lobbyist” that they allow to defile us all.
But first the US Supreme Court might come up with something better than its diet of lies in “Citizens United” and “McCutcheon”.
However, both Republicans and Democrats might reconsider the “pork” they put into the federal budget, along with the “flesh of the filthy lobbyist” that they allow to defile us all.
But first the US Supreme Court might come up with something better than its diet of lies in “Citizens United” and “McCutcheon”.
I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank both political parties that fight so eagerly for our well being. After expending a trillion dollars in three unjustified wars, and I should add lost wars, now the government awards us, read well: twenty nine dollars for me and twenty nine for my wife as a monthly SS increase for the year 2015. We have been paying taxes for the last forty four years, and SS for the same amount of time. The education of my three children, two with master degree, one a lawyer, did not cost a penny to the government. Niether my education or my wife education. And now with the elder families of the country will receive a pittance as an alms gift in our SS while the legislators keep increasing their benefits either directly or through the perks and gifts they collect from the lobbying establishment. The "inclusive capitalism" of both parties tax what is already taxed or suppress any thing that is not in direct benefit of the 10% that own the 90% of the country. Exactly the same thing happened in Europe and has being happening in Latin America with costly and unpredictably political, social and human consequences. Can anyone tell me if our country has any sort of miraculous vaccine that will protect us from the same future? Every day the american people get more and more informed of what is going on among the political parties and the management of the government and from despondency, withdrawal and rebellion there is a short and a dreadful distance.
1
According to Jeb Bush, the last 8 years (2 of which were his brother's economic disaster) make up a "lost decade". His math is as bad as his memory.
1
"But Republicans are divided over whether they need to overhaul their economic policies or merely recalibrate their message."
Changing the message but keeping the ideology is intellectual dishonesty that doesn't explain why market forces have actually made economic life worse for the middle class. How is it that couples in their 30s with two children earn less money now, when corrected for inflation, than in 1989, 25 years ago? You won't receive an honest answer from Republicans because their message doesn't address the real issues of real life in 21st century America.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Changing the message but keeping the ideology is intellectual dishonesty that doesn't explain why market forces have actually made economic life worse for the middle class. How is it that couples in their 30s with two children earn less money now, when corrected for inflation, than in 1989, 25 years ago? You won't receive an honest answer from Republicans because their message doesn't address the real issues of real life in 21st century America.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
5
all this talk of "rewriting the tax code" is nothing but hot air used by both republicans and democrats. I probably first heard it from George Bush first term that tax code is too complicated and need simplification. I am pretty sure no one who is in a position to do something about tax code (ways and means i think) has not even written the first line of simplified tax code. The republican solution has always been, cut taxes, cut social security and medicare, close your eyes and hallelujah everything is will be dandy. i can not understand why the people can't see this?
4
You really have to hand it to the hypocrites that permeate the Republican Party. the flow of wealth, upstream towards the few and away from the Middle Class, began with Reagan's tax policies and has continued unabated through decades of Republican policies towards jobs, the tax code, etc.
And now, the biggest hypocrite of them all, Mitt Romney, is trying to re-invent himself as some sort of champion of the downtrodden Middle Class; this after delivering his landmark 47% speech and declaring that poor people are neither his responsibility nor his concern.
Now admittedly, Republican voters prove themselves time after time to be among the least thoughtful, most gullible and most responsive to racial and religious "dog whistles", but any other voter with an IQ over 100 who cares to read up on the issues, can see through the Republican epiphany like a pane of glass. No, this is the same party that voted against Socila Security, against Medicare, against the Voting rights Act, and against the ACA.
Actions speak louder than words, Republicans....
And now, the biggest hypocrite of them all, Mitt Romney, is trying to re-invent himself as some sort of champion of the downtrodden Middle Class; this after delivering his landmark 47% speech and declaring that poor people are neither his responsibility nor his concern.
Now admittedly, Republican voters prove themselves time after time to be among the least thoughtful, most gullible and most responsive to racial and religious "dog whistles", but any other voter with an IQ over 100 who cares to read up on the issues, can see through the Republican epiphany like a pane of glass. No, this is the same party that voted against Socila Security, against Medicare, against the Voting rights Act, and against the ACA.
Actions speak louder than words, Republicans....
8
Speaking of dog whistles, "income inequality" and "racial disparity" seem to pretty effective in getting Democrats to foam at the mouth.
If you believe that one party or the other is responsible for the economic and social issues we face, then you don't understand the problem.
If you believe that one party or the other is responsible for the economic and social issues we face, then you don't understand the problem.
Mitt shall lead us forth unto Deseret.
1
The American Dream of mid 20th century America was financed by high taxes and unions. The growth of the economy and the middle class were proof. The data are proof. Conservatives lowered taxes and crushed unions, and the result also speaks for itself. Refusing to raise the minimum wage is more of the same. Conservative ideology equals failure for the working and middle classes.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
8
This is a classic Times News Analysis regarding conservatives. Indeed, the same story has been written about the GOP and Conservatives since the invention of Microsoft Word. Basically, a reporter imagines that the GOP is in agreement with some Left wing meme. The reporter then takes the old Word document and substitutes the new meme for the old meme. An Editor then approves it, and presto, the Times with little work (actually, vey little work) creates an article that has nothing to do with reality, but allows its staff and more delusional liberal readership base to think that the GOP is finally shifting Left. It may not be "All The News That's Fit to Print", but it clearly is the world not as it is, but as the Times would prefer to see it.
4
"...can't get into a bidding war..." "...started the bidding this month..."
Bidding. Just think about that. It's the tax dollars of the "wealthy" being offered to the Democrats' free-stuff army in a bid to buy their votes.
Bidding. Just think about that. It's the tax dollars of the "wealthy" being offered to the Democrats' free-stuff army in a bid to buy their votes.
1
The Republican position that people will spend their income wisely so they don't need to have benefits like Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid and ObamaCare is refuted by facts. The savings of middle and lower income Americans are pathetically small. Without federal benefits, most seniors and many families would suffer hunger and disease comparable to the Third World.
8
People do not even have community banks anymore, because they are crushed by central bank policies that create and socialize interest rate risk.
1
It would be nice if the Republicans would stop trying to win every little scuffle and concentrate on doing what's right for the people they serve. It's a long shot, but maybe someday.
2
Republicans always try to do what's right for the people they serve, the Koch brothers.
1
Sounds as if the Rs are turning against their Tea Party fantasies. Could it be that a responsible R conservative party will replace the lunatics who have cavorted on the national stage for half a decade?
4
Regarding this comment, I think that's really funny, considering that he and his other cronies at Bain Capital were instrumental in creating the scourge of which he now speaks.
3
It is nice to see some movement from Republicans on the issue of income inequality. Yet, in responding to a question about whether Obama's proposals to address income inequality would go anywhere in Congress, I heard Jeff Flake say in a radio interview yesterday, "I believe a rising tide lifts all boats," and that no, they wouldn't go anywhere. I wanted the interviewer to ask, "Why do you believe that? On the evidence of the last seven years?" Broad economic growth obviously CAN lift all boats, but other conditions need to be met.
2
The republicans will say anything but do nothing to remedy this situation. They are the captives of big business and they like it this way. Cheap labor with little in the way of benefits is the foundation of GOP economic policy.
5
The GOP has always banked on American's IQ's dropping faster than their wages so their trickle-down fairy tale will continued to be lapped up. Now, there's nowhere left to go. Dumb and impoverished multitudes are notoriously fickle friends.
6
Unfortunately, we are looking in the wrong places for solutions. The problem is the current paradigm of industrial capitalism that seeks to drive raw material and labor costs into the ground. Tax cuts will only accelerate this phenomenon. We need a revitalized economy focused on something new like information technology was back in the 1960s. New paradigms employ people, generate new revenues and new companies and with that the tax receipts that society needs to build and renew infrastructure, for example. The logical new paradigm involves resource conservation and alternative energy solutions which will sideline investments in coal fired power plants and petroleum refineries. No wonder the rich want to talk about something else.
2
Today's conservative does not seem too conservative.
They:
Never miss a chance to fund the military. Carelessly go into wars Americans will pay for Afghanistan and Iraq until the last veteran dies of old age. Have never proposed a war tax so everyone has a hand in these wars. Instead 3/4 of 1% of American families bear the brunt of their wars. A war tax would would mean less war and less spending.
They:
Allow people wealthier than I to pay less/no tax and defend the policies and loopholes that allow that.
Have no proposal to control healthcare costs and no proposed for transparency in pricing. Free markets work "only" when people know the price.
Have never proposed small business like the ones middle class Americans own to pay zero taxes but they make sure the big businesses get a tax break.
Want to do away with welfare but have never talked about workfare where employers get subsidized for taking the long term unemployed off of welfare or train workers.
Cut education and support policies that make college out of reach for most Americans yet know that education is a major rung of any economic latter. It got them where they are but they don't want to help us get to where they are.
Want less government for guns and environment but want more government for gays and marijuana.
Talk about Christian values but neglect to mention American was found for religious freedom.
Conservatives. I think not.
Someone should introduce Republicans to the middle class.
They:
Never miss a chance to fund the military. Carelessly go into wars Americans will pay for Afghanistan and Iraq until the last veteran dies of old age. Have never proposed a war tax so everyone has a hand in these wars. Instead 3/4 of 1% of American families bear the brunt of their wars. A war tax would would mean less war and less spending.
They:
Allow people wealthier than I to pay less/no tax and defend the policies and loopholes that allow that.
Have no proposal to control healthcare costs and no proposed for transparency in pricing. Free markets work "only" when people know the price.
Have never proposed small business like the ones middle class Americans own to pay zero taxes but they make sure the big businesses get a tax break.
Want to do away with welfare but have never talked about workfare where employers get subsidized for taking the long term unemployed off of welfare or train workers.
Cut education and support policies that make college out of reach for most Americans yet know that education is a major rung of any economic latter. It got them where they are but they don't want to help us get to where they are.
Want less government for guns and environment but want more government for gays and marijuana.
Talk about Christian values but neglect to mention American was found for religious freedom.
Conservatives. I think not.
Someone should introduce Republicans to the middle class.
9
Since the GOP created vast income disparity, it is a cosmic joke that they should attempt to address it. Just how stupid do they think we are?
7
It has been easy for the Democrats to propose all these goodies for the middle class, knowing very well that Republicans will block any legislation that takes away from the 1%.
If, however, GOP starts to show flexibility on the reduction of income disparity, I predict that Democrats funded by Wall Street and Big Business (and there are lots of them) will start to retreat.
If, however, GOP starts to show flexibility on the reduction of income disparity, I predict that Democrats funded by Wall Street and Big Business (and there are lots of them) will start to retreat.
Just remember, all most all of the congress-people fly everywhere they go and refuse to use the highways and streets as an example... of course they support infrax for people who fly all the time but people who drive, screw 'em. Same logic applies to most of our infrax... if "they" need it, "they" get it; if we need it, forget it.
1%ers need to acknowledge via policy changes that they didn't accumulate their wealth all by themselves. All companies require employees to make profits. Nurturing the resource called labor helps the whole team. The middle class is overdue for some nurturing.
5
Hey Congress; how about ending the $100 billion Grantors Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT) tax loophole for multi-millionaires. American infrastructure needs that money.
2
There is a reason that, in this year, 2015, 1% of the worlds population will control 50% of the wealth, and the richest 80 people will make what the bottom 3.5 billion people do - it's called the Republican Agenda.
14
After decades of promoting policies and a tax structure that benefits the rich and ignoring the vast middle class of America, Republicans now have seen the light in advance of the 2016 presidential campaign. Income inequality is a terrible problem, wages are stagnant, and many people still need full-time work. This is not solely due to the great recession of 2008. Medium household income FELL during the entire Bush presidency.
Republicans have blocked whatever progressive reforms by Democrats they can and will now try dupe people into believing that now they care about these things because it's politically expedient.
Where are the changes to the tax code to make it more progressive? Remember the rich are paying less in taxes now than during the Reagan years. Where are the jobs bills to rebuild our national infrastructure, which is in desperate need of repair? (Bridges, dams, roads, public transportation, water systems, internet connectivity, upgrading to energy efficient systems??) Most industrial nations support these efforts. Where is the bill to increase the federal minimum wage? What about offering real tax breaks for working couples that spend $15-20,000 per year on child care for a single child. The current tax break is $600. This list could go on and on.
Republicans have consistently blocked these initiatives because they don't "believe" in government. I think it's time for them to leave government then.
Republicans have blocked whatever progressive reforms by Democrats they can and will now try dupe people into believing that now they care about these things because it's politically expedient.
Where are the changes to the tax code to make it more progressive? Remember the rich are paying less in taxes now than during the Reagan years. Where are the jobs bills to rebuild our national infrastructure, which is in desperate need of repair? (Bridges, dams, roads, public transportation, water systems, internet connectivity, upgrading to energy efficient systems??) Most industrial nations support these efforts. Where is the bill to increase the federal minimum wage? What about offering real tax breaks for working couples that spend $15-20,000 per year on child care for a single child. The current tax break is $600. This list could go on and on.
Republicans have consistently blocked these initiatives because they don't "believe" in government. I think it's time for them to leave government then.
12
Obama had his chance in his first term. His critical failure was the failure to push the policies that he's pushing now ... now that it's too late.
Republicans moan and groan about tax loopholes. They have their chance now. Close them! They would get Democratic votes to help if they were serious. They're not. It's just something to say to try to deflect attention from the truth.
Republicans moan and groan about tax loopholes. They have their chance now. Close them! They would get Democratic votes to help if they were serious. They're not. It's just something to say to try to deflect attention from the truth.
1
Middle class is in a vice between Democrats wanting to send your money down, and Republicans who want to send your money up. Where do we go?
The Republicans didn't "win" the last election. The Democrats "lost" it. The gutless wonders who refused to support the policies that got Obama elected ... twice ... lost anyway because Democrats who might have voted for a real choice instead of a "GOP lite" candidate stayed home.
Obama's rising polls tell the story ... now that he's doing the things we elected him to do (Too late!) ... people are responding.
Obama's rising polls tell the story ... now that he's doing the things we elected him to do (Too late!) ... people are responding.
5
As a nearly middle class senior nearing retirement, I am grateful to President Obama and his policies for rescuing my retirement investments. As of 2008 I could not afford to retire. My IRAs havae improved greatly from Bush's takedown. At age 76 in 2015 it is now, thank Obama, finally feasible.
10
It won't prod them to do a thing.
Oh, they might "rebrand" themselves, as they supposedly did just before this most recent election, but all that means is candidates will keep closer to the script and won't talk about what they really believe in (ala Todd Akin).
So, all this recent talk of the hugely disparate wealth gap won't make a single republican representative stop giving the country away to the money hoarders. It'll just make them start talking about "job creators" again, or perhaps create another clever conservative codeword, and if all else fails then they'll just fall back on the oldie-but-goodie: Government is bad.
Unfortunately, that small percentage that votes every single time there is an election will then all collectively nod their heads and go along with it.
Good luck getting out of this vicious cycle...
Oh, they might "rebrand" themselves, as they supposedly did just before this most recent election, but all that means is candidates will keep closer to the script and won't talk about what they really believe in (ala Todd Akin).
So, all this recent talk of the hugely disparate wealth gap won't make a single republican representative stop giving the country away to the money hoarders. It'll just make them start talking about "job creators" again, or perhaps create another clever conservative codeword, and if all else fails then they'll just fall back on the oldie-but-goodie: Government is bad.
Unfortunately, that small percentage that votes every single time there is an election will then all collectively nod their heads and go along with it.
Good luck getting out of this vicious cycle...
6
The president is taking middle class economics directly to the people. Have you seen the public reaction in red state Idaho? The vast majority of listeners to the State of the Nation speech agree with the president. His popularity had risen to near 50% favorable before the speech because the president is going things that they agree with and went up by 17% after the speech.
The Republicans are saying that the president’s agenda is not what the people want. What do the people want? Low wages, tax breaks for the rich, depriving millions of health insurance. ever increasing inequality and systematically less freedom and access to the courts?
What will the effect be when the public who want change tell the Republicans in the Senate and the House, that they do not represent the billionaires and big banks but the middle class which voted them and can vote them out in 2 years. The president can take his middle class message across the nation and can do it again and again asking for letters and e-mails and phone calls to pressure them to represent the public not just the top 10%. If the Democrats are smart they have received their marching orders with the exception if the PTTP trade deal which would impair our sovereignty.
The Republicans are saying that the president’s agenda is not what the people want. What do the people want? Low wages, tax breaks for the rich, depriving millions of health insurance. ever increasing inequality and systematically less freedom and access to the courts?
What will the effect be when the public who want change tell the Republicans in the Senate and the House, that they do not represent the billionaires and big banks but the middle class which voted them and can vote them out in 2 years. The president can take his middle class message across the nation and can do it again and again asking for letters and e-mails and phone calls to pressure them to represent the public not just the top 10%. If the Democrats are smart they have received their marching orders with the exception if the PTTP trade deal which would impair our sovereignty.
4
Come on. The Republicans will never get beyond supply side "make the rich richer and we'll all benefit" mantra, because this last election proved that Americans still believe it. They'll throw the less fortunate an $8.50 per hour bone and be done with it.
6
Some of the GOP is proposing legislation similar in function to Democratic proposals: manupulate tax code to make industry respond with better opportunities for the middle class. However, cheap labor is an advantage to industry and the wealthy whom Republican policy represents, because Republicans believe that, by supporting the top income brackets, they will improve the economy for all. That is to say, don't tax the wealthy.
If Republicans are the representatives for wealth creation, then they are going to have to tell their wealthy constituents to create better, higher paying jobs. By Republican policy they can't do that because it manipulates the free enterprise system. If business finds cheap labor off shore, then it should be allowed to go there. This hurts the middle class.
And Boehner recites the tired, ineffective Republican litany:
"Mr. Obama is not just pursuing 'the wrong policies,, Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio said Wednesday. “They’re the wrong priorities, and growing Washington’s bureaucracy here instead of helping to grow the economy and helping to grow opportunities for middle-class families.”
'There’s a better way,' he said. 'We need to fix our broken tax code, balance our budget, replace the broken health care law with solutions that lower cost and protect jobs.'"
Until Republicans find something that works, they'll just complain about Democrats and the rest of us will fall further behind.
If Republicans are the representatives for wealth creation, then they are going to have to tell their wealthy constituents to create better, higher paying jobs. By Republican policy they can't do that because it manipulates the free enterprise system. If business finds cheap labor off shore, then it should be allowed to go there. This hurts the middle class.
And Boehner recites the tired, ineffective Republican litany:
"Mr. Obama is not just pursuing 'the wrong policies,, Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio said Wednesday. “They’re the wrong priorities, and growing Washington’s bureaucracy here instead of helping to grow the economy and helping to grow opportunities for middle-class families.”
'There’s a better way,' he said. 'We need to fix our broken tax code, balance our budget, replace the broken health care law with solutions that lower cost and protect jobs.'"
Until Republicans find something that works, they'll just complain about Democrats and the rest of us will fall further behind.
4
Same old same old. Republicans are really good at saying they want to help the working class without actually ever helping the working class. Apparently there are a few more things that have to be done first for the Kochs and rest of the GOP oligarchs. Why voters haven't figured this out is really the mystery because it is not that hard to see.
4
So where has all the trickle down gone to GOPers?
It's been thirty years of your trickle down theory, so where are the results?
Why is it that almost every totally GOP state, 21 of 23, is a welfare taker state [the two exceptions have the gift of geology, not GOP great ideas]? If their policies can't even keep a small state out of debt, how could it possibly benefit our nation?
[Let the GOP lying begin!]
It's been thirty years of your trickle down theory, so where are the results?
Why is it that almost every totally GOP state, 21 of 23, is a welfare taker state [the two exceptions have the gift of geology, not GOP great ideas]? If their policies can't even keep a small state out of debt, how could it possibly benefit our nation?
[Let the GOP lying begin!]
6
you mean "continue"
1
No matter what policies and procedures are adopted to decrease income disparities, the incomes of the bottom 30% of the population will go up while incomes of the top 1% will decrease. But it is the 1% who pay for Republican campaigns. If Republicans enact policies that decrease the incomes of the 1%, why should the 1% continue to support Republicans?
The GOP has no intention of addressing this issue except with lip service. I think Warren & Sanders are the only two senators I can think of that do not depend on wall street for re-election funds. There needs to a massive change in our economy the for all to have jobs, livable fair pay and fair taxes -for ALL.
8
Ugh, both parties have a little of the right but so much wrong, I vote libertarian...
I read science fiction too. But I don't vote that way.
And your libertarian candidates are winning elections?
1
If the concern is passing a debt burden to the next generations, why is it better to pass on crumbling infrastructure that may the need to be financed at much higher interest rates? to be fair, This generation should take care of necessary repairs at today's costs and finance them at historically low interest rates. Future generations will thank us as they will avoid higher costs to be financed at higher rates ( and we can put some construction workers back to work at the same time).
10
I am quite unhappy with both parties actually but it will be a cold day in Hades when the GOP extends a true helping hand to the middle class! They talk big but so far I see NOTHING from the GOP that will level the playing field or truly help the middle class in any way, shape or form! Nothing but the usual smoke and mirrors from the GOP. The traditionally been against that has helped the middle class e.g. Unions, social programs, etc. How sadly it is that they all have seem to have forgotten that American class is what has made the United States great!
9
Speaker Boehner's comments are discouraging and depressing. He appears to have thrown out all the recommendations the Democrats have put forward to help the middle class. If he had some other ideas which could achieve the same goals then we'd like to hear them.
6
He's chiding the president for having the daring to suggest ideas that Republicans will reject! The nerve of Obama!
1
As that eminent philosopher Bugs Bunny noted on occasion: "DON'T YOU BELIEVE IT!!!"
5
They worry about how it "sounds".
They worry about how it "plays".
The backpedaling and rationalizing of the GOP do nothing but buy them time to strengthen their castles. Only people who don't worry about their health, their families or their future have the luxury of worrying about how their policies play and sound. I’ll give this James Pethokoukis credit for a little candor when he says “Republicans shouldn’t be afraid to say whatever gains are out there, they’re going to the top 10 percent,” but it’s not true that he “writes on economic policy” for AEI. His purpose, it seems, is the same one that was held by Confederate apologists for slavery 150 years ago. As those secessionists did, Pethokoukis and his adherents are standing out in front of the certainty that some people are better than others, more deserving of the benefits of living in this country, and that their prosperity and comfort bespeak some higher design. That’s the bottom line here.
As before, it’s an all-in gamble and it has no future. Conservatives have sown the wind since the 1960’s. Now their arguments have devolved to sheer arrogance. There is indeed a higher design, and they’re not going to like it.
