Real Unemployment is around 20%. It has been higher longer than any time in the history of this Country. Obama's economic policies are a complete failure. He has spent us into oblivion. Created huge mandates on business via health care. Cut jobs via Stopping 1/3 off our domestic oil production. They have not even let businesses know what our taxes are to be expected or planned for and it is already December. He does not care about jobs and he has not once focused on the economy or focused on policies that allow business to create jobs. But we got a healthcare bill that is causing the cost of healthcare to rise dramatically. We got a Government take over of a private business GM. The people see who this man is and he is a Global Maxist and sees eye to eye with George Soros.

d burger, in case you weren't awake in the last decade, the recession was already in full swing before Obama even won office. His administration managed to stop a decade of downward trending and a full blown recession from a tidal wave to a small flood. Claiming it has been a total failure flies in the face of every economist who agrees that the economy is indeed in a better place than it was, and recovering. Assuming an economy made up of millions of people will turn on a dime in a matter of months, or even 2 short years from a full recession is ridiculous and part of the problem, not the solution.

Also 'd' did you miss the GM IPO where they are re-privatizing, or was it the recent CBO report that the actual cost of the 'bailouts' would be about $20 billion, or that it preserved millions of jobs, or that it was requested by GWB, or the decrease in taxes on most Americans by the Obams administration, or the massive deficit left by the Bush administration (remember 'deficits don't matter' I believe this was a quote from Mr. Rove), or the fact that the lions share of the financial bubble was created under the Bush administration, and at its root was the Republican (aided and abetted by many democrats) fanatical rush to deregulation?

Just asking?

DJ Unemployment averaged 4.5 percent for 7 of 8 years during the Bush Administration. Im not defending Bush he also spent way to much of our tax dollars. But the Democrats have had control of the purse strings since the 2006 elections and Spending has gone out of control. I am addressing Obama and his policies he is the current President and his policies are a failure.

dj & jm: Give it up! d burger is not interested in reality. He's only interested in giving power to those who make him look like a fool.

JM The Government still owns 50% stock in GM. And they did not release the stock to the General Public. But if you are a Union Worker you now gained 3.5 Billion to secure your pensions. If you are a Bond holder Obama says screw you. If you are an Obama crony perhaps you could purchase stock. Until the Government has divested itself of GM they still own a car company. And by the way the bubble may have burst during the Bush administration but it was building since the Clinton Administration when they removed the Glass Stegall Act protecting us from the Banks.

What have the Republicans truly done during this same time to better the current economic outlook, create jobs and reduce the deficit?

Mike....a large part of the funding for Obamacare starts in January. Do you know what it is or are you like the congressmen and women that voted for it to "find out what's in it later"?

Whatever your employer pays toward your and your families health insurance will now be taxable income. Congratulations on your huge raise in taxable income, oh but you won't actually take a penny home from that raise, you'll just pay more....and you're employer will have to match it.

The cost of hiring an employee is going up significantly January 1st...hence Boehner's comment.

JM-480578

...or the fact that the lions share of the financial bubble was created under the Bush administration, and at its root was the Republican (aided and abetted by many democrats) fanatical rush to deregulation?

You're close..but the root of the bubble was democratic aided and abetted by weak republicans (Olympia Snowe anyone?).

*housing bubble: Fannie and Freddie Mac deregulation. Barney Frank's outright failure to recognize the problem even though the Bush administration and republicans in congress warned of it.

*outsourcing of US jobs: both parties guilty here, but Clinton's NAFTA and sponsoring of the China's admission into the WTO along with the promoting of the Pacific Rim Free Trade agreements are what really began the exodus of US jobs.

*banking meltdown: I'm going to lay this one on the republicans Graham-Leach and Bliley that repealed Glass-Steagal and allowed the insane investment leveraging