They worry about how it "plays".
The backpedaling and rationalizing of the GOP do nothing but buy them time to strengthen their castles. Only people who don't worry about their health, their families or their future have the luxury of worrying about how their policies play and sound. I’ll give this James Pethokoukis credit for a little candor when he says “Republicans shouldn’t be afraid to say whatever gains are out there, they’re going to the top 10 percent,” but it’s not true that he “writes on economic policy” for AEI. His purpose, it seems, is the same one that was held by Confederate apologists for slavery 150 years ago. As those secessionists did, Pethokoukis and his adherents are standing out in front of the certainty that some people are better than others, more deserving of the benefits of living in this country, and that their prosperity and comfort bespeak some higher design. That’s the bottom line here.
As before, it’s an all-in gamble and it has no future. Conservatives have sown the wind since the 1960’s. Now their arguments have devolved to sheer arrogance. There is indeed a higher design, and they’re not going to like it.
7
After World War II, my parents moved to Sacramento and my mother went to work at one of the dozens of fruit and vegetable canneries located in the Central Valley. Wages were piece-work, not hourly. And, allowing a seed fragment or a blemish leaf into a can or jar was reason to be pulled off the assembly land and send home for a few days without pay.
Then, the labor unions came as it did in most of America. And the strikes followed with tons and tons of perishable goods headed for the canneries dumped on side roads or left unharvested in the fields.
Once again the corporations and now multinationals have the upper hand. The only action that will bring real wages back to where they were post-war is for workers to organize to get a larger share of the fruits of their labor. There is no reason why CEOs should get millions or tens of millions in bonuses that belong to the work force. (Unless they cooked the books. Crooks are allowed to keep what they steal unless proven otherwise in America.)
Time again to organized labor unions. Including millions of adjunct college teachers, contract workers in corporate offices or their own homes, and especially underpaid, exploited pro-football cheerleaders.
Then, the labor unions came as it did in most of America. And the strikes followed with tons and tons of perishable goods headed for the canneries dumped on side roads or left unharvested in the fields.
Once again the corporations and now multinationals have the upper hand. The only action that will bring real wages back to where they were post-war is for workers to organize to get a larger share of the fruits of their labor. There is no reason why CEOs should get millions or tens of millions in bonuses that belong to the work force. (Unless they cooked the books. Crooks are allowed to keep what they steal unless proven otherwise in America.)
Time again to organized labor unions. Including millions of adjunct college teachers, contract workers in corporate offices or their own homes, and especially underpaid, exploited pro-football cheerleaders.
8
Average low-wage Americans have bought into the ideology that unions are EVIL, never realizing Unionism is what has created the protections that we do have and that most low wage workers do not because of Union-Fear. So many still working Ag-labor related packing house jobs are so terrified of losing their two-pennies-above-minimum-wage salaries they vote down union representation, never realizing they can and will be replaced anyway. Anti-Union sentiment has been a way of Capitalism since the 1920s.
The Republicans believe that "business expansion creates jobs, tightens the labor market and pushes up wages." Well, that logic has been disproved, hasn't it? It would hold true, of course, if they also didn't believe that shareholders own the business and come first. Since we whole-heartedly adopted that principle in the 80s, we have billionaire shareholders and impoverished workers. Shareholders are not good "owners." They leave the business at the drop of a rumor and go on to "own" another company. Short-term strategies and buy backs and trades and mergers and takeovers become much more profitable in companies than the business itself. Officers and shareholders and traders reap the benefits and then, not surprisingly, want to hold on to them.
I personally believe that if you take care of your employees and customers first, you will run a good and profitable company. You reap what you sow. But the outrageous profits don't really come unless you join the Market. Why, you can become a millionaire overnight by the mere speculation about how you will do. It's a gamble, of course, but too tempting. And split the winnings with your employees and customers? Not if you don't have to.
We're so hooked on the market now, even as small investors, it's hard to change. But unless we change our thinking or mandate changes, I don't see how we'll ever have a well paid working class who can contribute to a stable economy in a country where there is opportunity for all.
I personally believe that if you take care of your employees and customers first, you will run a good and profitable company. You reap what you sow. But the outrageous profits don't really come unless you join the Market. Why, you can become a millionaire overnight by the mere speculation about how you will do. It's a gamble, of course, but too tempting. And split the winnings with your employees and customers? Not if you don't have to.
We're so hooked on the market now, even as small investors, it's hard to change. But unless we change our thinking or mandate changes, I don't see how we'll ever have a well paid working class who can contribute to a stable economy in a country where there is opportunity for all.
13
Demos published a report last June focusing on Wal-Mart's buybacks of its shares. "If Walmart redirected the $6.6 billion spent on share repurchases in 2013 toward investment in human capital, it could give its 825,000 low-wage employees a raise of $5.13 per hour, boosting productivity and sales."
http://www.demos.org/publication/higher-wage-possible-walmart-2014-update
http://www.demos.org/publication/higher-wage-possible-walmart-2014-update
3
I'll believe it when I see it. Republicans don’t change their agenda; they find new lies to sell it to the unwary. Their stated goal of reducing government a to size small enough to "drown in a bathtub" was a mendacious smoke screen for their true goals of enabling unfettered corporate exploitation of labor and the environment, crushing the poor and strangling the middle class thus eliminating working class power to battle the predatory rich. Under the GOP, we've seen the largest intrusion of government into our personal lives via the War on Drugs, the Patriot Act, and the war on women's rights over their reproductive organs in history. Mass incarceration, high teenage pregnancy rates, vast inequality, frequent industrial accidents, diminished workplace safety, and environmental disasters from the sea to shining sea are the fruits of GOP hegemony.
http://RegressiveWatch.org
http://RegressiveWatch.org
19
All consumers are job creators. When someone has less money to spend, they will by fewer goods and services, there by creating fewer jobs. Can a 'supply sider' tell me what is wrong with this?
13
"All consumers are job creators."
Really? The only consumers that have ever offered me a job were ones that owned a business. That is a very small subset of "All consumers".
Really? The only consumers that have ever offered me a job were ones that owned a business. That is a very small subset of "All consumers".
As a consumer- I buy a book: I fund the livelihood of an author. I buy a washing machine: a factory worker, a salesperson, and a corporate manager are all funded in some way by this purchase. I replace my roof: I create a job for a roofer. I decide to get braces: I create a job for an orthodontist. I don't know what your profession is. Many jobs are funded by people who are consuming in some way. I suppose the exception might be public servants like police or prison guards.
1
Marco Rubio, in his new book, suggests a huge expansion of the earned income tax credit as a substitute for an increase of the minimum wage, and allow it to be distributed monthly to recipients. I don't know how he plans to pay for it (probably in the typical Republican way - he doesn't), but this would be consistent with Van Hollen's goals, and probably a more efficient and effective way of improving the quality of life for the lower and middle class than just increasing the minimum wage. I'm kindof surprised the Democrats haven't jumped on this and tried to force Rubio's hand a bit on it.
2
Because it reduces government revenue and of course Mr. Rubio doesn't say what government spending would have to be eliminated to allow for the expanded tax credit. That's a Republican for you - always giving us half of the story.
Rubio's plan continues to shift the obligation of providing Walmart workers with a level of subsistence onto the taxpayer. Why should Walmart avoid paying a living wage by pointing to an earned income tax credit. Make the employers pay a living wage; make the very profitable companies pay more. Unions can do that. Taxpayers shouldn't relieve employers of their obligation to pay for the labor they receive.
I believe an end to the scourge of poverty will come with an end to the scourge of plutocrats like Mitt Romney. When will that come. Not in my lifetime.
8
So, what should we call going from doing nothing to a new approach where one pretends to do next to nothing? Any nominations?
2
Here's the problem:
A person who is earning MILLIONS should not pay taxes at a rate of roughly 13-14% (like Romney, hedgefunders, etc), while a teacher, baker, business owner or whatever professional gets hit with a tax rate in the 25-40% range.
To treat investment incomes as sacrosanct, but regular hard earned salaries as inferior makes no sense. Skirting around the edges of the tax code is ridiculous.
I applaud hard work and prosperity, and I think it's great that that there are individuals that earn fabulous sums of money. God bless. But I long for the day when the tax code is truly simple, transparent and fair. If the people demand a progressive tax bracket-- then there shouldn't be a group of folks who parachute out of the system and leave the middle (and even the top 10%) to pick up the tab--while the 0.001% walk away with all of the money and none of the burden. No politician (as they are all dependent on political war chests) is willing to confront the loopholes and tax dodges that are destroying this nation's fiscal and moral stability.
A person who is earning MILLIONS should not pay taxes at a rate of roughly 13-14% (like Romney, hedgefunders, etc), while a teacher, baker, business owner or whatever professional gets hit with a tax rate in the 25-40% range.
To treat investment incomes as sacrosanct, but regular hard earned salaries as inferior makes no sense. Skirting around the edges of the tax code is ridiculous.
I applaud hard work and prosperity, and I think it's great that that there are individuals that earn fabulous sums of money. God bless. But I long for the day when the tax code is truly simple, transparent and fair. If the people demand a progressive tax bracket-- then there shouldn't be a group of folks who parachute out of the system and leave the middle (and even the top 10%) to pick up the tab--while the 0.001% walk away with all of the money and none of the burden. No politician (as they are all dependent on political war chests) is willing to confront the loopholes and tax dodges that are destroying this nation's fiscal and moral stability.
71
Well said. In fact, I am a small business owner (35+ years), a part time College Teacher, a County Assessment Appeals Officer. We pay taxes on ALL 3 of those income streams as well as my husband's income as a Para transit Driver. We are middle class. This means we work for a living. The wealthy work for a living too - they manage their investments. Unfortunately many of them (along with the politicians they support) argue that the income they receive is "passive" income and that passive income shouldn't be taxed at as high a rate as "active" income (my jobs, my husband's job, and the jobs of most Americans). Why not? If a person's job IS managing their investments why is it any different than my income? It IS their work. They also argue they create jobs - the corporations they invest in create jobs, not the individual who pays taxes on their investments in those corporations.
The issue of share holders is important too. I own stock but it is all common stock - my husband and I can't buy preferred stock because we don't work for the higher echelons of any company nor can we afford to buy enough stock to have any say, really, in how the corporation is managed. Many reported losses limit common stock shareholder returns, while preferred stock holders continue to receive dividends. These are the "Investors". So again, why is their income treated as sacrosanct? Shouldn't they pay the same taxes we, the middle class, have to pay on our income?
The issue of share holders is important too. I own stock but it is all common stock - my husband and I can't buy preferred stock because we don't work for the higher echelons of any company nor can we afford to buy enough stock to have any say, really, in how the corporation is managed. Many reported losses limit common stock shareholder returns, while preferred stock holders continue to receive dividends. These are the "Investors". So again, why is their income treated as sacrosanct? Shouldn't they pay the same taxes we, the middle class, have to pay on our income?
4
The strategy is just to work the phrase "middle class" into current policy. Here's one: "Help the middle class by cutting taxes on working Americans (the rich.)" You don't have to prove causation, just keep repeating it.
6
Oh, God...
If Americans actually buy this load of lies from Republicans about fixing income inequality, they deserve what they get.
Republicans for the past 35 years have instituted policies that created the wealth gap in the first place. They are not the ones who will fix it. They will like about anything and everything to get elected.
You want to fix inequality, start taxing the very wealthy at a higher tax rate and lower the taxes on the middle and lower classes. Shore up the public school systems and make access to post-secondary education affordable.
These are not actions that the GOP ever, ever advocates for. Don't believe their sociopathic lies.
If Americans actually buy this load of lies from Republicans about fixing income inequality, they deserve what they get.
Republicans for the past 35 years have instituted policies that created the wealth gap in the first place. They are not the ones who will fix it. They will like about anything and everything to get elected.
You want to fix inequality, start taxing the very wealthy at a higher tax rate and lower the taxes on the middle and lower classes. Shore up the public school systems and make access to post-secondary education affordable.
These are not actions that the GOP ever, ever advocates for. Don't believe their sociopathic lies.
34
Exactly!
2
Ya just got to chuckle. I am sure they will "merely recalibrate their message", but I can only wonder who would buy it.
11
Regrettably, those who swallow the lies of Fox News, Limbaugh et al -- they keep buying it, and vote Republican to their own detriment.
2
I have deep doubts that this cadre of millionaires have the expertise to address this issue...
9
Maybe the GOP is acknowledging trick-me-down economics is a farce.
But let us remember a leopard is invisible in its habitat. I am of the opinion that the Cruz/Bachmann/TP mutation of the GOP has yet to run its course.
But let us remember a leopard is invisible in its habitat. I am of the opinion that the Cruz/Bachmann/TP mutation of the GOP has yet to run its course.
9
Aside from Democratic vs Republican tactical advantages or losses, might there actually be some hope for changes in the tax laws, etc that have crushed what used to be our middle class?
I'd much rather see this happen than to bash Republicans. Let's all encourage and applaud every step Republicans take in a better direction.
I'd much rather see this happen than to bash Republicans. Let's all encourage and applaud every step Republicans take in a better direction.
5
Agreed. I don't care what letter is in front of your name -- if you can offer a viable solution (and follow through with it) for any ailment facing this country, then you'll get my vote.
Let's hold the applause until you see some results.
1
Problem is, David, we've seen them give this populist message before, and know that their answer will be to "help the job creators by giving them tax breaks". Just you wait. That will be the "changes" in the tax laws they will go for. And, sadly, they will fool people....again....into thinking those savings will trickle down, even though history has proven they never do.
2
"Traditional conservative economic theory holds that economic expansion creates jobs...." Problem is, Conservative economic "theory" has never worked because it has never been impemented Do we really believe that the "titans of Capitalism" are willing to relinquish the Profits to create jobs? A theory is nothing more than that and this one has never been put to the test since the founding of our nation- still waiting for those $$$ to 'trickle-down'.
6
The Republican message is clear enough--no to everything the President proposes. I can't imagine any possible way Republicans could "explain their policies in an emotional way that shows voters they care about them" after having treated the President we voters elected by a significant majority with such disrespect and disdain.
17
They have FOX news to demonstrate their "emotional way."
I'm here to tell you, wealth disparity is even hitting the relative wealthy: I'm in a highly trained and skilled health care profession. I used to be in the top 5%, but over the last several years I've seen my income drop 35%.
9
No sympathy here, pal...
2
From this article: "But Republicans are divided over whether they need to overhaul their economic policies or merely recalibrate their message."
Republicans cannot actually do anything for the middle class, because that would mean taking money from the richest Americans, whom the Republicans fall down and worship.
The only way Republicans can help the middle class is by promising them that the vast wealth of the richest Americans somehow will trickles down to them. A hollow promise.
Republicans cannot actually do anything for the middle class, because that would mean taking money from the richest Americans, whom the Republicans fall down and worship.
The only way Republicans can help the middle class is by promising them that the vast wealth of the richest Americans somehow will trickles down to them. A hollow promise.
22
Mike: It's a promise that cannot be kept. Republicans can no more "compel" Corporations to "create jobs" any more than they can compel "themselves" to stop pretending: A choice of whether to "change our economic policies or merely recalibrate the "message" demonstrates an attempt to do nothing and resell it; sort of like the "package of air containing 3 peanuts "airlines sell as a "Meal".
Republican can help the middle calss by voting for the democrats
Sounds like a refocus for middle, and lower class votes, but not necessarily their long term well being. I notice when I throw a few chunks of stale bead under my beloved bird feeder, the squirrels leave it alone. Sound familiar? Are we going to settle for stale bread?
4
It's down to this now... the GOP whining about how things are so unfair to the middle class. I guess they finally woke up and realized that screaming about the ACA and Benghazi just wasn't going to work. Funny how they've suddenly become worried about this with a presidential election coming up... I'm sure it's just a coincidence.
The proof is in the pudding. Your so worried about the middle class and you control congress... do something. Close tax loopholes, especially the ones for hedge fund managers and corporations. Go ahead... I dare you.
The proof is in the pudding. Your so worried about the middle class and you control congress... do something. Close tax loopholes, especially the ones for hedge fund managers and corporations. Go ahead... I dare you.
24
I would submit the following, a quote appearing yesterday in a NYT column by Thomas Edsall quotes Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England speaking at a conference in May, 2014: "Just as any revolution eats its children, unchecked market fundamentalism can devour the social capital essential for the long-term dynamism of capitalism itself".
It is in our self-interest to educate and develop the talents of every person.
Democrats have been attempting this for years going back to FDR, LBJ and down to President Obama. The GOP is just catching on, maybe
It is in our self-interest to educate and develop the talents of every person.
Democrats have been attempting this for years going back to FDR, LBJ and down to President Obama. The GOP is just catching on, maybe
10
I submit that Bill Clinton abandoned the message of FDR through LBJ (and Jimmy Carter); and, he took most of the Democratic Party with him. President Obama ignored the progressive caucus in his party in favor of the Clintonistas. Notice that in the article there is only one idea from a progressive Democrat, Bernie Sanders. The entire article records a debate between Obama and the Republicans; and a debate within the Republican Party itself. Democrats abandoned their legacy twenty years ago. The Democrats will only become relevant again when they re-discover their populist roots. It's the economy stupid; and what happens in one's household is his/her economy.
Not necessarily saying the Democratic proposals alone will help the middle class, but the Republican proposals are just tired retreads built on Reagans "trickle down" theory. Even Reagan's budget director at the time considered the policy to be a trojan horse to sell "supply side" economics to the people.
As time has shown us, it's not so much "Trickle Down" Theory as "Tickle Down" Theory.
As time has shown us, it's not so much "Trickle Down" Theory as "Tickle Down" Theory.
5
I'll be the first to admit that Democrats are just as guilty as Republicans of lining up for campaign donations from Big Business (though Republicans get far more of them), but, once in office, Dems and progressives actually do try to improve the lives of ordinary Americans. Most Republicans in Congress gladly accept their generous salaries, gym perks, spacious offices (with no guns allowed, by the way, unlike many other American places of business), paid staff, absurdly low number of work days per year, and the like -- all courtesy of the taxpayers, most of whom are taxed at a greater proportional rate than the very rich, who are, after all, the primary clients of the GOP. Most egregious of all, however, is the Republican opposition to the Affordable Care Act, given that GOP members of Congress enjoy gold-plated health care paid for, once more, by millions of people the Republicans don't want to have health care or from whom they they are still trying to take it.
20
We just need to look at the debacle that is Sam Brownback's Kansas to see how well conservative economic policies work. They don't.
24
We'll see how sincere the Republicans are over the next two years about helping the middle class. With control of both houses and a President sympathetic to the cause, it should be quite easy for them to demonstrate their commitment. Somehow I think it won't happen.
14
What can one say about this? OCCUPY WALL STREET: YOU WIN! Or something. It's just hilarious to see the Rs saying anything at all about this with the "Club for Growth" gang seething in the wings.
6
If you don't understand how the Federal Reserve System works, and how much it costs US taxpayers to have a cartel of private banks print our currency instead of the government doing it directly....
then you literally can not understand how the money system itself *guarantees* growing debt, and a growing gap in wealth, over time.
End the Fed.
Restore the "issuing power" to the people, to whom it properly belongs.
Tens of billions in savings would flow from that change, every year, right away.
then you literally can not understand how the money system itself *guarantees* growing debt, and a growing gap in wealth, over time.
End the Fed.
Restore the "issuing power" to the people, to whom it properly belongs.
Tens of billions in savings would flow from that change, every year, right away.
3
Wouldn't it be great to see Bernie Sanders win in 2016? And as an Independent.
But any such attempt would realistically, sadly just be pulling a Nader. Still, one can hope.
But any such attempt would realistically, sadly just be pulling a Nader. Still, one can hope.
6
Nader, while he supported some good causes, deserves the lowest circle in Hell for making Bush President. He knew how it would end. He did it anyway. And he refuses to take any responsibility.
2
The Occupy movement succeeded in making the income gap and policy disparites in America a national issue. Imagine! The Republicans are going so far as to give it lip service. Perhaps there's a chance for change after all.
5
Hi JVG: Indeed! I've seen a few dismissive references lately to how the Occupy movement faded away - and I guess there's some truth to that - but the biggest part of the message caught on, big time. Always great to see Republicans trying to figure out how to sound like Democrats.
Now, if only the Dems figure out not to waffle all the way back to the old Clintonian de-regulation, NAFTA type free trade and so on - the superficially "pro-business" promotion of big flashy profits at the expense of actual sustainable economics - we might be ready to start getting something done.
Now, if only the Dems figure out not to waffle all the way back to the old Clintonian de-regulation, NAFTA type free trade and so on - the superficially "pro-business" promotion of big flashy profits at the expense of actual sustainable economics - we might be ready to start getting something done.
Until the election system is changed so that all votes carry the same weight not much will change for the plight of the poor and the shrinking middle class. As long as campaigns are funded by the rich and the powerful the policy outcomes will continue to favor those that contribute the most.
9
Why can't there be a broad societal understanding that a market system may result in efficient use of resources and at the same time create an undesirable and possibly destructive income distribution. President Obama has made a start in forthrightly addressing the redistribution issue--now that he is not seeking votes. What we need is a new leader with the skill and confidence to convince the electorate that the interests of the Koch brothers and of blue collar workers do not coincide, and that straightforward redistributive fiscal policies are needed--promptly.
4
The Republicans are making a noticeable linguistic shift, but it masks an urgent need to resolve the dangerous ideological fault zone within their party.
Historically, they have offered "tax credits" (which we all know are absolutely not money, and not "government programs") to businesses and the 1 percent, while deriding "spending money" or "giving money" to the working class (which only needs to get thriftier and work harder). Any conflict between the reality and the theory was the fault of Democrat obstructionists, of course.
In this Republican Majority Congress, Tea Partiers with fantasies of bringing all government to a halt have reached the gates of Wall Street. Republican mainstreamers either have to disavow government's role as dispenser of economic privileges to the 1 pct (unthinkable), or cling to control by embracing a broader definition of privilege.
Team Cruz-and-Paul is now in greater opposition to Team Romney-and- Bush than ever, and this Congress is menacingly poised to demonstrate that the GOP is now as broken as was its predecessor, the Whigs, in 1856.
Historically, they have offered "tax credits" (which we all know are absolutely not money, and not "government programs") to businesses and the 1 percent, while deriding "spending money" or "giving money" to the working class (which only needs to get thriftier and work harder). Any conflict between the reality and the theory was the fault of Democrat obstructionists, of course.
In this Republican Majority Congress, Tea Partiers with fantasies of bringing all government to a halt have reached the gates of Wall Street. Republican mainstreamers either have to disavow government's role as dispenser of economic privileges to the 1 pct (unthinkable), or cling to control by embracing a broader definition of privilege.
Team Cruz-and-Paul is now in greater opposition to Team Romney-and- Bush than ever, and this Congress is menacingly poised to demonstrate that the GOP is now as broken as was its predecessor, the Whigs, in 1856.
7
In reading the comments, the idea that jumps out is that democrats focus on what's best for America, and republicans focus on what's best for their party.
10
The cynic in me notes that the President's new-found liberal agenda pushed its way to the front of the room only after the midterms slaughtered the Democrats. It would be quite ironic if the Republicans now push through one or two of these agenda items and then take credit for being a party of the people just ahead of the 2016 elections.
4
boehner and his ilk talk in generalities because all their ideas are broken. They are left with just saying no.
9
Until we find some way to hold the lobbyists in check, the Republican't won't do anything that will help a middle class or lower class American.
5
Currently, an age group representing the large majority of start-ups here in America, are boomers who are too young/broke to retire and yet un-employable in today's market. Why the government is not backing up banks, who are awash in cash, so that this vastly experienced workforce can't get start-up loans and inject some true energy into middle class economics is astonishingly bewildering!
1
[[Representative Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin said he was glad Mr. Obama had “dialed down on the partisan class-warfare rhetoric. I just hope that the tone continues that makes it easier for us to reach common ground,” Mr. Ryan said.]]
If he can say with a straight face that the president's tone has been extreme, without referencing the rhetoric coming from his own side of the aisle, I imagine Mr. Ryan must be a very good poker player.
If he can say with a straight face that the president's tone has been extreme, without referencing the rhetoric coming from his own side of the aisle, I imagine Mr. Ryan must be a very good poker player.
16
Amen, third.coast. As an example, Senator Hatch of Utah (the new chairman of the Senate Finance Committee who has been waiting for thirty-eight years to really have the power to pay back the rich people who have bankrolled his elections) said Obama was using "class warfare".
The rich have been using class warfare against us! The evidence is overwhelming now.
The rich have been using class warfare against us! The evidence is overwhelming now.
If there was a trend throttling business growth and harming the economy, you would think Republicans would be all over it. A simple change that would boost the driver of our economy should be a no-brainer.
Income disparity is slowly reigning in the purchasing power of the middle class. This is a sure way to stifle growth, let the rich get richer. The middle class is the driver of our economy, : 70% of our economy comes from consumer spending. Getting more money in the hands of the middle class is what our leaders should be doing. While greed is basically a fine thing, it’s the role of government to step in when natural behavior harms the economy. There is no need to cheerlead for the rich to get richer. The rich are doing fine, they don’t need the help of government. But they can certainly afford a tax increase, and our economy has done much better historically when taxes on the rich were much higher. Harping on lowering taxes is just another wish for the rich to get further ahead.
Mitt Romney could show some intelligence by focusing on the middle class. Lifting ridiculous jail sentences for non crimes would be a good start in helping the poor. Guess that 47% remark still burns.
Income disparity is slowly reigning in the purchasing power of the middle class. This is a sure way to stifle growth, let the rich get richer. The middle class is the driver of our economy, : 70% of our economy comes from consumer spending. Getting more money in the hands of the middle class is what our leaders should be doing. While greed is basically a fine thing, it’s the role of government to step in when natural behavior harms the economy. There is no need to cheerlead for the rich to get richer. The rich are doing fine, they don’t need the help of government. But they can certainly afford a tax increase, and our economy has done much better historically when taxes on the rich were much higher. Harping on lowering taxes is just another wish for the rich to get further ahead.
Mitt Romney could show some intelligence by focusing on the middle class. Lifting ridiculous jail sentences for non crimes would be a good start in helping the poor. Guess that 47% remark still burns.
6
As a native of Utah, I have watched Romney's career closely over the years. I have become convinced that he will say anything, anything at all, to get elected.
We do not need more "knee jerk" Bandaids to fix the problems that exist in the entire tax code, and rein in spending. There is a need for total reform of the Code, including returning to progressive increases in tax liabilities as income progresses. However, we must be careful not to call this "income distribution", but a fair way to finance RESPONSIBLE fiscal policy. Under Obama, such tax progression is to be used to pay for all the Socialist style programs he has proposed. Obam proposes that the Government tsubsidize a wide range of social programs, but he has no way to pay for it except to take it from those who have worked hard to make it to the top, to pay for it. He has lost focus on the "American Way", which is to work and advance like so many of our forebears and not simply rely on a Government dole.
1
Oy vey. It's not the Republicans who have most of the money. The financial institutions are much bigger than big oil (for example) and they are 100% Democrat. Sure, the GOP has some venture capitalist firms, but Goldman Sachs? Ha!
2
It's worth remembering that Senator Ted Cruz is married to a "Managing Director" of Goldman Sachs.
So the economic policies of the last 6 years that the GOP were against are now acceptable? Excuse me, Jeb, you flip-flop more than the pancakes I had this morning. They are just straight up liars.
6
I guess the Republicans need to brush up their material. The old faithful statements like, “Why can the poor dress better” “The cure to poverty is to work” “You need to be a doer not a taker” “to succeed you need to work harder” and of course “Work smarter not harder.” I can wait to hear the new slogans.
4
"Only a few Republicans have flirted with the kind of populism Democrats have embraced."
A more accurate statement would have been, "Only a few Republicans have flirted with the kind of *populist rhetoric* Democrats have embraced".
The proposals that Obama outlined on Tuesday were all relevant and necessary back in 2009-10 when the Democrats held both chambers, but instead the Dems spent all of their time and energy on a health care "reform" plan whose chief goal was to maintain and fortify the profits of the private insurance industry which it did quite successfully - oh, and it also insured approximately 1/4 of the 40 million uninsured and ended some appalling practices of the private insurers.
The Democrats once were somewhat populist, in words AND actions, but Bill Clinton ended all that and Obama has continued the rightward drift of the party that cost them so dearly last November. But, judging from the SOTU speech, Obama is just interested in adopting the populist rhetoric.
Along with all of the modest proposals to address income inequality was a proposal which will potentially create far more inequality - the various "trade" pacts, negotiated in secret - to reveal the details would completely expose the Dem's populism as fraudulent.
Obama even had the nerve to make a flippant remark about how "trade pacts haven't always lived up to their hype". The biggest hype being pedaled today is that the Democratic party sincerely wants to help the middle class.
A more accurate statement would have been, "Only a few Republicans have flirted with the kind of *populist rhetoric* Democrats have embraced".
The proposals that Obama outlined on Tuesday were all relevant and necessary back in 2009-10 when the Democrats held both chambers, but instead the Dems spent all of their time and energy on a health care "reform" plan whose chief goal was to maintain and fortify the profits of the private insurance industry which it did quite successfully - oh, and it also insured approximately 1/4 of the 40 million uninsured and ended some appalling practices of the private insurers.
The Democrats once were somewhat populist, in words AND actions, but Bill Clinton ended all that and Obama has continued the rightward drift of the party that cost them so dearly last November. But, judging from the SOTU speech, Obama is just interested in adopting the populist rhetoric.
Along with all of the modest proposals to address income inequality was a proposal which will potentially create far more inequality - the various "trade" pacts, negotiated in secret - to reveal the details would completely expose the Dem's populism as fraudulent.
Obama even had the nerve to make a flippant remark about how "trade pacts haven't always lived up to their hype". The biggest hype being pedaled today is that the Democratic party sincerely wants to help the middle class.
1
I'm with you, Urizen. While everything you said is correct, your message didn't touch the more important subject, "Why is this happening and what can we do about it?"
The advice from the Watergate era gives us the answer, "Follow the money."
As long as the rich can buy elections with uncontrolled campaign money, we can expect to see more of the same. Step one is to reverse the "Citizens United" decision in any way that works.
The advice from the Watergate era gives us the answer, "Follow the money."
As long as the rich can buy elections with uncontrolled campaign money, we can expect to see more of the same. Step one is to reverse the "Citizens United" decision in any way that works.
I am sure the Republicans will now relate their concern for the middle class. They probably already have a plan to fix the problem. Wait for it... TRICKEL DOWN through more tax breaks for corporations and the 1%.
5
Just what is this fictitious plan that Speaker Boehner cites that will replace the ACA? Giving more money to Big Medicine? More giveaways to Big Pharma? Putting billions more in tax dollars in the pockets of Big Insurance?
The truth is, the Republican Party has no healthcare plan. The constituents that the GOP cares about are its big money donors in the medical industry, and the only plank in their policy is to repeal the ACA and throw ordinary Americans back out into the cold. Every time the speaker refers to this "plan," his nose should grow a foot.
The truth is, the Republican Party has no healthcare plan. The constituents that the GOP cares about are its big money donors in the medical industry, and the only plank in their policy is to repeal the ACA and throw ordinary Americans back out into the cold. Every time the speaker refers to this "plan," his nose should grow a foot.
12
"Giving more money to Big Medicine? More giveaways to Big Pharma? Putting billions more in tax dollars in the pockets of Big Insurance?"
ACA has performed all of those functions you list, quite well. I'm afraid you've fallen for the hype that ACA is a populist program. First and foremost, ACA was designed to keep the private insurer's middleman status which they use to siphon off anywhere from 20 to 30% of our health care premiums for their profits.
True, ACA threw in some patient protections but insurers are already exploiting loopholes on these. See: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/us-insurance-specialtydrugs-id...
True, ACA has reduced the number of uninsured - by an unimpressive 25%. Single payer - a true populist proposal supported by the overwhelming majority of Americans - would have outperformed ACA on all of the issues that plague a private for-profit insurance system except for private insurer profits.
The Democrats produce copious amounts of populist/progressive rhetoric, but not much else.
ACA has performed all of those functions you list, quite well. I'm afraid you've fallen for the hype that ACA is a populist program. First and foremost, ACA was designed to keep the private insurer's middleman status which they use to siphon off anywhere from 20 to 30% of our health care premiums for their profits.
True, ACA threw in some patient protections but insurers are already exploiting loopholes on these. See: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/18/us-insurance-specialtydrugs-id...
True, ACA has reduced the number of uninsured - by an unimpressive 25%. Single payer - a true populist proposal supported by the overwhelming majority of Americans - would have outperformed ACA on all of the issues that plague a private for-profit insurance system except for private insurer profits.
The Democrats produce copious amounts of populist/progressive rhetoric, but not much else.
It appears you are well informed. Please lay out the Republican health care plan for us. Slander is easy. Governing is much more difficult. Net-net, however, I agree that single payor (national health insurance) is the way of the future.
But let's debate the point on Democratic rhetoric - they're the only party to have produced any results - a growing economy, the end of two wars, millions of Americans insured. What does the GOP have to show since George W. Bush? WMD? Trillions in "off-budget" spending resulting in record deficits? An economy spiraling toward oblivion? The Great Recession (really Depression)? Medicare Part D with no funding? Years of gridlock and obstructionism?
Tell me, name one Republican accomplishment in the past two decades. Other than shutting down the government, that is.
But let's debate the point on Democratic rhetoric - they're the only party to have produced any results - a growing economy, the end of two wars, millions of Americans insured. What does the GOP have to show since George W. Bush? WMD? Trillions in "off-budget" spending resulting in record deficits? An economy spiraling toward oblivion? The Great Recession (really Depression)? Medicare Part D with no funding? Years of gridlock and obstructionism?
Tell me, name one Republican accomplishment in the past two decades. Other than shutting down the government, that is.
it appears that Romney and Jeb are going to arbitrate the wealth gap, at least as far as financing their campaigns go, in Utah this week, according to reports. Who needs an electoral process? Ask not to whom the money is shown......
2
It's interesting to me that Jeb is crawling to Utah ... They know where the rich really do rule!
Wasn't it just a few months ago when discussions of income equality were criticized by these same Republicans as encouraging class warfare? Is there some rule of thumb that they use for how many days have to elapse before they can completely contradict themselves without fear that their base or the media will call them on it?
And just 2 years ago, Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan talked about the makers and the takers. That was so yesterday, I guess.
So is their epiphany real or just one more attempt to pour old rotgut wine into fancy new bottles.
When Republicans say to the lower classes, "we are Republicans and we are here to help you.", wise people will just say "No thanks. We aren't buying.".
And just 2 years ago, Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan talked about the makers and the takers. That was so yesterday, I guess.
So is their epiphany real or just one more attempt to pour old rotgut wine into fancy new bottles.
When Republicans say to the lower classes, "we are Republicans and we are here to help you.", wise people will just say "No thanks. We aren't buying.".
6
I can't hear "old wine in new bottles" without remembering the quote that American political parties are like two different bottles with different labels that are both empty.
(Who said that? I searched, but couldn't find a source.)
(Who said that? I searched, but couldn't find a source.)
Republicans discover compassion;
file under "Man Bites Dog".
file under "Man Bites Dog".
2
John Boehner says, “There’s a better way, We need to fix our broken tax code, balance our budget, replace the broken health care law with solutions that lower cost and protect jobs.” Talk about broken, Mr. Boehner sounds like a broken record. Throw those 45's out Mr. Boehner.
4
It is interesting that Mitt Romney is reinventing himself again. If something isn't working he seems willing to abandon all principles he so fiercely espoused until yesterday. A 'flip-flopper' is actually refreshing in a climate of intractability.
7
As a native of Utah, I have watched Romney for years. I am convinced that Romney will say anything, anything at all, to get elected.
1
I don't know why everyone is sniping at Republican proposals here. To paraphrase Mitt Romney, if middle class people are struggling, they should just borrow several hundred thousand dollars from their parents, and start a business. Jeez, it's not rocket science, people.
10
As much as this income disparity needs to be rectified, reading this makes me very cynical and sad. Perhaps the GOP has taken polls that indicate the fact that income disparity is on people's minds as an issue for the next election.
Now, the GOP indicates a willingness to do something about it...
Perhaps the Congressional members of the GOP don't read the business pages or the editorial pages, not even the front pages of magazines and newspapers.
Perhaps they talk only among themselves in the cloak room. I ask, "why now"?
Now, the GOP indicates a willingness to do something about it...
Perhaps the Congressional members of the GOP don't read the business pages or the editorial pages, not even the front pages of magazines and newspapers.
Perhaps they talk only among themselves in the cloak room. I ask, "why now"?
3
Perhaps they only listen to their political consultants and the people who donate large sums to their campaigns.
One necessary skill for a politician is to appear to listen without actually doing it.
One necessary skill for a politician is to appear to listen without actually doing it.
Republicans are going to have a very difficult time focusing on income disparity. For about four decades they've ignored it, made excuses for it, or even declare it to be Good.
Now sensing a potentially growing political downside, we begin to get some superficial chatter. However, Boehner's comments at the end of the article show that Republicans have a very long way to go. Breaking with a near-Biblical ideology is not an easy feat, nor at present is it likely.
Now sensing a potentially growing political downside, we begin to get some superficial chatter. However, Boehner's comments at the end of the article show that Republicans have a very long way to go. Breaking with a near-Biblical ideology is not an easy feat, nor at present is it likely.
5
Well the headline is foolish. The answer of course is more opportunity which government mostly can produce by getting out of the way of the private sector, and leveling the playing field with our international competition.
Reducing the penalty on bringing money back to the US is only one example of how government can get out of the way, there are so many more that a book would be needed to indicate them and the changes that would assist. Republicans are not generally going to adopt the practices of the president because their voters don't want it.
Reducing the penalty on bringing money back to the US is only one example of how government can get out of the way, there are so many more that a book would be needed to indicate them and the changes that would assist. Republicans are not generally going to adopt the practices of the president because their voters don't want it.
1
I knew the Republicans were the party of the people. I just keep getting mixed up as to which ones.
8
It is imperative that Democrats do not lose the messaging wars by letting the GOP use word salad to disguise their attempts at more voodoo economics.
The quote from Paul Ryan here where he says he is glad the president has dialed down the policy of class warfare; the president wants to tax the rich to give tax cuts to the poor and middle class. How is that not class warfare?
Every time a Republican tries to weasel word his way out of what he has said in the past, as Romney is doing now, someone must ask him simply "Do you support raising federal income taxes on the wealthiest Americans?"
He must answer "no," or run out the clock with a mini filibuster until the commercial break. But either way the meme is set that the GOP is on the side of the true takers and against the side of the true makers.
The quote from Paul Ryan here where he says he is glad the president has dialed down the policy of class warfare; the president wants to tax the rich to give tax cuts to the poor and middle class. How is that not class warfare?
Every time a Republican tries to weasel word his way out of what he has said in the past, as Romney is doing now, someone must ask him simply "Do you support raising federal income taxes on the wealthiest Americans?"
He must answer "no," or run out the clock with a mini filibuster until the commercial break. But either way the meme is set that the GOP is on the side of the true takers and against the side of the true makers.
3
The sad truth is that the right wing media will come up with talking points that suggest that the adoption of the Democratic economic platform to help the middle class is actually the GOP platform.It will be repeated 24/7 and eventually will be believed by our "intelligent masses" who continue to vote against their own self interests. That's what the GOP does and they are very good at it.
4
Please let's stop talking about the income gap and acknowledge that the real problem is a wealth gap. Anyone, even if they are making $500,000 is middle class if they are reliant on a paycheck.
4
When people making $500,000 consider themselves middle class, we have a problem. Because their interests are in direct opposition to people really in the middle and lower classes, who have to worry about paying rent, buying food, getting medical care, etc without having a big bank account to fall back on. And those folks, in my experience, tend to be the biggest whiners about not having "their" tax dollars going to help anyone making $50k or less get by.
“ … The great mass of the population is of labourers; our rich, who can live without labor, either manual or professional, being few, and of moderate wealth. Most of the labouring class possess property, cultivate their own lands, have families, and from the demand for their labor are enabled to exact from the rich and the competent such prices as enable them to be fed abundantly, clothed above mere decency, to labor moderately and raise their families …
The wealthy, on the other hand, and those at their ease, know nothing of what the Europeans call luxury. They have only somewhat more of the comforts and decencies of life than those who furnish them. Can any condition of society be more desirable than this?” Thom Jefferson.
Bill Clinton and Larry Summers can be seen raving about capitalism's "winners and losers" last year at a London Conference on "Inclusive Capitalism." Summers, in particular, was screaming that capitalism had to accept this winners and losers concept. They miss the point:
As above in Jefferson's statement, we do not need the upper 10% owning practically 90% of everything. The Redistribution must go down. The "masses" pay for the system the capitalists use to make their money---the transportation systems, the courts, the educational system, etc. They owe us.
The wealthy, on the other hand, and those at their ease, know nothing of what the Europeans call luxury. They have only somewhat more of the comforts and decencies of life than those who furnish them. Can any condition of society be more desirable than this?” Thom Jefferson.
Bill Clinton and Larry Summers can be seen raving about capitalism's "winners and losers" last year at a London Conference on "Inclusive Capitalism." Summers, in particular, was screaming that capitalism had to accept this winners and losers concept. They miss the point:
As above in Jefferson's statement, we do not need the upper 10% owning practically 90% of everything. The Redistribution must go down. The "masses" pay for the system the capitalists use to make their money---the transportation systems, the courts, the educational system, etc. They owe us.
3
Everyone is dancing around the real issue, which is severely depressed wages. Reducing taxes is Republican penicillin. It cures all ills. Except the disease of inequality has developed resistance to tax cuts with low wages. Cutting taxes on low incomes helps a little, but the disease remains because the resulting income is still way to low to kill off the inequality.
The disease is most severe at the bottom half of incomes, those under $50,000. Three things must happen.
One) Raise the minimum wage, a lot.
Two) Tax capital at the same rate as wages, if not at higher levels. In a market based system, economic output flows into whatever creates the greatest return. By taxing capital at much lower rates than wages, like 1/2 as much, a tremendous incentive is created for output to flow into capital instead of wages. This imbalance drives inequality more than anything.
Three) To help protect and create more American jobs, we must expand markets with true fair trade rules. When I sell products into Europe, the customer must pay taxes and tariffs that raise the price by 30 to 35%. In South America, those fees raise the price by 50%. Plus, there is so much red tape to go through, potential customers won't bother. Consequently, I sell next to nothing into South America.
Stop trying to put a band aid on a severe injury. Stop covering up the real issue for fear of upsetting billionaire donors. Fix the system.
The disease is most severe at the bottom half of incomes, those under $50,000. Three things must happen.
One) Raise the minimum wage, a lot.
Two) Tax capital at the same rate as wages, if not at higher levels. In a market based system, economic output flows into whatever creates the greatest return. By taxing capital at much lower rates than wages, like 1/2 as much, a tremendous incentive is created for output to flow into capital instead of wages. This imbalance drives inequality more than anything.
Three) To help protect and create more American jobs, we must expand markets with true fair trade rules. When I sell products into Europe, the customer must pay taxes and tariffs that raise the price by 30 to 35%. In South America, those fees raise the price by 50%. Plus, there is so much red tape to go through, potential customers won't bother. Consequently, I sell next to nothing into South America.
Stop trying to put a band aid on a severe injury. Stop covering up the real issue for fear of upsetting billionaire donors. Fix the system.
6
If Republicans are refocusing, it's only to double down and further increase the income disparity gap.
2
let see..............
why do the same clowns run for president and political office year after year?
why have we not used anit-trust laws against the banks, airline industry, oil companies, etc (endless list.....)
why do americans not want to be taxed so we can build 21st century infrastructure for highways, trains, water, and sewers systems (jobs)
why do we not increase tariffs on imported goods from china and other third world countries (more jobs here)
why does our society place so much emphasis on buying endless amounts of cheap disposable plastic goods from the retailers who promise the lowest price possible (small business anyone)
why are politicians so far removed from the struggles of the average persons daily life?
why do the same clowns run for president and political office year after year?
why have we not used anit-trust laws against the banks, airline industry, oil companies, etc (endless list.....)
why do americans not want to be taxed so we can build 21st century infrastructure for highways, trains, water, and sewers systems (jobs)
why do we not increase tariffs on imported goods from china and other third world countries (more jobs here)
why does our society place so much emphasis on buying endless amounts of cheap disposable plastic goods from the retailers who promise the lowest price possible (small business anyone)
why are politicians so far removed from the struggles of the average persons daily life?
3
Lets see, I have been in the 25-28% tax bracket for years, so lets see if good old boy Mitch M. and his band of shills for the rich go for a proposal to cut my tax rate along with millions of people like me to say 17% - 18%. But lets also raise the taxes of the super rich another 10%. zNow, what will I do with this new found wealth, buy a new car for one; maybe help my kids pay off their college loans or put a new roof over my home. What would the super rich do a tax cut; sock it away in some tax haven country or maybe it use it to fund a conservative think tank which will foist upon Americans that same old glop that taxes are bad like the gas tax in NJ. Does anyone wonder why my byline is "Disgusted"
5
EVERYBODY read Piketty last year. Even the Republicans. However, rather than taking it as a warning, they are seeing it it as a potential talking point bump in the road as they travel to complete economic domination of the planet. This is more than lip-service. This is a planned risk management venture to tamp down any further talk about pitch-forks and burning torches coming toward Greenwich in the moonless night. Acknowledge the condition, manage the fear, continue the rip-off. It's cynical to have one of the most famous of the rich guys talking about poverty. Romney is being used and duped.
4
What a bunch of hypocrites. Unfortunately, all Washington is run by money and greed. The only difference between Repubicans and Democrats is degree and language. Again, how many folks from Wall Street have gone to jail in the past six years?
3
Populism has a derogatory connotation as if it wrongful to do right by the vast majority of Americans.
Does anyone remember Ryan and Romney lies? What is it going to take for the fat cat oligarch G.O P?
Republican party lies, lies and more lies!
Does anyone remember Ryan and Romney lies? What is it going to take for the fat cat oligarch G.O P?
Republican party lies, lies and more lies!
2
In 2001 the GOP took a country with full employment , a federal budget surplus , at peace with the world (no wars) , the Twin Towers standing and the USA`s standing with the rest of the world at a level that was OK to a completely opposite place. eg. By 2007 the nation was losing 750,000 jobs/month, 4000+ US troops had been killed in just Iraq while killing 100,000+ Iraqi civilians.
Now after nearly five years of payroll expansion (11 million new jobs); a successful launch to the much needed ACA (to start the process of catching up to the rest of the developed world) the party of NO is still mad that a black man is POTUS & is still doing anything it can to prevent progress. Why are there ANY GOP voters other than Sheldon Edelson , Mittens & the Kochs ?
Now after nearly five years of payroll expansion (11 million new jobs); a successful launch to the much needed ACA (to start the process of catching up to the rest of the developed world) the party of NO is still mad that a black man is POTUS & is still doing anything it can to prevent progress. Why are there ANY GOP voters other than Sheldon Edelson , Mittens & the Kochs ?
12
For the Republican Party, it's all about perception.
Their goal is to be perceived as working to improve the lot of "ordinary" Americans. Actual improvement not required.
To achieve their goal, they will continue to repeat and repeat that the ideas of the Democratic Party are stale, failed liberal ideals designed to increase government bureaucracy and constrict opportunity. They will now throw in their deep and heartfelt concern for the workers who are struggling to make ends meet.
FOX will broadcast this message daily, rewriting history without blushing in the slightest. The mainstream media will report on the Republican consideration of the issue as if it is a great awakening by the GOP. The American public will pay more attention to reality TV than to the real world.
There may even be a few crumbs thrown to the populace to demonstarte their true concern. These will generate headlines.
But make no mistake. The Republican Party has no interest in most Americans. Their goal remains the same as it has been for the past 30 plus years. The completion of a silent coup whereby they control all three branches of government. They are so close that they can taste it.
The sheep's clothing they are trying on does conceal the wolf beneath.
Be on your guard, America. Be on your guard.
Their goal is to be perceived as working to improve the lot of "ordinary" Americans. Actual improvement not required.
To achieve their goal, they will continue to repeat and repeat that the ideas of the Democratic Party are stale, failed liberal ideals designed to increase government bureaucracy and constrict opportunity. They will now throw in their deep and heartfelt concern for the workers who are struggling to make ends meet.
FOX will broadcast this message daily, rewriting history without blushing in the slightest. The mainstream media will report on the Republican consideration of the issue as if it is a great awakening by the GOP. The American public will pay more attention to reality TV than to the real world.
There may even be a few crumbs thrown to the populace to demonstarte their true concern. These will generate headlines.
But make no mistake. The Republican Party has no interest in most Americans. Their goal remains the same as it has been for the past 30 plus years. The completion of a silent coup whereby they control all three branches of government. They are so close that they can taste it.
The sheep's clothing they are trying on does conceal the wolf beneath.
Be on your guard, America. Be on your guard.
8
Gap??
Like the Atlantic ocean is a "gap" in the earth that separates America from Europe .
Like the Atlantic ocean is a "gap" in the earth that separates America from Europe .
3
"I just hope that the tone continues that makes it easier for us to reach common ground". One of the depressing aspects of the current political environment is this emphasis on "tone" and "feelings" rather than on progress and accomplishment. If both sides agree on a plan that would help people, maybe we could avoid the complaints about offensive tone and just do some productive things? "Obama insulted me and my political party or economic class, so I am not going to do things that I would otherwise agree with, even if it would help people to do those things". Surely we pay these people to actually accomplish things rather than to sit around being offended.
4
"a campaign to 'end the scourge of poverty'"
Because clearly Democrats since LBJ have failed to do it, so therefore a Republican is going to get it done? I don't think so.
Capitalism is the only known solution to poverty - the rising standard of living from the 1700s to the 21st century demonstrates that less government control, and more freedom (laissez-faire) results in better living conditions.
Socialism - which is what all Progressives, and nearly all Conservatives, want - is anti-Capitalism, which makes it anti-wealth, which makes it the creator and the increaser of poverty. If you want to improve your lives, Socialism is not the way to go. Socialism and Socialist (aka Progressive) policies don't raise up the poor, they crush down the successful. Socialist policies make everyone equally poor. Which is precisely what the Political Elite Class wants.
Because clearly Democrats since LBJ have failed to do it, so therefore a Republican is going to get it done? I don't think so.
Capitalism is the only known solution to poverty - the rising standard of living from the 1700s to the 21st century demonstrates that less government control, and more freedom (laissez-faire) results in better living conditions.
Socialism - which is what all Progressives, and nearly all Conservatives, want - is anti-Capitalism, which makes it anti-wealth, which makes it the creator and the increaser of poverty. If you want to improve your lives, Socialism is not the way to go. Socialism and Socialist (aka Progressive) policies don't raise up the poor, they crush down the successful. Socialist policies make everyone equally poor. Which is precisely what the Political Elite Class wants.
1
Actually the only known solution to poverty is work that is paid for. As in wages for an 8 hour a day job and a 40 hour week. When the system is structured for those kinds of jobs, many people will no longer be living in poverty. We don't really care what you call it: socialism, capitalism, progressives, conservatives. Those are political terms meant to create groups of people who think alike. When a company starts a business that creates jobs for lots of people, that's a good thing. When politicians start a program that creates jobs for lots of people, that's a good thing, too.
Yes! Well, other than in Germany and the rest of Northern Europe. Ya know. Where socialism has worked out pretty well for them.
The Grand Old Prevaricators are some of the best trained professional liars the world has to offer.
When the Republican Congress outlaws immoral 'carried-interest-exemption' and farm subsidy tax welfare for the wealthiest Americans, we'll start listening to the GOP carnival barkers.
Until then, let's enjoy Mitt Romney's sudden transformation into a pretend Mother Teresa.
When the Republican Congress outlaws immoral 'carried-interest-exemption' and farm subsidy tax welfare for the wealthiest Americans, we'll start listening to the GOP carnival barkers.
Until then, let's enjoy Mitt Romney's sudden transformation into a pretend Mother Teresa.
14
The Republican who said, "the people know how to use their money better than the government". Sometimes, but on trash night in our neighborhood there are brand new pieces of furniture and bikes on the curb but the street has pot holes.
3
Neither the republicans or the democrats will be able to solve this problem without directly challenging the ideology of capitalism itself. Given four generations of propaganda that have left most people unable to think--let alone speak--outside of the tenets of capital, I do not see this happening any time soon.
Make no mistake: the problem is capitalism, and, more specifically, how we've deified it. Politicians would do well to start seeing the system for what it is: an engine of productivity has always been the most amazing and dangerous force in modernity.
Make no mistake: the problem is capitalism, and, more specifically, how we've deified it. Politicians would do well to start seeing the system for what it is: an engine of productivity has always been the most amazing and dangerous force in modernity.
6
There are times when a speech or a slogan changes the framework for political discussions. Perhaps the most striking one was "we are the 99%" in the occupy movement. Obama's speech moves the debate further by raising issues that really concern the shrinking middle class. The Republicans have been thrown off balance because the really have no answer to rising inequality. Almost nothing will actually get done for the next two years but Republicans will increasingly be on the defensive as they push their policies which can only increase inequality. Rolling back Obamacare will strip millions of their health insurance. Ending Obama's immigration initiatives will make a large growing and striving Hispanic middle calls less secure, The XL pipeline will further enrich the Koch brothers. Those initiatives are just the opening round for the Republicans. The article in yesterdays NY times about Republican presidential candidates groveling for the right to be endorsed (a.k.a. bought) by the Koch brothers made it clear what the Republican party stands for.
69
Absolutely, this is what Obama's intentions are. Exposing the GOP. Making democrats like Hillary realize that they can't just say they're for 'helping the poor' when so many in the middle class feel as stymied and stifled as if they were poor, but know others are worse off.
Obama has been a transformational president, whether he gets characterized as cocky or uppity or not, he has changed the conversation from where Saint Ronnie moved it those many decades ago.
Obama has been a transformational president, whether he gets characterized as cocky or uppity or not, he has changed the conversation from where Saint Ronnie moved it those many decades ago.
I, too, read the article about the "Koch Primary," and was disappointed that the NYT didn't open it for comments. Good grief, the GOP doesn't even bother to disguise the fact that the only "voters" they care about are those with giant bank accounts. Why not take it the final step and just get rid of primaries and elections altogether? It seems the outcome would be the same and it would save a lot of time and money.
"Mitt Romney, vowing a campaign to “end the scourge of poverty” if he runs for president a third time,...".
He will end the scourge of poverty for himself, by making himself richer while he is president.
He will end the scourge of poverty for himself, by making himself richer while he is president.
10
The Republicans finally embrace trickle down economics. Bad old Victorian predestination economic theories are cast away. As too many people fall below the level of consumers to feed the economy the chosen people of Davos say something has to be done.
2
It will be interesting to see whether politicians from either party can act against their own financial interests, since the two main causes of income inequality are the Reagan tax rate cuts for the wealthy and federal monetary policy that pumps up Wall Street for the 1% at the expense of middle class savers. These have become structural impediments for the middle class, and directly benefit the majority of our national politicians.
23
I am no economist, but how about this for a starting point. Why do we penalize workers by taxing them for working? Let's remove the tax on worker's wages. Can we not agree that no one should be taxed for working?
15
No.
7
Okay. So where does the money come from to pay for the huge military machine we seem to need? How are going to pay for firefighters to come over when the place is burning down? (There are a few dozen other things, but let's start with those two.)
4
Taxes are what pays for government services, police, fix roads, etc. All sources of income are subject to tax, including worker wages. The problem is the wealthy have not paid their fair share of tax. They''ve manipulated the politicians into being their servants, especially the fat cat Republicans. Raise taxes on rich, who have made money in this country, and lower taxes on- poor who need more money to spend.
3
Well, I am betting the GOP will "put lipstick on their pig." Just like their approach to medical care, women's rights, immigration, tax cuts for the wealthy, etc. etc. Nothing changes, except the messaging. And Lord knows, they are good at deceiving the ignorant.
94
They'll also continue to claim that lowering taxes is also the solution to everything, no matter how circumstances change. One tool, who cares what the problem is...
rantall
Yes, deceiving the ignorant, you are correct....How do we think Scott Walker has "won three elections in four years" in Wisconsin????? Probably not the brightest voters taken in with lies and deceit.
And you know, keep 'em non-educated, and then the Republicans will get even More Votes in years to come. Ah, their strategies.
One killer is Kentucky's voters' hatred for the ACA and love for McConnell. Look who is highly benefiting from the ACA, their "Obamacare", for example, if it isn't the people of Kentucky who are "Obamacare" recipients?
Now that takes some deceptive work, alright. I suppose we should give those clever deceivers credit for stuff like that, including Mitch McConnell, if that is something to get credit for. He's smiling like a Chessie Cat all the way to his Senate chamber.
Yes, deceiving the ignorant, you are correct....How do we think Scott Walker has "won three elections in four years" in Wisconsin????? Probably not the brightest voters taken in with lies and deceit.
And you know, keep 'em non-educated, and then the Republicans will get even More Votes in years to come. Ah, their strategies.
One killer is Kentucky's voters' hatred for the ACA and love for McConnell. Look who is highly benefiting from the ACA, their "Obamacare", for example, if it isn't the people of Kentucky who are "Obamacare" recipients?
Now that takes some deceptive work, alright. I suppose we should give those clever deceivers credit for stuff like that, including Mitch McConnell, if that is something to get credit for. He's smiling like a Chessie Cat all the way to his Senate chamber.
2
You want a balanced budget Mr. Spicer? Then why did you just vote for a budget that authorized $550 billion toward the military when the deficit is less than that? Actions speak louder than words.
11
"Republicans shouldn't be afraid to say that whatever gains are out there are going to the top 10 percent."
Just when you thought you've heard it all....
Just when you thought you've heard it all....
17
Oh please, now the Republicans are going to pretend to be interested? They are soul-less, dishonest hypocrites without conscience. Do they really think they can go on playing the American people for fools? Well, we'll see about that. And the acid test? See what they say to a universal, national minimum wage of $15 an hour -- not in a year or two or ten but this year. I give you a prediction: They will say no and never.
44
A national minimum wage should be pegged to the prevailing apartment or house rentals in an area. Rents are THE major expense for minimum wage earners, but above a certain point are based more on demand than on any real costs. A minimum wage of $15 will still not enable you to rent an apartment in San Francisco, for example, where there is a shortage of workers because they can't afford to live here! Here, the minimum hourly wage should be $25 at least.
1
Notafan: Unfortunately, there will be sufficient numbers of registered Republicans who will have a need to believe it just to continue voting for Republican candidates even when those votes wind up against their own personal interests: Voters tend to think the 'bad things' are only for those "other lazy people". Republican economic policies [oxymoron] hurt lower income working poor than all others- and these are the ones that ultimately sent to Washington the very folks that craft the economic policies that work against those who sent them there- go figure.
Many people (middle and low income republicans) will continue to vote against their own interests because of social issues like gay marraige and the right to choose. They then complain about "government run health care", hello what do you think Medicare is???? They are terrified of giving something up to those in need (for example food stamps) for fear of some scammers in the system. To them it seems more important to catch criminals than feed children. I just don't understand them.
even though the conversation is changing expect their first attempt at actual change to be........ presto! the same old same old. maybe by the 2020 presidential election they will have something but i really doubt they will risk awaking the sleepwalking "base" by effecting any real change by 2016.
you have heard of 2020 hindsight?
you have heard of 2020 hindsight?
6
I would hope that sufficient numbers of the existing Republican voters begin to understand that by helping to elect Republicans to Congress, they are the turkeys that vote for Christmas.
I hope for a change in attitude but I fear that you are probably right.
I hope for a change in attitude but I fear that you are probably right.
1
I doubt there will be a Republican party by the year 2020.
laurabr i hope you are right...... but there does need to be at least two viable political parties. i was taken once again by our brown president surrounded by a virtually interrupted sea of white faces as he made his case on tuesday night. a change has happened and the demographics of our nation mean that an automatic election of another white person to be president is over...... we can debate the exact color of john boehner's face however......
1
Don't know how the republicans can talk about this either because it is their tax priorities adopted over the last 30 years that caused this gap.
How to narrow the gap? Make billionaires and millionaires pay their fair share of taxes. And give the middle class a tax cut. The result will spur economic activity as well. The fact that Mitt Romney pays a much lower tax rate than somebody making only $30K per year is criminal.
How to narrow the gap? Make billionaires and millionaires pay their fair share of taxes. And give the middle class a tax cut. The result will spur economic activity as well. The fact that Mitt Romney pays a much lower tax rate than somebody making only $30K per year is criminal.
57
I really just can't get over the gaul of the GOP to claim they want to do anything whatsoever for the middle/lower classes. Question to anyone believing this tripe: When have they ever, EVER passed a law which benefits the little guy? Answer: Never. Ever. In the history of America.
The legislation they fight for is always for the big guy. Tax breaks for the wealthy. Corporations should have the same rights as people. On and on.
And when it's not fighting for the big guy, it's looking for ways to legislate how the little people live their lives. So-and-so shouldn't be able to get married because they are gay. Women should not have full control of their bodies. Ugh. When will people learn?
The legislation they fight for is always for the big guy. Tax breaks for the wealthy. Corporations should have the same rights as people. On and on.
And when it's not fighting for the big guy, it's looking for ways to legislate how the little people live their lives. So-and-so shouldn't be able to get married because they are gay. Women should not have full control of their bodies. Ugh. When will people learn?
56
"When have they ever, EVER passed a law which benefits the little guy?"
13th Amendment
13th Amendment
How's that trickle-down economics program workin' for ya?
28
OMG, from the takers and makers party to concern over the underprivilaged! Does anyone believe the tripe thr GOP is peddling?
18
From a Government perspective, any increase in the minimum wage means an increase in tax revenues, reduced deficit and debt. Yet the Republicans resist, tooth and nail. What is wrong with this picture?
Having to listen to Republicans, whose policies have been a disaster for our country's fiscal position, talk about heaping debt on future generations is sickening. John Boehnef isn't that stupid. He knows full well that the Republican tax cuts for the rich immediately lower tax revenues and increase deficits and debt. He knows full well that Reagan and Dubya have the worst fiscal records of any presidents since WWII., and it isn't even close. He knows these things, and then has the hubris to act as if it is his party who will rescue us from what he himself caused.
Would it have been possible for someone in the media to ask Boehner how the Republicans plan to balance the budget when their stated goal is to cut taxes for the rich and in so doing reduce tax revenues by close to $5.7 trillion dollars over the next ten years?
Apparently so.
Would it have been possible for someone in the media to ask Boehner how the Republicans plan to balance the budget when their stated goal is to cut taxes for the rich and in so doing reduce tax revenues by close to $5.7 trillion dollars over the next ten years?
Apparently so.
31
The answer (sic.) has been stated many times: trickle (pronounced "tri-kel") down economics. This is gonna work, folks. It's only been in place since 1981, so don't be so impatient. If trickle down doesn't wipe out deficits by, say, 2031or so, then we'll revisit. Honestly. We promise.
But in the meantime, kick back and watch how those declining revenues and that declining purchasing power just lift all boats.
But in the meantime, kick back and watch how those declining revenues and that declining purchasing power just lift all boats.
1
I still have yet to hear what the Repubs great idea's are. What plans do they have? So far its been blah, blah, blah with absolutely NO substance. Fine they want to get people back to work....so where's the jobs plan? They want to repeal Obamacare.....so what's their alternative? Repair aging infrastructure....what's the plan for that? Help the middle class...where's the plan for that? Now that they hold both the House and Senate the tough job begins....come up with solutions.
34
Keystone, did you not hear! That's the first bill they tried to pass. A jobs bill they called it. Wow!
"Republicans in the U.S. are tempering complaints about overall economic growth and refocusing on income disparity."
They are? How? Through the elimination of the progressive tax system and its replacement with more regressive tax regimes (i.e., lower progressive income taxes combined with higher property and sales taxes like Kansas and Texas)? By cutting back education and job training programs? By making it more difficult to obtain unemployment benefits for those who are unemployed (as opposed to fraudulent claims)? By claiming that anyone that even brings this issue up is engaging in "class warfare"?
They are? How? Through the elimination of the progressive tax system and its replacement with more regressive tax regimes (i.e., lower progressive income taxes combined with higher property and sales taxes like Kansas and Texas)? By cutting back education and job training programs? By making it more difficult to obtain unemployment benefits for those who are unemployed (as opposed to fraudulent claims)? By claiming that anyone that even brings this issue up is engaging in "class warfare"?
22
"Republicans are divided over whether they need to overhaul their economic policies or merely recalibrate their message."
That statement says it all, they aren't about to change their policy. Modern day Republican monetary policy began with Ronald Reagan who is still cited as the Republican savior. Until they understand that trickle down economics actually ended up being trickle up poverty, there is no hope. Their refusal to add tax revenue, while consistently backing unpaid for wars indicates that they don't care about middle class America. The fact is that congress is virtually owned by corporations and lobbyists and until that changes it is all just talk.
That statement says it all, they aren't about to change their policy. Modern day Republican monetary policy began with Ronald Reagan who is still cited as the Republican savior. Until they understand that trickle down economics actually ended up being trickle up poverty, there is no hope. Their refusal to add tax revenue, while consistently backing unpaid for wars indicates that they don't care about middle class America. The fact is that congress is virtually owned by corporations and lobbyists and until that changes it is all just talk.
191
I couldn't agree more, and would like to offer a proposal for rescuing the country from the grip of Congress, Inc. I suggest that members of Congress, Inc., be subject to term limits, perhaps 12 years for representatives and 15 years for senators. The president, as well, could be limited to one 6- or 8-year term. Knowing from the moment that they were elected that they had no need to raise cash on a daily basis, our elected officials could vote their consciences and do their work without fear of offending any benefactors. Term limits could be mandated at some point in the future - perhaps the 2020 election cycle - with then-current members of Congress "grandfathered in," and the new law only applying to newly-elected representatives and senators, who would, obviously, know of the term limits well before undertaking their election campaigns. We only have term limits for the president because of Republicans who were determined to thwart Franklin Roosevelt's march toward what they feared would be a fifth victory at the polls. If our president is subject to term limits, why not members of Congress?
They KNOW it is trickle up poverty. The whole point is to create a near-feudal society, with you-know-who at the top.
All the good that was created for middle class Americans after WWII was destroyed by Ronald Reagan, his policies, and his sneering disdain for the poor.
All the good that was created for middle class Americans after WWII was destroyed by Ronald Reagan, his policies, and his sneering disdain for the poor.
1
Republicans will help the middle class prosper the day after the airlines pass on their fuel savings to ordinary passengers.
17
When the Republican acknowledge that something must be done about the middle class, I greatly fear their plan is to eliminate us completely.
61
The Republican wolves are just basically trying to design more convincing sheep's clothing as they continue their war on the middle class and poor.
34
Dear GOP,
Tax unearned individual & corporate income like earned income
Start with a standard deduction for individuals & families that really reflects reasonable costs (food, housing, heat/AC, transportation, child care) to survive Then look at upper human & corporate brackets to make up the difference
Let people earning less than $500K deduct up to $30K given to elderly relatives & adult children living elsewhere, & the option to claim as dependents any family members living with them
Apply the Soc Sec tax to unearned income, too, & create a ‘donut hole’: leave the current cap; then lift it again when annual income exceeds, say, $300 K for individuals, $500 K for a family
Considerably increase Soc Sec benefits, across the board. Enable poor seniors to do more than just survive & give all more buying power, further spurring the economy
Require anything (e.g., drugs) developed with R&D deductions be marketed at affordable prices
Give tax breaks to companies that give much higher raises to their employees AND hire people, at equivalent salaries, to replace those who left over, say, the last ten years; thus lifting the killing load on those still there
Hire lots more fraud investigators & prosecutors for the IRS, Social Security, Medicare Medicaid, etc Their income taxes & the penalties they bring in will help the economy, too
Realize that voters are more worried about ed. loans crippling their children & grandchildren mow than the deficit’s future impact
Tax unearned individual & corporate income like earned income
Start with a standard deduction for individuals & families that really reflects reasonable costs (food, housing, heat/AC, transportation, child care) to survive Then look at upper human & corporate brackets to make up the difference
Let people earning less than $500K deduct up to $30K given to elderly relatives & adult children living elsewhere, & the option to claim as dependents any family members living with them
Apply the Soc Sec tax to unearned income, too, & create a ‘donut hole’: leave the current cap; then lift it again when annual income exceeds, say, $300 K for individuals, $500 K for a family
Considerably increase Soc Sec benefits, across the board. Enable poor seniors to do more than just survive & give all more buying power, further spurring the economy
Require anything (e.g., drugs) developed with R&D deductions be marketed at affordable prices
Give tax breaks to companies that give much higher raises to their employees AND hire people, at equivalent salaries, to replace those who left over, say, the last ten years; thus lifting the killing load on those still there
Hire lots more fraud investigators & prosecutors for the IRS, Social Security, Medicare Medicaid, etc Their income taxes & the penalties they bring in will help the economy, too
Realize that voters are more worried about ed. loans crippling their children & grandchildren mow than the deficit’s future impact
25
Instead of the current regressive Medicare tax, which puts the burden on low and middle income earners, let's have a progressive Medicare tax instead. Say, for example, that the first $50,000 of income is taxed at the current rate, and the next $100,000 is taxed at the current rate plus 10%. Incomes over $250,000 could then be taxed at the current rate + 30%. Next, tax all other income (including individual capital gains) at the same rates. Something like that should surely put a dent in Medicare deficits.
Whether Republican or Democrat it's important to remember that Republican policies led to the worst recession in history. We would still be deep in recession had the Republicans (who fulminated mightily) been allowed to stall the recovery plan.
The policies of Reagan, Bush, and Bush all left the nation in recession. While the first two had cyclical properties the most recent was a liquidity crisis which would not have occurred except for Republican policy.
Unless they demonstrate that they have changed their stripe it would be unwise to return to the failed Republican leadership. You get what you vote for.
The policies of Reagan, Bush, and Bush all left the nation in recession. While the first two had cyclical properties the most recent was a liquidity crisis which would not have occurred except for Republican policy.
Unless they demonstrate that they have changed their stripe it would be unwise to return to the failed Republican leadership. You get what you vote for.
16
Lemme guess their solution.
"Blah, blah, blah, tax cuts for billionaires so that the job creators can create more jobs."
"Blah, blah, blah, tax cuts for billionaires so that the job creators can create more jobs."
19
Lemme guess their solution:
"Blah, blah, blah, more government spending that we can't pay for so that people become even more dependent."
"Blah, blah, blah, more government spending that we can't pay for so that people become even more dependent."
No matter how you slice it, the only thing that can really work is income redistribution by way of the tax system. Eisenhower was apparently the last Republican that understood this. There are a lot of people in this United States that are just not capable of making a living wage in the US without help in one form or another. You cannot accomplish that help through charitable organizations. We are not living on the farm any more. It needs government intervention, particularly for health care, shelter and food. A lot of folks would have you believe that anyone can make a living wage if they try hard enough. That is just not true.
40
Well apparently you like theft!! Now of course depending on the criteria of a living wage most people can do that with some assistance from charity and the government. Now that does not mean having children, owning a house, living by themselves in great areas, etc. We already have massive government intervention in health care (Medicaid), Shelter (section 8) and food (food stamps). These are already somewhat subject to cheating and need reform to make them more efficient and effective. Using charity to distribute aid is a great idea, habitat for humanity could use some official support both in money and labor. Lots of opportunities for those that have a brain and want to improve. Most progressives don't want to improve but just keep people dependent on government and they really know that their solutions are not only the best but the only ones. Sort of like this poster!
Once again the republicans will bet on the shortness of their constituent's memory. Is it a wining bet ? It always has been in the past.
17
Odd.
John Boehner, R-Planet Orange, now says we have to balance the budget.
During the disastrous, bankrupting Reign of Error of appointed prep school guy cheerleader Bush, Boehner voted for:
Both of Bush's unfunded wars.
Both of Bush's unfunded tax gifts to the plutocracy,
Bush's trillion dollar, unfunded, gift to Big Pharma, Medicare Part D, and,
All seven debt ceiling increases during Bush's eight years.
John Boehner, R-Planet Orange, now says we have to balance the budget.
During the disastrous, bankrupting Reign of Error of appointed prep school guy cheerleader Bush, Boehner voted for:
Both of Bush's unfunded wars.
Both of Bush's unfunded tax gifts to the plutocracy,
Bush's trillion dollar, unfunded, gift to Big Pharma, Medicare Part D, and,
All seven debt ceiling increases during Bush's eight years.
33
Odd in deed! We need to spur the economy by a fair tax system. That's what Reagan did and it worked...
G.,
Less well remembered, the Eureka College guy cheerleader, WW II hero of the Battle of Burbank and the Siege of The Sound Stages of Culver City raised the debt ceiling a record 17 times in his 96 months, on average, every 5.6 months.
"I'm not worried about the federal debt. It's big enough to take care of itself".
Ronald Reagan
Or, as the war criminal Viet Nam dodging coward Cheney said,
"Reagan proved it. Deficits don't matter".
Less well remembered, the Eureka College guy cheerleader, WW II hero of the Battle of Burbank and the Siege of The Sound Stages of Culver City raised the debt ceiling a record 17 times in his 96 months, on average, every 5.6 months.
"I'm not worried about the federal debt. It's big enough to take care of itself".
Ronald Reagan
Or, as the war criminal Viet Nam dodging coward Cheney said,
"Reagan proved it. Deficits don't matter".
1
After a year in office and a significant number of City employees still without raises for going on 8 years, there is a certain "irony" to DeBlasio's remarks about income inequality not to mention Romney. Talk is cheap Bill, put your money where your mouth is.
1
Republicans propagate the fiction that as long as citizens are in low paying jobs everything is fine. Republicans are comfortable with lots of people earning a little bit of money.
11
I am mostly happy with the market deciding. I am not happy that say China cheats and does not have a level playing field. I would level it by whatever means necessary which means tariffs.
I think it's more an inequality of talents then it is an inequality of wealth. One seems to be the consequence of the other. And this reminds me of President Kennedy's remark that from those to whom much is given much is expected!
1
If you look at the richest people in America, you will see that few got rich on their own, e.g. the Koch's and the Walton's.
2
Yes and with our current economy and trade policies low ability folks have very limited alternatives and many of them require hard physical labor that some of our citizens don't like. Like roofing work.
Polling tells them they need to parrot "income inequality" at this time, while doubling down on "trickle down." There's nothing behind it, but apparently voters are stupid enough to buy, as proved by the midterms. If I were a member of the GOP in congress I imagine the path of least resistance would be to just take the lobbyists money, vote what they want, and keep throwing meat to the base. That strategy still works. As far as the Tea Party, it's just another level of stupid to be pandered to for votes, much like a mother gerbil eats her own young.
9
Now, this has got to be the joke of the day. Bought-and-paid-for Republications concerning themselves about anybody but those who bribe them day in and day out. The thing is: nobody with a brain is laughing.
5
Republicans will never have the interests of the lower or middle classes.
It's amazing if not astonishing that they've been able to get members of the middle and lower close to cast votes for them when all their economic policies are designed to hurt them, with promises of wealth trickling down.
It's been over forty years and we're still waiting for that wealth to trickle down.
It's impossible to believe someone such as Romney can honestly be concerned about poverty after his "47 percent" speech, how can anyone believe any position he takes?
It's amazing if not astonishing that they've been able to get members of the middle and lower close to cast votes for them when all their economic policies are designed to hurt them, with promises of wealth trickling down.
It's been over forty years and we're still waiting for that wealth to trickle down.
It's impossible to believe someone such as Romney can honestly be concerned about poverty after his "47 percent" speech, how can anyone believe any position he takes?
32
In 2012, the most recent year that tax data is available from the IRS, there were 136 million Federal Income Tax returns filed. The IRS breaks down the number of returns into groups: Top 1% [1.4 million returns]; Top 2% -5% [5.4million returns]; Top 6%-10% [6.8 million returns]; top 10% [13.6 million returns]; and the list goes on. The top 1% share of total income earned is 21.9% and that group pays 38.1% of all Federal Income taxes. To be in that group in 2012 you must earn at least $434,000. The top 2- 5% share of total income earned is 15.0% and that group pays 20.9% of Federal Income taxes. To be in that group in 2012 you must earn at least $176,000 and not more than $433,000. Combined the top 5% share of total income earned is 36.8% and that group pays 58.9% of all Federal Income taxes. To be in that group in 2012 you must earn at least $176,000.
That being said, here are a few more statistics from the IRS. Combined the top 10% share of total income earned is 47.9% and that group pays 70.2% of all Federal Income Taxes. To be in the top 10% group in 2012 you must earn at least $125,000. Combined the top 25% share of total income earned is 69.3% and that group pays 86.4% of all Federal Income taxes. To be in the top 25% group in 2012 you must earn at least $73,000.
Who gets to decide what is fair? President Obama? I suppose so, and he apparently thinks the people in the top 25% group, which includes the top 1%, aren’t paying their “fair share”.
That being said, here are a few more statistics from the IRS. Combined the top 10% share of total income earned is 47.9% and that group pays 70.2% of all Federal Income Taxes. To be in the top 10% group in 2012 you must earn at least $125,000. Combined the top 25% share of total income earned is 69.3% and that group pays 86.4% of all Federal Income taxes. To be in the top 25% group in 2012 you must earn at least $73,000.
Who gets to decide what is fair? President Obama? I suppose so, and he apparently thinks the people in the top 25% group, which includes the top 1%, aren’t paying their “fair share”.
1
Congress writes the tax laws. So I guess they are ones who decide what is fair.
1
Exactly. They are not.
Wow, lots of numbers in that post. How's about I present your post in the form of a simple story for the less numerate: Ned has three bushels of apples. Jim has an apple. Ned gives three apples to the county fair. Jim gave half an apple. Jim is a moocher who is not pulling his weight and Ned is carrying the damn country fair on his back! We need to drastically cut Ned's taxes and force Jim to put some skin in the game.
I think the Bible also had a story like this. Something with a widow and some mites?
I think the Bible also had a story like this. Something with a widow and some mites?
1
Unfortunately both Corporate Parties, the Republicans and the Democrats and Obama himself have sizeable support for the Trans Pacific Partnership, NAFTA on steroids, being negotiated in secret by Corporate interests to ship more US jobs overseas, emasculate labor and environmental and public interest laws, and cause more Climate Change with overseas shipping emissions. As Naomi Klein points out in "This Changes Everything" http://thischangeseverything.org/ all that pollution from overseas shipping and shipping US jobs overseas does not count on ANY country's ledger for greenhouse emissions. Unfortunately these low-grade bunker fueled ships not only emit CO2 but also sulfur dioxide and other noxious pollutants banned within the US which are surely contributing to the destruction of the beautiful coral reefs.
The idea that the US is actually in any permanent recovery is a total delusion.
It is based on the temporary drop in oil prices which is only leading to the bankruptcy and decline of the toxic fracked shale oil which has allowed the US to continue wasting more oil than any other nation for endless Wars (6% of US oil usage) and Auto Addiction (70% of US oil usage.
We need a Green Transition away from endless Wars, Auto addiction only transit options, and endless consumption of throwaway junk. We need to restore shared public transit, schools, libraries, parks, health and arts not privatized fiefdoms for the rich if we are to sustain a civilized life for all
The idea that the US is actually in any permanent recovery is a total delusion.
It is based on the temporary drop in oil prices which is only leading to the bankruptcy and decline of the toxic fracked shale oil which has allowed the US to continue wasting more oil than any other nation for endless Wars (6% of US oil usage) and Auto Addiction (70% of US oil usage.
We need a Green Transition away from endless Wars, Auto addiction only transit options, and endless consumption of throwaway junk. We need to restore shared public transit, schools, libraries, parks, health and arts not privatized fiefdoms for the rich if we are to sustain a civilized life for all
5
" Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio said Wednesday. “They’re the wrong priorities, and growing Washington’s bureaucracy here instead of helping to grow the economy and helping to grow opportunities for middle-class families.”"
Grow opportunities for middle class families starts with reducing the top marginal tax rate, reducing the corporate tax on foreign earnings to reward companies that hide these earnings abroad, privatize Social Security and Medicare so the rich can siphon off more taxpayer dollars are the Republican plans, all of which harm the middle class.
Boehner and the Republican leadership are out of touch. Trickle down must be renamed "leaked out economics" because the only benefit the middle class has gotten from this charade has "Leaked out" of the money pipeline that sucks the wealth out of society and pumps it to the fat cat rich.
Democrats need to be very specific about a policy that supports middle class growth. Infrastructure spending that will rival defense spending, Medicare for all, loan forgiveness for college graduates who are working in needed essential professions, elimination of the Social Security tax ceiling, repeal of the Tauzin prohibition to bargain with the pharmaceutical industry for the best price, prohibition of conflicts of interest throughout the health care industry, tax all corporations for the money they hide abroad by taxing profits at home to the penny of the money hidden abroad, establishment of Federal Corporate charters .
Grow opportunities for middle class families starts with reducing the top marginal tax rate, reducing the corporate tax on foreign earnings to reward companies that hide these earnings abroad, privatize Social Security and Medicare so the rich can siphon off more taxpayer dollars are the Republican plans, all of which harm the middle class.
Boehner and the Republican leadership are out of touch. Trickle down must be renamed "leaked out economics" because the only benefit the middle class has gotten from this charade has "Leaked out" of the money pipeline that sucks the wealth out of society and pumps it to the fat cat rich.
Democrats need to be very specific about a policy that supports middle class growth. Infrastructure spending that will rival defense spending, Medicare for all, loan forgiveness for college graduates who are working in needed essential professions, elimination of the Social Security tax ceiling, repeal of the Tauzin prohibition to bargain with the pharmaceutical industry for the best price, prohibition of conflicts of interest throughout the health care industry, tax all corporations for the money they hide abroad by taxing profits at home to the penny of the money hidden abroad, establishment of Federal Corporate charters .
12
It's just so obvious that both parties are working for the best interests of oligarchs. So now there is inequity which is a result of their success in serving the interests of the oligarchy. Suddenly, now they realize just as FDR did that if they don't relent a little and allow maybe 1 or 2% of wealth to be "redistributed" (gifted to the hoi polloi by their generosity) there could be riots or other disruptions to their cash flow. So they will try the FDR way of "saving capitalism" by throwing off a few crumbs. FDR failed and so will the politicians of today and party doesn't really matter they are all Neoliberals.
1
Sean Spicer of the RNC is concerned about the budget deficit. George W. Bush ran up a $4 Trillion deficit over his 8 years on office and where were the Republicans then? The Bush years were generally "good" economic times, when closing the deficit should have been more easy.
The fact is, the Republican concern over the deficit is dishonest. Most would prefer a tax cut over a balanced budget.
The fact is, the Republican concern over the deficit is dishonest. Most would prefer a tax cut over a balanced budget.
6
I am amused whenever Republicans complain about Obama's 'tone'.
As if they couldn't possibly do their jobs unless he talks to them with the utmost respect and deference.
Politics ain't bean bag, Mr. Ryan.
As if they couldn't possibly do their jobs unless he talks to them with the utmost respect and deference.
Politics ain't bean bag, Mr. Ryan.
5
Immigration reform could help with that gap. The introduction of more hispanic low-wager earners who are "not quite black" will lend an impetus to the willingness and ability of this group to advocate for an increase in the minimum wage. Also eliminating tax exemptions for employers who pursue the cream of the crop from foreign countries where they have not paid into the system that produced these educated people might encourage them to seek more US talent.
2
Was the quote from DeBlassio really needed? It didn't add anything to the article. In terms of having the right idea of the problem... he is your go to guy; in terms of formulating a plan, having a plan or ability to execute on that plan ... he hasn't offered us anything yet.
Take housing as an example, a middle class problem in the NYC metro area. He made great promises on the campaign trail. No plan has materialized to date. It's a complex problem, no argument about that. We have the resources to come up with a plan. There are so many great resources in NYC in terms of research and economics. Instead we get more of the same, continued policies from the same NYC agencies.
Take housing as an example, a middle class problem in the NYC metro area. He made great promises on the campaign trail. No plan has materialized to date. It's a complex problem, no argument about that. We have the resources to come up with a plan. There are so many great resources in NYC in terms of research and economics. Instead we get more of the same, continued policies from the same NYC agencies.
1
"President Obama’s push for a new “middle-class economics” [will] help make the politics of rich and poor a central issue in the campaign to succeed him."
What kind of skewed view underlies the belief that support for the middle class is an issue of rich and poor? By definition, the middle class is neither rich nor poor. From on up above, in the upper middle class, we solid middle class workers are lumped with the poor. But, it's not that way. We generally carry our own weight and take great pride in that. We are happy to get a boost to our stagnant incomes, but we don't see that as a subsidy for the poor. Supporting the middle class is supporting mainstream America and those who don't get it, are clearly out of the mainstream.
What kind of skewed view underlies the belief that support for the middle class is an issue of rich and poor? By definition, the middle class is neither rich nor poor. From on up above, in the upper middle class, we solid middle class workers are lumped with the poor. But, it's not that way. We generally carry our own weight and take great pride in that. We are happy to get a boost to our stagnant incomes, but we don't see that as a subsidy for the poor. Supporting the middle class is supporting mainstream America and those who don't get it, are clearly out of the mainstream.
2
How many corporations...excuse me, people are OPENLY NOT PAYING TAXES? I seem to remember Wesley Snipes was thrown in jail post haste. This and other inequalities brought to you by the GOP, GOP Supreme Court, GOP Congress, and let's face it, the Democrats as well.
The super rich are laughing at the rest of us. They seem to be ahead of US every step of the way. Kind of like Belichick. Smarter than the rest of 'em and of the mind nothing is wrong if you don't get caught. Time to change the rules...but how?
The super rich are laughing at the rest of us. They seem to be ahead of US every step of the way. Kind of like Belichick. Smarter than the rest of 'em and of the mind nothing is wrong if you don't get caught. Time to change the rules...but how?
5
All this rhetoric about republicans caring one whit about people without means is juvenile and sophomoric. Policies of the last thirty years are deliberate and pointed so as to transfer wealth from the working and middle classes to the very elites. The Oligarchs are in charge and their minions will do as they are told or they will be replaced by people with even less scruples.
Most of you need to read more and listen less.
Remember the golden rule: Those who gots the gold, rules.
Most of you need to read more and listen less.
Remember the golden rule: Those who gots the gold, rules.
8
They say that nothing can be done about economic inequality in America. But you can hear and see the Republicans quaking in their boots about the wealth gap and the income gap. Only they know for sure that they've been fooling the country for so long. And they can barely contain their embarrassment. Let's out plutocracy! Something can be done about it. Beginning with trouncing the Republicans. in 2016
5
Any extension of the earned income tax credit to single individuals needs to exempt the millions of young college graduates who will make $1 million more over their lifetimes than high school graduates. These kids are low earners in their twenties, but generally do not enter the culture of the poor, whom the EIC is intended to support.
The Middle Class is dying due to 4 primary issues
1) Globalization with secondary global wage arbitrage. Outsourcing has decimated American wages. Hard to ask for $20/hr and benefits when the Bangladeshi child will do the same thing for $200/month.
2) Automation. Difficult to fight for higher wages when a computer replaces you. I was just at the airport where there were only 3 Delta employees for the ENTIRE check in line. But there were 25+ kiosks.
3) Illegal immigration. Illegal entrants are willing to do jobs for less money and less job protection since they have no legal recourse for mistreatment. I don't know about where you live, but around here the cleaning companies, landscaping companies, and construction companies are almost 100% Spanish speaking peoples. And I'm in MN.
4) Tax policy. Hedge fund billionaires pay low/almost no taxes on Carried Interest and Capital Gains while income earners pay the full tax. Mitt Romney's $100 Million IRA. Enough said.
Neither Party is addressing problems #1,#2, or #3. Businesses still get tax cuts to automate. They get tax cuts to outsource and Obama's pursuing the TPP. And both parties encourage Illegal immigration (in different ways) and refuse to enforce illegal labor (it's simple: fine the BUSINESSES for hiring illegally)
The Democrats are offering plans to deal with problem #4. The entire Republican platform is based on making problem #4 worse.
Thus: if you're middle class, the Dems are marginally better
1) Globalization with secondary global wage arbitrage. Outsourcing has decimated American wages. Hard to ask for $20/hr and benefits when the Bangladeshi child will do the same thing for $200/month.
2) Automation. Difficult to fight for higher wages when a computer replaces you. I was just at the airport where there were only 3 Delta employees for the ENTIRE check in line. But there were 25+ kiosks.
3) Illegal immigration. Illegal entrants are willing to do jobs for less money and less job protection since they have no legal recourse for mistreatment. I don't know about where you live, but around here the cleaning companies, landscaping companies, and construction companies are almost 100% Spanish speaking peoples. And I'm in MN.
4) Tax policy. Hedge fund billionaires pay low/almost no taxes on Carried Interest and Capital Gains while income earners pay the full tax. Mitt Romney's $100 Million IRA. Enough said.
Neither Party is addressing problems #1,#2, or #3. Businesses still get tax cuts to automate. They get tax cuts to outsource and Obama's pursuing the TPP. And both parties encourage Illegal immigration (in different ways) and refuse to enforce illegal labor (it's simple: fine the BUSINESSES for hiring illegally)
The Democrats are offering plans to deal with problem #4. The entire Republican platform is based on making problem #4 worse.
Thus: if you're middle class, the Dems are marginally better
8
Re: #3
The entrants don't want jobs with low pay, no benefits and no legal recourse. But those jobs are better than what they have in their native land.
It is the employers who want to hire the immigrants for those jobs. And the consumers who are happy to pay cheaper prices.
The entrants don't want jobs with low pay, no benefits and no legal recourse. But those jobs are better than what they have in their native land.
It is the employers who want to hire the immigrants for those jobs. And the consumers who are happy to pay cheaper prices.
1
Gosh I hope Republicans continue to endorse trickle down Regan economics and follow Boehner's lead of same old same old. It'll guarantee a Democratic Presidential win in 2016 and insulate the country from another conservative mandarin being appointed to SCOTUS.
4
But wait... I thought only socialists who hate America talk about income equality and engage in what the GOP routinely calls class warfare. Does winning the majority automatically make you a hypocrite, too?
6
Republicans' failed policy of trickle down economics is what created the income disparity we currently have. I find it rich they would pretend to care now.
After Reagan the die was cast in favor of the wealthy and the corporations, with the promise that if the people at the top were well-taken care of that money would trickle down. Well, it didn't. They kept the money. Corporations fired much of their middle-income workers and sent the jobs overseas for cheaper labor, and gave themselves raises of 400% over the past 30 years. The wealthy sent their money to the Caymans. We have people like the owner of Papa John's pizza - who makes over $2million a year - who, after the ACA passed said he'd lay off workers and keep everyone under the 30-hour a week threshold so he wouldn't have to pay any of his minimum wage employees health care.
Republicans have successfully created a new-age feudal system in which the business owners are the lords, and the middle and lower class are their vassals. And they have tricked the vassals into thinking it's good this way.
How did they do this? The Reagan administration also coined the term 'welfare queen', to keep the poor masses worrying so much about what the other peasants were receiving, they wouldn't notice they themselves were getting the shaft.
After Reagan the die was cast in favor of the wealthy and the corporations, with the promise that if the people at the top were well-taken care of that money would trickle down. Well, it didn't. They kept the money. Corporations fired much of their middle-income workers and sent the jobs overseas for cheaper labor, and gave themselves raises of 400% over the past 30 years. The wealthy sent their money to the Caymans. We have people like the owner of Papa John's pizza - who makes over $2million a year - who, after the ACA passed said he'd lay off workers and keep everyone under the 30-hour a week threshold so he wouldn't have to pay any of his minimum wage employees health care.
Republicans have successfully created a new-age feudal system in which the business owners are the lords, and the middle and lower class are their vassals. And they have tricked the vassals into thinking it's good this way.
How did they do this? The Reagan administration also coined the term 'welfare queen', to keep the poor masses worrying so much about what the other peasants were receiving, they wouldn't notice they themselves were getting the shaft.
12
So the Republicans are going to say they're for ending poverty and improving wages for the middle class? That's like the fox vowing to improve the henhouse fence if they'll just vote him in. LOL!
We just had the inauguration of a new governor and lt. governor here in Texas. The speeches they gave offered the same things but what they really mean is that they will create "opportunities" by reducing taxes for businesses and reducing those bad regulations that businesses always complain about. They're not actually going to do anything for anyone who isn't well to do or beyond. So if they American people, like Texans, fall for this nonsense well then I guess we deserve what we will get.
We just had the inauguration of a new governor and lt. governor here in Texas. The speeches they gave offered the same things but what they really mean is that they will create "opportunities" by reducing taxes for businesses and reducing those bad regulations that businesses always complain about. They're not actually going to do anything for anyone who isn't well to do or beyond. So if they American people, like Texans, fall for this nonsense well then I guess we deserve what we will get.
11
Be careful what we wish for.
The Republican Party, along with the SCOTUS just might determine that entities making less than $1,000,000/year are no longer people.
They've already determined that money is speech and corporations are people. No reason why they can't determine that low wage entities aren't people.
Income inequality solved!
The Republican Party, along with the SCOTUS just might determine that entities making less than $1,000,000/year are no longer people.
They've already determined that money is speech and corporations are people. No reason why they can't determine that low wage entities aren't people.
Income inequality solved!
8
' "Mr. Obama is not just pursuing “the wrong policies,” Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio said Wednesday. “They’re the wrong priorities" '
What are? Benghazi? A pipeline? Struggling parents of families who work multiple jobs to make ends meet worry more about those?
What are? Benghazi? A pipeline? Struggling parents of families who work multiple jobs to make ends meet worry more about those?
7
Spier arguments are simplistic and specious. Republicans seem to ignore the difference between good debt / investments and bad ones. They stand behind the "virtue" of a balanced budget to keep the system rigged for the benefit of rich white guys. Borrowing to rebuild our bridges and roads, for example, would do more for the next generation than a balanced budget, per se. They have no problem gutting the coffers to spend trillions on ill-conceived wars while cutting the budget to veterans and saddling our next generation with trillions of dollars of student loans. Argue with passion to show they care? What a joke. They would need more than Oscar-like performances to pull it off.
6
How do reactionaries come up with new ideas? Especially when they're not very smart or creative to begin with. They are not known for "ideas" for very clear reasons. Who would one say is a thinker among them? Why do their "think tanks" provide no intellectual leadership, and like the Heritage Foundation turn to practical politics? This is not even going to be very interesting to watch—it will be more of the same, with this year's camouflage packaging.
3
Whatever happened to those referenda that voters passed in so many states to raise minimum wages in their states? Too bad the fool voters didn't realize that as soon as they elected Republican governors, they'd be thrown under the bus, along with their referenda. A minimum wage increase passed in Illinois, but Rauner doesn't seem inclined to consider it.
3
Remove the cap on FICA contributions.
End the Carried Interest Loophole
Reinstate Usury Laws-no payday lenders with 400% interest
Stop killing Unions.
End the Carried Interest Loophole
Reinstate Usury Laws-no payday lenders with 400% interest
Stop killing Unions.
4
"...Sean Spicer, communications director for the Republican National Committee, said Republicans needed to do a better job of explaining their policies in an emotional way that shows voters they care..."
No....the GOP needs to pass revisions in the Tax Code that actually help the middle class.
It's not about 'message' or 'optics'.....it's about finally compromising and moving forward, even if if offends their Teaparty base.
No....the GOP needs to pass revisions in the Tax Code that actually help the middle class.
It's not about 'message' or 'optics'.....it's about finally compromising and moving forward, even if if offends their Teaparty base.
9
I guess we will be hearing a lot more from the republicans about the (ephemeral) benefits of trickle down economics.
3
Some of the things the Republicans are saying sound great, but I think that somehow the things they actually end up supporting will lead to lower taxes on the rich, and public benefits for their campaign contributors.
3
Mitt Romney, who made himself rich while making others poor, now claims to care about poverty? I guess from a guy who ran against his own health care policy 2 years ago we should not expect words that match his actual beliefs.
6
Yes, the president framed the debate looking ahead. Since the republicans will do nothing while in Congress but make the same inaccurate defenses of their system, then this will be the mantra for 2016. Remember, the original premise was to have a one-tern presidency; even though that failed, the animosity is still strong. The republicans will not give one inch to the president. Their replies are rehashes of 2012. What can they say; they are stuck behind their own platform(s), either right-wing or tea-party.
1
For anyone unfamiliar with the meaning of the phrase "empty rhetoric" simply listen to the Republicans for a full understanding.
3
We need a plan to correct income disparity.
Then we will need another plan to correct income disparity because rich people know how to make money.
Who was that guy that kept rolling that rock up the hill only to have it roll back down?
Then we will need another plan to correct income disparity because rich people know how to make money.
Who was that guy that kept rolling that rock up the hill only to have it roll back down?
We did it in 1946 - 1973 with very high tax rates on the Rich, strong unions, strong regulation of speculation and deficit spending.
Why not try what worked before?
Why not try what worked before?
2
In their vast dyslexification of all of reality, the Republicans decreed that supply creates demand. In the real world, demand creates supply. Everything new is hard to sell at first, because there is no prior demand for what people have never seen.
"Republicans are focused on income equality"
You bet your life they are.
You bet your life they are.
4
"It's a striking moment when even Mitt Romney is talking about income equality," Mr. de Blasio said, "and there is some irony in that."
There is no irony whatsoever. Romney just shook the Etch-a-Sketch again. It would be irony if he believed a word he was saying. The middle class is dying and the trickle down economics have done nothing but enrich the already rich and the middle class knows why. They won't buy the trickle down economy trope peddled by the rich anymore.
History will reveal that trickle down never did work. The wealth of the middle class came from all the other drivers in the economy. There never was an enlightened self interest. It was and will be ever more just plain and simple greed.
Will the Party of No! now step forward and actually do something, like show they have interest in governing the country? I doubt it. The early musings of hopeful candidates show they will appropriate those parts of Obama's State of the Union address that speak to the issues most Americans care about and hope no one remembers who actually said it.
Can't help thinking that the President has been sorely misjudged by almost everyone, most disappointingly by his own former supporters. Turns out they don't trust someone who actually puts his head down and quietly goes to work but doesn't communicate that well enough to keep the insecure and fickle on board. History will tell. It's already telling. Oh ye of little faith!
There is no irony whatsoever. Romney just shook the Etch-a-Sketch again. It would be irony if he believed a word he was saying. The middle class is dying and the trickle down economics have done nothing but enrich the already rich and the middle class knows why. They won't buy the trickle down economy trope peddled by the rich anymore.
History will reveal that trickle down never did work. The wealth of the middle class came from all the other drivers in the economy. There never was an enlightened self interest. It was and will be ever more just plain and simple greed.
Will the Party of No! now step forward and actually do something, like show they have interest in governing the country? I doubt it. The early musings of hopeful candidates show they will appropriate those parts of Obama's State of the Union address that speak to the issues most Americans care about and hope no one remembers who actually said it.
Can't help thinking that the President has been sorely misjudged by almost everyone, most disappointingly by his own former supporters. Turns out they don't trust someone who actually puts his head down and quietly goes to work but doesn't communicate that well enough to keep the insecure and fickle on board. History will tell. It's already telling. Oh ye of little faith!
112
They have nothing more than trickle down. Without it, they would lose their core constituency - the rich. So it has been, so it shall be,
Well said. I'm glad President Obama is young and healthy, as he will, in the future, be more appreciated than he is now for the very reasons you mention. (The same is true, conversely, for W, who is already amongst the worst five presidents on several scholarly polls. Given enough time, he'll occupy the very bottom slot. Permanently.)
2
"They won't buy the trickle down economy trope peddled by the rich anymore."
Well they certainly bought it in November, 2014. What do you think will change their minds?
Well they certainly bought it in November, 2014. What do you think will change their minds?
Simply stated, Americans do not want what Obama is selling. If they did, they would have sent more Democrats to elected office this past November. Americans know that his ideas and policies are not working--even with a cheerleading MSM dong their best to convince them otherwise.
They sent Republicans to all levels of govt across the country to send the message they absolutely reject his rhetoric, ideas, policies and most importantly, his results. The election outcome could not be more clear.
The GOP is now on the hook to deliver the legislation they promised on the campaign trail. Then, in 2016, people can decide if they want Hillary to continue what Obama has been implementing the past eight years, or if they want the GOP to govern.
They sent Republicans to all levels of govt across the country to send the message they absolutely reject his rhetoric, ideas, policies and most importantly, his results. The election outcome could not be more clear.
The GOP is now on the hook to deliver the legislation they promised on the campaign trail. Then, in 2016, people can decide if they want Hillary to continue what Obama has been implementing the past eight years, or if they want the GOP to govern.
Simply stated, Americans really aren't that smart, and didn't pay attention beyond headlines. Please don't insult progressives by insinuating we get our news from 'MSM' as you say. Whatever that is. Progressives get their news by digging deep; this is how we know what is actually going on.
Please tell me one Bill the Republicans have proposed that would actually help the middle class?
Over the past six years the Democrats have put up Bill after Bill intended to help the middle class and the Republicans fought them every step of the way. But alas, I don't thing the people who 'elected the Democrats out of office this past November' have a clue what is going on.
Please tell me one Bill the Republicans have proposed that would actually help the middle class?
Over the past six years the Democrats have put up Bill after Bill intended to help the middle class and the Republicans fought them every step of the way. But alas, I don't thing the people who 'elected the Democrats out of office this past November' have a clue what is going on.
1
How can you possibly know what the rest of Americans who did not vote for Republicans want? I, for one, do not want the legislation that the Republicans "promised" on the campaign trail, so don't generalize. The Republicans answer only to the rich and to corporations. People don't count anymore. As far as I can tell, for Republicans, it's still all about the black man in the white house. But, to their credit. they are experts at propaganda and rewriting history.
1
Simply put, the republican redistricting success at the state level, their rich corporate friends unlimited funding of their campaigns, and their stop the vote efforts are a successful strategy for them to achieve their transparent goals of keeping their power by representing the interest of the 1%.
Hey the rich are the easy partners. Representing us taxpaying serfs would require morality, values, and vision they arent just incapable of, but mock others for having in their character. Their paid service with no honor is bested by their willfully ignorance to justify the lip service lies.
Its a great job for these anti-american con men who have sold the country down the river for short term gain.
Hey the rich are the easy partners. Representing us taxpaying serfs would require morality, values, and vision they arent just incapable of, but mock others for having in their character. Their paid service with no honor is bested by their willfully ignorance to justify the lip service lies.
Its a great job for these anti-american con men who have sold the country down the river for short term gain.
When Republicans talk about Democrats giving away "free stuff" to the middle class and the poor, that's the time when it needs to be pointed out that the government last year spent about $100 billion on corporate welfare (i.e. corporate subsidies - and this does not include targeted tax breaks for corporations) and just $59 billion on social welfare programs like food stamps, etc. I don't believe the Republicans, who are responsible for the bulk of corporate welfare subsidies are on high ground when they are discussed. Just suggest removing those subsidies and see who squawks loudest.
9
Welcome to reality, Republicans. But will there be any soul searching about what policies might have lead a country with a vibrant middle class down this path of economic destruction? Fairy tales of trickle down? Union busting? Using wedge issues to get a buy in from your victims?
Fixing the serious problems the Republicans now find it expedient to address will not require a lot of tax code gymnastics. Raise the minimum wage to at least $15.00/hour and remove the wage cap for Social Security taxes and a significant improvement will be made for many millions of Americans.
Fixing the serious problems the Republicans now find it expedient to address will not require a lot of tax code gymnastics. Raise the minimum wage to at least $15.00/hour and remove the wage cap for Social Security taxes and a significant improvement will be made for many millions of Americans.
3
So... Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney are now Elizabeth Warren FanBoys? Maybe I'm amazed.
3
I'm all for a move to REALLY reform the tax code and repair the nation's infrastructure. Do I think the Republicans will do anything that makes sense now that their party has excised its own middle? Very doubtful.
5
We have gotten ourselves into such a pickle with the gerrymandering of electoral districts and Citizen's United that term limits are beginning to look better and better. They might be the only way to get our elected officials focused on the work of the people and off of the relentless pursuit of money for their next election.
9
Spicer continues: It's balancing a budget because right now we're heaping debt and burden onto the next generation."
He's currently encouraging debt and burden on those who are suffering from poverty.
What a piece of work.
He's currently encouraging debt and burden on those who are suffering from poverty.
What a piece of work.
2
The conservatives will just offer us another version of voodoo trickle down economics, this is all they know. Give the wealthy and corporates huge tax breaks and voila, wealth creation for everyone. It's just amazing how poor white folks continue to support republicans, you have been hoodwinked via social issues and a little racism. It's never been about sound fiscal conservatism, not in my lifetime.
6
Ok Boehner, you say you have "solutions," show your cards!
8
The gop has realized ( as well as they are willing ) their base of money sources is dwindling. That, folks, is what it is all about. Acquire enough money to run a phantom message campaign, probably put it over on slow witted voters and pocket the remnants. Do their big pocket benefactors realize they are financing their proteges retirements?
Now, the money doesn't simply show up in their pockets, but it does remain in their campaign slush funds. When they leave office there is a bonus waiting for them. AND, they usually leave office, rarely having to defend their unkept promise to an easily led by the nose (big trunk) populous.
So, do the dems work this way? Sure! Problem for them is their message isn't as phantom; we need to pay if we want to maintain. Maintain our education, our health, our roads, our security, our culture. Apparently the big gop donors and all too many followers of that philosophy care less about their heritage to follow; it's look how much fun I'M having right now!
For shame!!!!
Now, the money doesn't simply show up in their pockets, but it does remain in their campaign slush funds. When they leave office there is a bonus waiting for them. AND, they usually leave office, rarely having to defend their unkept promise to an easily led by the nose (big trunk) populous.
So, do the dems work this way? Sure! Problem for them is their message isn't as phantom; we need to pay if we want to maintain. Maintain our education, our health, our roads, our security, our culture. Apparently the big gop donors and all too many followers of that philosophy care less about their heritage to follow; it's look how much fun I'M having right now!
For shame!!!!
2
Spicer's comments are those that accurately speak the Republican line. "Republicans need to do a better job of explaining their policies in an emotional way that shows voters they care about them."
All the talking in the world is not going to influence the less fortunate in American. Their pocketbooks actually need to see improvements.
"we want people to make better decisions for themselves and now how to use their money. I guess the Republicans are now blaming the less fortunate (the victims) for making poor choices in how they spend their money. Their money that they really have no choices in how they spend it. Food, medicine, inadequate shelter. Oh, I forgot, they can choose to use plastic bags as shoe protection. If we were living back in the day when Iowans wore plastic bags to protect their shoes, we would be living in a era when income in equality was a whole lot less than it is today.
All the talking in the world is not going to influence the less fortunate in American. Their pocketbooks actually need to see improvements.
"we want people to make better decisions for themselves and now how to use their money. I guess the Republicans are now blaming the less fortunate (the victims) for making poor choices in how they spend their money. Their money that they really have no choices in how they spend it. Food, medicine, inadequate shelter. Oh, I forgot, they can choose to use plastic bags as shoe protection. If we were living back in the day when Iowans wore plastic bags to protect their shoes, we would be living in a era when income in equality was a whole lot less than it is today.
During the State of the Union speech, Republicans looked like a group of Scrooge McDucks, even on the positive notes. I think the try living on $11000 comment must have at least made them squirm a little. It made me angry to watch them frowning and fiddling with their phones. Those grown people acting like brats. Suddenly they are all about fairness?
5
So suddenly the republicans care about the middle class! Obama put them on the spot by setting them up for 2016 as uncaring of the middle class.. Anyone that believes they have changed their ideals must believe leopards can change their spots.
3
Can we really blame the republicans for their ongoing deceit. Their base of white "middle class" voters are fed the narcotic of religion and deluded into believing a better life awaits them if they give any wealth they may have to the elite few.
This *better life" surely won't be on earth, but it will make for good conversation with the other religious fanatics they will hypothetically meet who take a similar narcotic but think they'll meet 30 ( or is it more?) virgins for all their trouble.
Hate to repeat a cliche but, The people get the government they deserve.
This *better life" surely won't be on earth, but it will make for good conversation with the other religious fanatics they will hypothetically meet who take a similar narcotic but think they'll meet 30 ( or is it more?) virgins for all their trouble.
Hate to repeat a cliche but, The people get the government they deserve.
5
The GOP has no interest in helping the working class.
The shill of a party is only interested in the top few.
The shill of a party is only interested in the top few.
6
As a Texas conservative, I have to admit that the wage gap is a concern for me as well, and the Republican party's refusal to consider anything that looks like liberty and justice for all when crafting economic legislation has caused me to stop being an active supporter over the past several years. I don't agree with the president on his proposal for every initiative, but there are several ideas that I'd like to see Republicans embrace if they want me to consider them as serious candidates for office. One in particular, they need to stop talking about the free economy setting wages when they know they are importing illegals that will artificially suppress wages. You can't have it both ways. If you want to be a strict capitalist, admit that there really is no job Americans "won't do" for the right price. We just won't do them for slave wages. If anyone is serious about capitalism, why haven't they been telling these companies clamorirng for guest workers to try offering more money and benefits to American workers to attract them into these undesirable jobs? That's how the market should set prices. So you can't stack the deck against workers on the lower end and then claim free market principles will take care of the higher end. Corporations have made it clear that they will not do the right thing, and that they will keep the cost of salaries as low as possible because they do not value the American worker. A minimum wage of $10-12/hr is certainly feasible.
11
I see sort of the same thing higher up on the wage scale, with software companies using H-1 visas to allow foreigners here on the cheap while Americans go begging for jobs.
Had to laugh at Paul Ryan yesterday. He said he agreed with some of what President Obama said in the State of the Union. (That would be the highest compliment he has ever paid the president for sure.) But then, in regards to getting anything negotiated by Republicans he said Obama should be careful of bringing up issues that he knows Republicans would never agree to.
Oh, really, Paul? Just work on issues you all agree to, never mind the American people...Your "common ground" consists of what you want...that would be common, right? Not what the needs of the American people are.
You bet the president can frame the 2016 election. The Republicans can continue to ignore minimum wage, ignore that people need health care benefits, ignore that child care and education aren't important to families here in the United States. Ok. Don't vote to make things better for the American people who need even more than $7.25 an hour to live on.....
We wouldn't want to upset your Republican Congress idea of common ground for now, but we wouldn't mind maybe upsetting you in 2016 if you Republicans are not willing to meet "our common ground". Stop threatening us. The president isn't going to take it anymore, and we aren't either.
Signed, the American people.
Oh, really, Paul? Just work on issues you all agree to, never mind the American people...Your "common ground" consists of what you want...that would be common, right? Not what the needs of the American people are.
You bet the president can frame the 2016 election. The Republicans can continue to ignore minimum wage, ignore that people need health care benefits, ignore that child care and education aren't important to families here in the United States. Ok. Don't vote to make things better for the American people who need even more than $7.25 an hour to live on.....
We wouldn't want to upset your Republican Congress idea of common ground for now, but we wouldn't mind maybe upsetting you in 2016 if you Republicans are not willing to meet "our common ground". Stop threatening us. The president isn't going to take it anymore, and we aren't either.
Signed, the American people.
8
The Republicans say things like, "It’s balancing a budget because right now we’re heaping debt and burden onto the next generation, and that’s not fair to them.”
What has happened EVERY TIME when we balanced the budget for a period?
The federal government has balanced the budget, eliminated deficits for more than three years in just six periods since 1776, bringing in enough revenue to cover all of its spending during 1817-21, 1823-36, 1852-57, 1867-73, 1880-93, and 1920-30. A depression began in 1819, 1837, 1857, 1873, 1893 and 1929.
The Republicans want to go for a 7th depression.
What about the enormous war debt the greatest generation left to the following generation? As a percentage of the economy that debt was almost 40% LARGER than the debt today. What about that terrible burden?
Well, from 1946 to 1973, the GDP averaged a 3.8% growth and real median household income surged 74%. How did we do that? Did we pay down the debt?
NO! During that 27 year period the debt grew 75%. We invested in America. We grew the economy so that debt became insignificant.
On the other hand, we also had a big war debt after WWI. Then we balanced the budget for 10 years and reduced the debt by 38%, In October of 1929, it was only 16% of the GDP. AND THEN WHAT HAPPENED?
People who cannot tell the difference between the finances of a huge country that lives a long time, that can print as much money as it needs, whose debt is in its own currency and their own finances should shut up!
What has happened EVERY TIME when we balanced the budget for a period?
The federal government has balanced the budget, eliminated deficits for more than three years in just six periods since 1776, bringing in enough revenue to cover all of its spending during 1817-21, 1823-36, 1852-57, 1867-73, 1880-93, and 1920-30. A depression began in 1819, 1837, 1857, 1873, 1893 and 1929.
The Republicans want to go for a 7th depression.
What about the enormous war debt the greatest generation left to the following generation? As a percentage of the economy that debt was almost 40% LARGER than the debt today. What about that terrible burden?
Well, from 1946 to 1973, the GDP averaged a 3.8% growth and real median household income surged 74%. How did we do that? Did we pay down the debt?
NO! During that 27 year period the debt grew 75%. We invested in America. We grew the economy so that debt became insignificant.
On the other hand, we also had a big war debt after WWI. Then we balanced the budget for 10 years and reduced the debt by 38%, In October of 1929, it was only 16% of the GDP. AND THEN WHAT HAPPENED?
People who cannot tell the difference between the finances of a huge country that lives a long time, that can print as much money as it needs, whose debt is in its own currency and their own finances should shut up!
8
Thank you Pres Obama for bringing stagnant wages, CEO stinginess, and general greed by bankers, business owners, and Wall St to the spotlight with the Republicans.
The hypocrisy of Romney talking about "ending poverty" after his famous 47% speech to millionaires and billionaires is really galling !!!!
The hypocrisy of Romney talking about "ending poverty" after his famous 47% speech to millionaires and billionaires is really galling !!!!
7
tremendously cynical. Republicans (and I am afraid many on the other side) seem to think they can get away with this kind of language because people will only remember the sound bite and not the content that comes behind it.
the republican response to the state of the union was the same. "This new congress" was repeated many times, but what followed was the same agenda - weaken regulation on wall street, Keystone pipeline, repeal Obamacare, anti-choice.
the republican response to the state of the union was the same. "This new congress" was repeated many times, but what followed was the same agenda - weaken regulation on wall street, Keystone pipeline, repeal Obamacare, anti-choice.
3
"Middle Class?"
The top 1% own 50% of the wealth in the WORLD! The other 99% of us scrabble about for the 50% that the 1% wants next!
There's a "Middle?"
And the party that stood foursquare behind the "Job Creators" now have the temerity to blame the left for "Income Inequality?" If you created the job, didn't you also create the pay policy? How did it become my fault?
Talk about your "You didn't build that" moment!
The top 1% own 50% of the wealth in the WORLD! The other 99% of us scrabble about for the 50% that the 1% wants next!
There's a "Middle?"
And the party that stood foursquare behind the "Job Creators" now have the temerity to blame the left for "Income Inequality?" If you created the job, didn't you also create the pay policy? How did it become my fault?
Talk about your "You didn't build that" moment!
10
If there is one thing that will turn the Middle Class away from Obama it will be the changes to the Inheritance tax. Many of the Middle Class work and deprive themselves with the idea of leaving something to their children. To tax the inheritance of a house for the gain from the date of the original purchase to the value of it when inherited will reduce that inheritance to a liability with them having to borrow to pay the taxes on it. Hundreds of farms and small businesses will disappear because of this change.
The changes do not impact the middle class. Obama's proposed change to the inheritance tax does not kick in until an estate is worth $5.43 million if you are single and $11 million for a couple. It does not apply between spouses - so if one spouse dies, it does not impact the inheritance of the other spouse. Even when an estate is more than the caps above, there is still an exemption of $500,000 for homes. Family businesses have additional exemptions including that any tax finally owed would not need to be paid until and unless the family business is sold.
7
On the contrary, the benefit of that loophole flows almost entirely to the 1%.
2
You're right. It will drive them away. Because they don't understand the math.
A single person must have an estate worth more than $5Million before they even approach the estate tax. With the most basic of estate plans, that means $10MM for a couple. The VAST majority of people will not make this first cut.
Many small business people will tell you their company is worth more than $10MM. Most buyers of those businesses will tell you they are worth less than $5MM. It's human nature.
But fine, what number do you want to put on it? $100MM? How about $1B with a 95% tax on everything above?
The Estate tax is confiscatory tax designed to prevent the Oligarchy that has emerged in this country (Adelson, Koch, Rockefeller, Morgan, Ford, Mellon, etc etc etc) that are able to act in the manner of the MIC to exert outsized influence on the politics of the nation.
It is the rare house indeed that has appreciated in value over a lifetime from "affordable" to an "Estate." Laws shouldn't be written for the exception, but rather for the rule.
A single person must have an estate worth more than $5Million before they even approach the estate tax. With the most basic of estate plans, that means $10MM for a couple. The VAST majority of people will not make this first cut.
Many small business people will tell you their company is worth more than $10MM. Most buyers of those businesses will tell you they are worth less than $5MM. It's human nature.
But fine, what number do you want to put on it? $100MM? How about $1B with a 95% tax on everything above?
The Estate tax is confiscatory tax designed to prevent the Oligarchy that has emerged in this country (Adelson, Koch, Rockefeller, Morgan, Ford, Mellon, etc etc etc) that are able to act in the manner of the MIC to exert outsized influence on the politics of the nation.
It is the rare house indeed that has appreciated in value over a lifetime from "affordable" to an "Estate." Laws shouldn't be written for the exception, but rather for the rule.
3
The heart of the problem facing the GOP is that the "wealth gap" and "wage stagnation" are both direct products of the ongoing experimentation with--and failure of--the economic policies known as "Reaganomics."
Seriously addressing the issue--as opposed to mumbling the same old conservative boilerplate about growing bureaucracy--would involve abandoning Reaganomics--given the GOP's insistence that Reaganomics has never failed because it magically has never "really" been implemented (press a Republican to explain how that could be and you get a diatribe about rascals in the bureaucracy)--abandoning it would cause their entire economic thought structure to collapse.
It's safe to assume that on this front, the GOP position will be that lip service and flogging will continue until morale improves.
Seriously addressing the issue--as opposed to mumbling the same old conservative boilerplate about growing bureaucracy--would involve abandoning Reaganomics--given the GOP's insistence that Reaganomics has never failed because it magically has never "really" been implemented (press a Republican to explain how that could be and you get a diatribe about rascals in the bureaucracy)--abandoning it would cause their entire economic thought structure to collapse.
It's safe to assume that on this front, the GOP position will be that lip service and flogging will continue until morale improves.
6
Before we go any further the term "Middle Class" needs to be defined in monetary terms that relate to the IRS tax tables. People need to know what "Middle Class" is. For example, we define the "Rich" as the top 1% of a taxpayers reported income all of those who have annual earnings of about $450,000 or more are "Rich".
What is the minimum annual income one must have in order to enter the "Middle Class" and what is the maximum income one must not exceed to remain in the "Middle Class"? Is that not a "fair" question?
What is the minimum annual income one must have in order to enter the "Middle Class" and what is the maximum income one must not exceed to remain in the "Middle Class"? Is that not a "fair" question?
2
The Boehner "solution": "to fix our broken tax code, balance the budget, fix the broken health care law with low cost solutions..."
Except that Republicans are the party that has so larded the tax code with corporate subsidies that corporations pay a whopping 5% of the tax load, compared to 25% a t the beginning of the Reagan disaster. Except that Republicans have exploded, no reduced, deficits, under every Republican since Reagan. Obama and Clinton reduced or eliminated deficits. Except that Republicans have opposed every attempt to control health costs for forty years.
The real Republican "solution" from Boehner appears to be to dupe the public with more lying.
Except that Republicans are the party that has so larded the tax code with corporate subsidies that corporations pay a whopping 5% of the tax load, compared to 25% a t the beginning of the Reagan disaster. Except that Republicans have exploded, no reduced, deficits, under every Republican since Reagan. Obama and Clinton reduced or eliminated deficits. Except that Republicans have opposed every attempt to control health costs for forty years.
The real Republican "solution" from Boehner appears to be to dupe the public with more lying.
14
While more progressive taxation would be the best thing for the nation, the Democrats need to make an issue of corporate compensation packages. And the issue there is not redistribution; it is corporate ethics. Democrats need to target the ethic that corporate executive should extract whatever compensation they can get from companies; they need to be refocused on their fiduciary responsibilities toward the corporation and that includes a concern for the people who work in the corporation, that is the workers. Extra high executive compensation is symptomatic of the fact that high executives solely think of their own interests when their thoughts should revolve around the welfare of all workers in the firm, not only profit maximization.
6
Not to mention the fact that they are basically stealing from the stockolders...
1
Oh dear, another election is coming up so the GOP is starting yet another snow job.
4
"Mitt Romney, vowing a campaign to 'end the scourge of poverty' if he runs for president a third time".
Why do I get the feeling that Romney's idea of "the scourge of poverty" will only apply to those people and corporations (okay, so they're both "people" in Mitt's world) making above $500,000 who have to pay higher taxes than other people in other countries?
Why do I get the feeling that Romney's idea of "the scourge of poverty" will only apply to those people and corporations (okay, so they're both "people" in Mitt's world) making above $500,000 who have to pay higher taxes than other people in other countries?
8
The trickle down snake oil flask is empty. But Republicans are still waving it in the air, wondering why fewer and fewer customers are willing to buy it. Ironically, the only one of them that seems to get it, is the newly minted insurgent Mitt Romney. Although with him, the operative word is probably "seems".
5
"After the president’s combative State of the Union address on Tuesday", It is disappointing to see such a distorted line in the NYTimes. Obama is not the one being combative, but rather the republican's, who have fought this president every step of the way for 6 years now. It amazes me how discombobulated the perception of this president is.
9
Considering the near total collapse of support for the Democrat party amongst white working and middle class Americans, this new found concern for the middle class is a clear shift in strategy.
4
First, the middle class is not just made up of white people. Second, white women tend to support Democrats, while white married men - the single largest demographic that turned out to vote in November - overwhelmingly support Republicans. Finally, the Democrats have always supported the middle class - the shift has come in the votes of white, married men who have become more and more conservative in their voting habits over the last decade.
Let's see what grade the people give the Republicans in two years.
In order to create jobs to make his administration look good Obama pushed the federal reserve to keep interest rates too low.
This fueled the stock market and caused a lot of the income gap discussed in the news today.
Instead of spending time mentoring in the big cities ,where millions of young men are wasting there lives away, Obama is -was always more concerned with getting re-elected to push his agenda which apparently dose not work for poor and middle class folks.
It is a shame because it was-is a Presidency.
This fueled the stock market and caused a lot of the income gap discussed in the news today.
Instead of spending time mentoring in the big cities ,where millions of young men are wasting there lives away, Obama is -was always more concerned with getting re-elected to push his agenda which apparently dose not work for poor and middle class folks.
It is a shame because it was-is a Presidency.
1
Right! the only reason to create jobs is to make the administration look good. How cynical can you get?
1
Free stuff? Maybe if the Republicans looked at corporate welfare, I would listen, b ut it won't happen. It is okay to give stuff to GE, but not some poor woman with two young children to feed. Right, the GOP has answers.
15
It is too bad Mr. Obama waited for six years before challenging the rotten-to-the-core Republican ideology. If he had adopted this robust and spirited attitude on day 1, we would have had a much better ACA, would not have had the sequester and the government shutdown, and far fewer Republicans would be insulting our intelligence with brazen proposals to steal from us still further.
What a tragedy!
What a tragedy!
3
If you recall the Dems did have the votes for a stronger ACA. There were too many blue dog Democrats in Congress at the time, who never would have voted for it.
2
correction to my post: the didn't have the votes!
From Reagan's "trickle down economic" to George W. Bush's massive and repeated tax cuts for the wealthy, income inequality has been exacerbated and accelerated by the Republicans. And now they are cynically going to blame it on "the last eight years"? As Clinton used to say, "What part of peace and prosperity don't you like?" The costly, misguided wars have been dialed back, the free fall into the next Great Depression stopped -- so now the only thing the Republicans can pin on Obama is income inequality?
8
“Republicans shouldn’t be afraid to say whatever gains are out there, they’re going to the top 10 percent,” Mr. Pethokoukis said.
Only a few Republicans have flirted with the kind of populism Democrats have embraced.
I object! The truth is not populism, it's the truth. It's a fact that almost all wealth created goes to a diminishing few. To say so is not to appeal to the rabble rousing masses, its simply the truth. Now if you want to talk about populism, that's all that Fox news is. The republican party has done nothing but appeal to the lowest common demoninator.
Stop tarring facts and evidence with false monikers like populism. It will make it easier for republicans and others to do the right thing.
Only a few Republicans have flirted with the kind of populism Democrats have embraced.
I object! The truth is not populism, it's the truth. It's a fact that almost all wealth created goes to a diminishing few. To say so is not to appeal to the rabble rousing masses, its simply the truth. Now if you want to talk about populism, that's all that Fox news is. The republican party has done nothing but appeal to the lowest common demoninator.
Stop tarring facts and evidence with false monikers like populism. It will make it easier for republicans and others to do the right thing.
4
president Obama where have you been and what have you done in the last six years of your presidency about income inequality? Under your leadership the problem seems to have gotten worse. Why? Seems like you talk the talk but what about walking the walk. You have been president for six years and the things you seem to care about most seem to me to have gotten worse. Black unemployment and bad public schools have not improved one bit after your tenure just to name a few. Who may I ask has been leading the country for the last six years?
The President isn't an emperor. If he were, we'd be in much better shape now. But he's not, and he's had to contend with an obstructionist Congress, especially the Senate. They have used the filibuster a record number of times to completely block anything he proposes. So blaming the President--it's disingenuous, and shifts blame from the real culprits--the republican party.
2
Egads, really? Every single law the Democrats tried to pass that was intended to help the middle class was shut down by Republicans!
They blocked the bill to end tax breaks for outsourcing (which Dems brought up in an attempt to bring middle class jobs back to the U.S.).
They blocked the Infrastructure bill.
They blocked the equal pay for women bill.
They blocked the minimum wage increase bill.
They blocked the Teachers and First Responders 'back to work' act.
They blocked student loan reform.
They blocked the repeal of Big Oil tax subsidies
And yet, here you are, claiming it was Obama's fault?!?!?!?!?!?!
They blocked the bill to end tax breaks for outsourcing (which Dems brought up in an attempt to bring middle class jobs back to the U.S.).
They blocked the Infrastructure bill.
They blocked the equal pay for women bill.
They blocked the minimum wage increase bill.
They blocked the Teachers and First Responders 'back to work' act.
They blocked student loan reform.
They blocked the repeal of Big Oil tax subsidies
And yet, here you are, claiming it was Obama's fault?!?!?!?!?!?!
7
Obamas the president . He leads . No excuses if he fails to get anything done it is his fault . In 2009 the democrats had both houses and the presidency. What dis they do? They passed a health care law that has done zero to reduce the cost of health care and insurance
A funny think happened along the way to the Presidential elections in 2016, lame duck President Obama suddenly is talking about the middle class? They still exist after the President engineered the largest redistribution of middle class wealth to on the dole to his core base voters of urban welfare recipients that elected him? There is not a single middle class person out there anymore, that class of economic folks has been long decimated by the President. SO now he wishes to resurrect them with empty suit promises to set up the next party candidate for President? Take heed former "middle classers" you know how to vote next time, just get off the lawn chairs and do so!
Indeed, know how you vote next time. Elect a Democrat Congress so we can actually pass laws that benefit the middle class.
This administration TRIED to walk the walk, but each and every Bill aimed at helping the middle class was blocked by Republicans:
They blocked the bill to end tax breaks for outsourcing (which Dems brought up in an attempt to bring middle class jobs back to the U.S.).
They blocked the Infrastructure bill.
They blocked the equal pay for women bill.
They blocked the minimum wage increase bill.
They blocked the Teachers and First Responders 'back to work' act.
They blocked student loan reform.
They blocked the repeal of Big Oil tax subsidies
Try to keep up, Native New Yorker.
This administration TRIED to walk the walk, but each and every Bill aimed at helping the middle class was blocked by Republicans:
They blocked the bill to end tax breaks for outsourcing (which Dems brought up in an attempt to bring middle class jobs back to the U.S.).
They blocked the Infrastructure bill.
They blocked the equal pay for women bill.
They blocked the minimum wage increase bill.
They blocked the Teachers and First Responders 'back to work' act.
They blocked student loan reform.
They blocked the repeal of Big Oil tax subsidies
Try to keep up, Native New Yorker.
3
Hearing Republicans suddenly recognize that there is a growing income disparity in America, one that they have denied or ignored for the past generation, is to me, like hearing a child in revelation over the truth of the tooth fairy. They seem stunned and amazed that their free market, non-regulated economy would do such a thing! Income gap? Gosh, how could that be?
It is absurd for them to claim at this late date that they did not understand that the tax, regulatory, and budget priorities that they fought for and defended over the past 40 years, helped to create this ever increasing gap. They again depend upon the stupidity and short memory of voters to sell this new income gap anguish that they have begun to peddle.
Bushwah! Buyer beware!
It is absurd for them to claim at this late date that they did not understand that the tax, regulatory, and budget priorities that they fought for and defended over the past 40 years, helped to create this ever increasing gap. They again depend upon the stupidity and short memory of voters to sell this new income gap anguish that they have begun to peddle.
Bushwah! Buyer beware!
11
The GOP taking up the cause of income inequality is comparable to Captain Kidd demanding that the seas be cleared of pirates.
11
I thought the Republican's plan for closing the wealth gap was that the poor were lazy and should be working three jobs instead of two. If they weren't so lazy, they would work 24 hours a day!
45
Growth for Republicans is greed. Their sole political purpose is to swell balance sheets and inflate the capital of companies and individuals who enjoy high privilege.
Its target of scorn, entitlement, is misnamed; these are paid-in benefits or assistance granted to stabilize families and local economies, contributing to the national economy by dampening the shocks, disruptions, and churn caused by the "invisible hands" that hide and conceal their power.
No political economy with the gap in wealth and income as America has reformed by allowing the wealthiest and most powerful to set the terms for growth and the mirage of prosperity their wealth falsely promises to others. Not feudal lords, not the merchants and politicians of France; not the enslaved from African on America's plantations, not the colonial territories of Europe, not the minority regions of Russia and China or the indigenous populations of South America have achieved economic gains by turning to the very system and its keepers who created their oppression and established their inequality--never have leaders capitulated to economic demands without being overthrown.
The GOP vision of political economy is larger corporate balance sheets, bigger fortresses of wealth, and smaller income pots for family success.
Its target of scorn, entitlement, is misnamed; these are paid-in benefits or assistance granted to stabilize families and local economies, contributing to the national economy by dampening the shocks, disruptions, and churn caused by the "invisible hands" that hide and conceal their power.
No political economy with the gap in wealth and income as America has reformed by allowing the wealthiest and most powerful to set the terms for growth and the mirage of prosperity their wealth falsely promises to others. Not feudal lords, not the merchants and politicians of France; not the enslaved from African on America's plantations, not the colonial territories of Europe, not the minority regions of Russia and China or the indigenous populations of South America have achieved economic gains by turning to the very system and its keepers who created their oppression and established their inequality--never have leaders capitulated to economic demands without being overthrown.
The GOP vision of political economy is larger corporate balance sheets, bigger fortresses of wealth, and smaller income pots for family success.
32
The Republicans know, cynically, that most of the American electorate only pays attention to headlines and not details.
"The world's top 1% controls 50% of the wealth." The electorate hears that headline and thinks, "Yeah, I have been getting the short end of the stick." Ironically, when the Dems talk about inequality, it reinforces that message.
However, when push comes to shove and the laws are written by the fat cats, the lobbyists and the rest of the right-wing corporatist cabal, the details will once again smother the middle class with its own pillow.
"The world's top 1% controls 50% of the wealth." The electorate hears that headline and thinks, "Yeah, I have been getting the short end of the stick." Ironically, when the Dems talk about inequality, it reinforces that message.
However, when push comes to shove and the laws are written by the fat cats, the lobbyists and the rest of the right-wing corporatist cabal, the details will once again smother the middle class with its own pillow.
34
I guess refocus means to finish the job of redistribution of wealth to the very select few. The last time, they controlled Congress, they gave us the Great Recession. With plans to scuttle Dodd-Frank, the Volker Rule and other regulations, they will guarantee that there will no longer be a middle class. As long as their benefactors are happy, the rest of America, the so called 99%, can just eat cake. I am just waiting for them to pass a law that defines what a US citizen is; as they did in Ancient Rome.
49
Even during the speech, the very acts of criticism the President described, especially the old, tired labels of the past, appeared on social media. Twice-defeated Mitt Romney, who lost the 2012 Presidential popular vote by three million votes in tougher economic times, tweeted that the President was “playing politics.”
J’accuse! Romney exhibited his own blindness about “re-fighting old battles,” and he again showed he lacks any program (he had none before!) except politics.
In fact, the entire Republican Party’s collective response manufactured a symmetry of blame, in which, in their looking glass, all their own evil was slid onto the President’s shoulders. Their feelings were hurt that the President talked tough, mentioned vetoes, and set limits. Ruffled, they offered no policy alternatives. They even avoided mentioning their pet projects for special interests. Instead, they reflexively dialed in their favorite contradictory images of a black man in power.
The President rejected those notions, anticipating the GOP reliance on the appeal of those images’ empty anger. “The cynics are wrong,” he said. “We can do great things even if the odds are long.”
Obama's ideas didn't go far enough! For that reason, they are bad. But the GOP vision of the political economy is straight out of the looking glass and pretends the "impossible things" of Alice's vision and the Republican ideology are real.
J’accuse! Romney exhibited his own blindness about “re-fighting old battles,” and he again showed he lacks any program (he had none before!) except politics.
In fact, the entire Republican Party’s collective response manufactured a symmetry of blame, in which, in their looking glass, all their own evil was slid onto the President’s shoulders. Their feelings were hurt that the President talked tough, mentioned vetoes, and set limits. Ruffled, they offered no policy alternatives. They even avoided mentioning their pet projects for special interests. Instead, they reflexively dialed in their favorite contradictory images of a black man in power.
The President rejected those notions, anticipating the GOP reliance on the appeal of those images’ empty anger. “The cynics are wrong,” he said. “We can do great things even if the odds are long.”
Obama's ideas didn't go far enough! For that reason, they are bad. But the GOP vision of the political economy is straight out of the looking glass and pretends the "impossible things" of Alice's vision and the Republican ideology are real.
84
Great comment, Walter.
Even in "The GOP Response to the State of the Union Address," Jodi Ernst began with,
"A few moments ago, we heard the President lay out his vision for the year to come. Even if we may not always agree, it's important to hear different points of view in this great country. We appreciate the President sharing his.
Tonight though, rather than respond to a speech, I'd like to talk about your priorities. I'd like to have a conversation about the new Republican Congress you just elected, and how we plan to make Washington focus on your concerns again."
She wants to have a "conversation" in a speech (a one-way conversation) that can't even do what its title suggests: "respond to a speech" in her "GOP response to the SOTU". What kind of a "conversation" doesn't respond to the words before it and expects no words in response? A political advertisement. This one about the GOP's claim of having a mandate.
Even in "The GOP Response to the State of the Union Address," Jodi Ernst began with,
"A few moments ago, we heard the President lay out his vision for the year to come. Even if we may not always agree, it's important to hear different points of view in this great country. We appreciate the President sharing his.
Tonight though, rather than respond to a speech, I'd like to talk about your priorities. I'd like to have a conversation about the new Republican Congress you just elected, and how we plan to make Washington focus on your concerns again."
She wants to have a "conversation" in a speech (a one-way conversation) that can't even do what its title suggests: "respond to a speech" in her "GOP response to the SOTU". What kind of a "conversation" doesn't respond to the words before it and expects no words in response? A political advertisement. This one about the GOP's claim of having a mandate.
8
Strike that. By saying that she would like to "talk about your priorities" (thus dictating what OUR priorities are) the vehicle is no longer a "political ad" but becomes propaganda.
7
Of course Obama's proposals were all about framing the debate and not about legislative action in a Republican controlled congress. And he's wrong footed them again just as he did over immigration and Cuba. You only need to read the comments by various Republicans in this article to understand just how difficult it is going to be for them to respond because the entire supply side/efficient market hypothesis position which is a fundamental component of their political belief system inevitably leads to inequality and hence the squeezing of the middle classes. This is a simple matter of economics. More sophisticated Republicans like Pethokoukis and Romney know this but can't say it.
65
The GOP: we exported the jobs to China, we profited from that as stockholders and fund managers. We are sorry, but let us move on to useful discussion points, like Benghazi! Or the Kenyan commie fake President!
4
Don't ask for details, but somehow, some way, Republican tax cuts for the wealthy benefit the middle class. Cause, you know, it worked really well the last time we did it. And according to Mr. Camp, apparently the best way to balance the budget is to reduce the government's revenue through taxes. These people are hilarious. How's the weather on your planet?
171
Oh, come on. Look how well it worked in Kansas.
3
Yes I guess the way to Utopia is thru Kansas. I wonder how Brownback's plan is working out for all those Kansas residents
3
There may be "some" resistance from the GOP to face the issue, but the speech worked to spark the debate. Hopefully, some work could be done.
12
For republicans to suggest they have a solution or are even interested in the wealth inequality problem is ludicrous. The wealth gap is a direct result of republican economic and tax policies.
151
Mitt Romney has now noticed wealth disparity and poverty and is getting back into the ring; expect more flips, but he will flop again.
The liberal progressive Democrats will, as always, have the real honest practical solutions to help the poor, working, and middle classes.
It's time now, in my view, to push for Single Payer MediCare for all; and free college for those who qualify academically.
And, yes, real tax reform by closing loopholes for the corporations and the very rich.
The liberal progressive Democrats will, as always, have the real honest practical solutions to help the poor, working, and middle classes.
It's time now, in my view, to push for Single Payer MediCare for all; and free college for those who qualify academically.
And, yes, real tax reform by closing loopholes for the corporations and the very rich.
108
the only reason Romney has made this an "issue" is to make up for that disgraceful set of comments he made regarding the 47% of voters being "moochers".
3
And hoping that enough voters have bad memories and forget that he ever said it. There was even one of his supporters on Hardball several days ago peddling the nonsense that in fact he is a good man and was misunderstood.
I hope they're refocusing so we can have actual debates about real issues, instead of "replace Obamacare failure", "create jobs" -- The R talking points fail in examples President gave.
If he continues to speak out, and other Dems, there will be a groundswell and Congress will find themelves in negative popularity fast, with a 1950s white patriarchal aristocracy/oligarchy trying to sell deals to us benefiting 1%.
Interesting this columnist described Prez in SOTU as combative, yet Paul Ryan praised the speech.
What alternative reality is this, what's happened to the real Paul Ryan? I'd hate to be cynical.....
If he continues to speak out, and other Dems, there will be a groundswell and Congress will find themelves in negative popularity fast, with a 1950s white patriarchal aristocracy/oligarchy trying to sell deals to us benefiting 1%.
Interesting this columnist described Prez in SOTU as combative, yet Paul Ryan praised the speech.
What alternative reality is this, what's happened to the real Paul Ryan? I'd hate to be cynical.....
11
If Republicans are for something, it will be bad for the middle class and poor. It was not always like this, but thanks to a myriad of factors our political process has devolved to such an extent that that's what's happened. Dwight Eisenhower would be shocked to be called a "socialist," but he led the government charge for a national highway program and warned about the defense industry so obviously, he was evil.
85
True, it was not always like this, but when the stuff hit the Republican fan, I sent back my membership card. That was about 20 years ago. Shoulda done it sooner. I'd rather miss a primary than belong to a political party.
1
Today's op editor Glenn Hubbard, another arch conservative and Professor/Dean speaks to Obama's poor idea of not keeping the middle class poor and actually asking the wealthy to pay more taxes. When one recalls he served GW Bush, one must realize he seeks to keep inequality in America alive and well!
1
Well, for some Democrats like the president and the vice president, you know that their hearts are with the ordinary people. I can't say the same for almost all the Republicans. Even if not all Republicans politicians are greedy, most are willing to put their inflexible principals over people's lives.
26
It's about time the GOP becomes more concerned with 99% of the wealth creators of this economy, and less with the 1% of the so-called "jobs" creators. America's wealth creators are some of the worlds most productive in the world, yet their output has all trickled up to the 1%. No wonder there is a wealth gap of historic proportions. Stagnant wages with record corporate profits, and a tax code stacked against the middle-class needs to be addressed.
85
This subject will be the most remembered point of Mr. Obama's speech in that it impacts the most Americans. JG-
This is neat.
There is a tea party that, despite its strongly social conservative intentions, espouses free market economics without really believing it to become popular, without winning much.
There is a republican party that, despite its strongly social conservative appeal to voters, will say just about anything to win (we love Blacks and Hispanics, we think everyone is equal, we love women, and now we love the middle class).
And people pointing to real causes of economic (see Elizabeth Warren, Krugman) and ecological (see Al Gore) and political (Bernie Sanders) and social (Robert Reich) catastrophe are regarded as freaks!
There is a tea party that, despite its strongly social conservative intentions, espouses free market economics without really believing it to become popular, without winning much.
There is a republican party that, despite its strongly social conservative appeal to voters, will say just about anything to win (we love Blacks and Hispanics, we think everyone is equal, we love women, and now we love the middle class).
And people pointing to real causes of economic (see Elizabeth Warren, Krugman) and ecological (see Al Gore) and political (Bernie Sanders) and social (Robert Reich) catastrophe are regarded as freaks!
36
Sort of like arsonists yelling "Fire" and then volunteering to help put it out - with words, no water!
31
The actual process required to have government take an active role in addressing the issue of wage stagnation will pit two Economic-Religions and their holy texts at the center of the debate. Since both sides consider their holy texts to be infallible, progress is unlikely. The performance and the verbal fireworks displays are assured.
One side sees the growth in the value of stocks and compensation to the executives (self-identified "Capitalists") are signs of growth. Whereas growth of wages for non-capitalists (non-executive class) is a sure sign of the dreaded curse of wage and general inflation which is the work of the economic Satan who works to undermine the blessings of the (Divine) Invisible Hand heaped upon the Saintly Capitalist.
Of course both sides could have a secular debate based on mutually agreed upon facts that generally don't support either sides Holy Texts. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening. Both sides will rapidly retreat to proof-texting their Holy Texts at ever increasing volume levels while the vast majority are required to pick a side.
The 20th century may well have been nothing more than an aberration in the long history of humans. For the majority of our time the wealth/income gap has been vast with a small ultra wealthy class and a huge population of survival level peasants and only a handful scattered in between. We can change history, but only if we really want to. Wealth and power are never given away.
One side sees the growth in the value of stocks and compensation to the executives (self-identified "Capitalists") are signs of growth. Whereas growth of wages for non-capitalists (non-executive class) is a sure sign of the dreaded curse of wage and general inflation which is the work of the economic Satan who works to undermine the blessings of the (Divine) Invisible Hand heaped upon the Saintly Capitalist.
Of course both sides could have a secular debate based on mutually agreed upon facts that generally don't support either sides Holy Texts. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening. Both sides will rapidly retreat to proof-texting their Holy Texts at ever increasing volume levels while the vast majority are required to pick a side.
The 20th century may well have been nothing more than an aberration in the long history of humans. For the majority of our time the wealth/income gap has been vast with a small ultra wealthy class and a huge population of survival level peasants and only a handful scattered in between. We can change history, but only if we really want to. Wealth and power are never given away.
8
I think this is very descriptive of the one Holy Economic text mentioned, but I don't see the second Holy Economics text? Is it reality? I mostly agree with you, I'm just missing the second book in the series.
Liz, et al.,
There are, here in the USA, two Economic schools - The Chicago and New York schools. Chicago promotes the conservatives and New York the Liberals. Both think that they have all the (correct) answers all contained in the writings of the authors they teach. Both are somewhat correct and somewhat incorrect as they both have principles that they declare to be infallible.
These are two separate tribes that cannot let go of their doctrines, even in the face of evidence, and therefore cannot compromise.
There are, here in the USA, two Economic schools - The Chicago and New York schools. Chicago promotes the conservatives and New York the Liberals. Both think that they have all the (correct) answers all contained in the writings of the authors they teach. Both are somewhat correct and somewhat incorrect as they both have principles that they declare to be infallible.
These are two separate tribes that cannot let go of their doctrines, even in the face of evidence, and therefore cannot compromise.
Arthors of this article apparently did not read the Glenn Hubbard opinion in the Times published on the same day.
3
Two most important things Obama omitted: 1) financial transaction tax, as Rep van Hollen proposes and as Europe already has, and 2) carbon tax to reduce CO2 emissions and provide funds for dense railway network and other infrastructure.
18
These guys are incorrigible. They spent the last thirty years screaming that the sky would fall if you didn't give "the job creators" whatever they wanted. Now they complain that the very same people they insisted were the key to middle class prosperity are doing too well, and that wealth isn't trickling down as they themselves promised.
"Face it Obama, you're trickle down hocus pocus isn't fooling anyone."
"Under this administration, the "job creators" turned out to be nothing more than wealth hoarders. Well, we've had enough of your lies Mr. President."
Unbelievable.
"Face it Obama, you're trickle down hocus pocus isn't fooling anyone."
"Under this administration, the "job creators" turned out to be nothing more than wealth hoarders. Well, we've had enough of your lies Mr. President."
Unbelievable.
33
Trickle down is a republican mantra started by Reagan not Obama.
25
To John Lusk: "fran soyer" does comprehend that the lies about trickle-down and "job creators" were Republican. She's writing sarcastically about Republicans doing a swift about-face and blaming their own sins on Obama.
17
John, that's my point. By trying to frame income inequality as an Obama problem, they are trying to pretend that trickle down economics isn't their creation.
They did something similar with Obamacare, they reaped all of the benefits of it, and somehow convinced America that Obama should be criticized for it.
This is great politics, get your opponent to adopt your agenda, and at the same time pretend like he didn't, and that he doesn't cooperate and blame him for any damage that agenda may cause.
They've used him as a human shield to insulate themselves from criticism of their own policies. They also did this with Clinton and Glass-Steagall. Amazing after twenty years of it, nobody calls them out on it.
They did something similar with Obamacare, they reaped all of the benefits of it, and somehow convinced America that Obama should be criticized for it.
This is great politics, get your opponent to adopt your agenda, and at the same time pretend like he didn't, and that he doesn't cooperate and blame him for any damage that agenda may cause.
They've used him as a human shield to insulate themselves from criticism of their own policies. They also did this with Clinton and Glass-Steagall. Amazing after twenty years of it, nobody calls them out on it.
13
The Republican Party starting with Reagan has provided only lip service about income inequality in order to win elections and once in office, go back to business as usual. Don't fall for it again.
74
Tom, I wish it were possible, but the slow witted voter has the memory of a gnat. They just keep voting for the phantom promises, slip economically behind themselves but that is the fault of anyone except MY candidate.
Sounds like too proud to admit a mistake or still hung up on prayer in schools or some other personal choice issue. It is difficult to wake someone who wants to keep dreaming....
Sounds like too proud to admit a mistake or still hung up on prayer in schools or some other personal choice issue. It is difficult to wake someone who wants to keep dreaming....
4
rj. agree. It is attention span combined with a wistful lusting for the good old days like the Eisenhower era, while conveniently forgetting the tax rates and CEO pay of corporations was much closer to their employees.
2
Throughout the history of the Republican Party, only Teddy Roosevelt ever showed empathy for the needs of the poor and middle classes. He was ostracized by the robber barons of his day. Why would anyone expect things to suddenly be different in the GOP, especially when viewed through the lens of Citizens United, government shutdowns, and Bush Tax Cuts. The idea of the Republican Party giving a hoot about the middle class is ludicrous. These are the people who have catered to the rich and who scream ""Class War! Class War!" every time someone opposes them.
The GOP still subscribes to their own myth that economic strength comes when the wealthiest few have more and more money. They still believe it will trickle down to everyone else, despite having 35 years of proof that the money just stays at the top. It doesn't circulate in our economy, it gets hoarded and deposited in tax shelters in the Caribbean, Zurich, or a host of other countries.
The odd thing is that the GOP and it's owners don't believe that a strong America will yield more profits to the wealthy. Why should they bother making money by building the middle class when it's easier just to buy lobbyists and politicians and steal it?
The GOP still subscribes to their own myth that economic strength comes when the wealthiest few have more and more money. They still believe it will trickle down to everyone else, despite having 35 years of proof that the money just stays at the top. It doesn't circulate in our economy, it gets hoarded and deposited in tax shelters in the Caribbean, Zurich, or a host of other countries.
The odd thing is that the GOP and it's owners don't believe that a strong America will yield more profits to the wealthy. Why should they bother making money by building the middle class when it's easier just to buy lobbyists and politicians and steal it?
167
My goodness! Here we have some very good news that could lead to a better dialogue about how to address the wealth gap and your head is about to explode. And spare us the factually incorrect lesson about the "history of the Republican Party". It only plays as an editorial.
It is such a challenging chore,
One never encountered before,
To tarry, mayhap
On the issue "wealth gap"
A beastly, unbearable bore.
But the GOP believes it must
React to insatiable lust,
Though the action's half-hearted
It gingerly started
I doubt that they'll raise any dust.
One never encountered before,
To tarry, mayhap
On the issue "wealth gap"
A beastly, unbearable bore.
But the GOP believes it must
React to insatiable lust,
Though the action's half-hearted
It gingerly started
I doubt that they'll raise any dust.
60
before we all go bust
President Obama put himself out there to frame the 2016 election. The middle class hasn't had an urgent need for a legislative agenda for well over a decade, but that time is now.
Income inequality is an issue, and the economic health of America which depends on the 99% has to be addressed. Time to call a 15 yard penalty on trickle down economics which as done nothing for our country, Mr Boehner.
Income inequality is an issue, and the economic health of America which depends on the 99% has to be addressed. Time to call a 15 yard penalty on trickle down economics which as done nothing for our country, Mr Boehner.
175
Too bad the Dems failed to use this message to frame the 2014 election when the Repubs pounded the point that the economy stunk. Unbelievable incompetence.
As for McConnel, Ryan et al spouting off about how Obama needs to respect the will of the voters and work with them, I keep waiting for Obama to tell McConnell that his chief priority is to make McConnell a one-term Senate Majority Leader.
When are the Dems ever going to learn how to play this game?
As for McConnel, Ryan et al spouting off about how Obama needs to respect the will of the voters and work with them, I keep waiting for Obama to tell McConnell that his chief priority is to make McConnell a one-term Senate Majority Leader.
When are the Dems ever going to learn how to play this game?
2
15 yard penalty??? How about disqualification and an outright ban on the "team" that hates the fans so much, even though they need the fans to survive.
Congress people work for the few who contribute the most to their campaigns, not for us common folk. Until we get rid of the Citizens United Supreme Court ruling and institute publically funded elections, the majority of us will end up getting poorer and lose our right to vote.
229
"... a “paycheck bonus credit” of $2,000 a year for couples earning less than $200,000. His plan also calls for a tripling of the tax credit for child care and expanding tax incentives for savers."
Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle seem to be completely out of touch. If you need help with an income of $200,000, your problem is on the expense side. Likewise, WHY should couples get a bonus, when they already have double the income of single parents or single taxpayers? And tax incentives for savers? Try higher interest rates for savings accounts. Most people at the bottom have no money left for saving anyway.
I'm all for helping reduce the wealth gap, but these suggestions are a misguided waste of money for the sole purpose of pandering to those weak in math skills or common sense. Obama's proposals for free Community College and paid apprenticeships are much more likely to bring broad and lasting benefits.
Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle seem to be completely out of touch. If you need help with an income of $200,000, your problem is on the expense side. Likewise, WHY should couples get a bonus, when they already have double the income of single parents or single taxpayers? And tax incentives for savers? Try higher interest rates for savings accounts. Most people at the bottom have no money left for saving anyway.
I'm all for helping reduce the wealth gap, but these suggestions are a misguided waste of money for the sole purpose of pandering to those weak in math skills or common sense. Obama's proposals for free Community College and paid apprenticeships are much more likely to bring broad and lasting benefits.
139
With the median household income of around $51,000, any policy that doles out tax goodies for incomes above that level is not about the "middle class" but about getting votes of those who earn more than that - up to $200,000, which included 96% of US households. This is NOT middle class.
Tying the $2000 "bonus" to a paycheck is a nice touch - it will translate into at least TWO votes per household, or so Democrats hope!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Household_income_in_the_United_States#media...
Tying the $2000 "bonus" to a paycheck is a nice touch - it will translate into at least TWO votes per household, or so Democrats hope!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Household_income_in_the_United_States#media...
5
See that's why we (American voters) should have helped this guy out more in the midterm elections. Every year during the State of the Union address Obama has talked about doing some awesome stuff, yet voters give him the craziest congresses to work with.
23
A majority of members of Congress are already millionaires who think 200K is peanuts. While that proposal is DOA, the focus needs to be razor-sharp on income inequality/taxation inequality. The tax cuts on "job creators" is a sop to wealthy donors, nothing more and the GOP need to stop selling that lie to the public. The wealthy don't need tax cuts to buy more yachts or vacations or 15 room estates; they will buy these anyway if the market is there. The middle-class could use a tax cut that is meaningful and not an add-on breadcrumb to another "donor" tax cut.
4
Well, enjoy the lip service, people. Because that's the only thing the working class is going to get out of this Congress.
299
Sadly, they will take that "lip service" and cut it into ads that will play for the next 2 years.... and their base will believe it ..." if you say it/hear it enough times it must be true" ...frightening
3
How anyone can take seriously anything the republicans would have to say in support of the middle or lower class is beyond me or any other rational person.
This is just another volley of their cynical grandstanding. Pathetic as it is, we know they will say Anything, but they Believe pretty much only One thing: how can they enrich themselves at everyone else's expense.
Most of these guys would drive their BMW's right over their mother to pick up a dollar bill on the other side of the street.
This is just another volley of their cynical grandstanding. Pathetic as it is, we know they will say Anything, but they Believe pretty much only One thing: how can they enrich themselves at everyone else's expense.
Most of these guys would drive their BMW's right over their mother to pick up a dollar bill on the other side of the street.
328
a dollar bill? try a dime.
8
That's the unwritten story that the Times and others haven't covered: how is it that the Republicans, over the last forty years, have managed to get middle and lower class voters to vote for them even though every single economic policy and tax cut that they've pushed for is a direct attack on those same middle and lower class voters.
The Times ran a story on voters after Novembers election where one voter indicated he was outraged about outsourcing jobs to other countries, but then went ahead and voted for Republicans, just doesn't make any sense.
Scott Brown ran on a "he's one of us" campaign, yet he voted along with all the other Republicans to continue to give tax cuts to corporations who outsource jobs, middle class jobs!
The Times ran a story on voters after Novembers election where one voter indicated he was outraged about outsourcing jobs to other countries, but then went ahead and voted for Republicans, just doesn't make any sense.
Scott Brown ran on a "he's one of us" campaign, yet he voted along with all the other Republicans to continue to give tax cuts to corporations who outsource jobs, middle class jobs!
15
Good point. However, Republicans now control both houses of Congress. Who is voting Republicans over and over again?
Clearly, the 1% wealthy crowd cannot muster enough votes to send those guys back to DC to defend their interests and privileges. Has American politics turned into a poker game? who are the suckers in that game?
Clearly, the 1% wealthy crowd cannot muster enough votes to send those guys back to DC to defend their interests and privileges. Has American politics turned into a poker game? who are the suckers in that game?
1
It's all about the obscene greed of the Republicans who are all owned by the corporations and banks.
That coupled with their general distaste for the middle class and the belief that they can keep them at bay by focusing on the neanderthal concerns of the white right wing have allowed them to destroy the middle class that they now express concern about. Trust them not, they are all traitors.
That coupled with their general distaste for the middle class and the belief that they can keep them at bay by focusing on the neanderthal concerns of the white right wing have allowed them to destroy the middle class that they now express concern about. Trust them not, they are all traitors.
262
It's unfortunate that when this discussion of inequality occurs, the only group mentioned is the middle class, as if those even further down the income scale didn't exist. Given how negatively the last several decades have been for that group, one can only imagine how much worse it's been for those even lower on the income scale. News flash: there are millions of poor - can I use the term, lower class? - human beings in this, in my viewed, failed democracy.
56
Corporations and Banks are bi-partisan - they own Democrats just as much as Republicans which is why President Obama has yet to prosecute one single banker from the mortgage meltdown of 2008. But keep up the two party mythology of your team being slightly less worse than theirs - it's what the establishment banks on.
8
Hate to break it to you, George, but the corps own the Dems, too.
3
HMMMM. So why does my small business pay more corporate income tax than GE and Exxon combined. Maybe the Fortune 500 only know how to use their money better than the government--you know---tens of millions more for the CEO, huge stockholder dividends, and a kick in the butt for their employees.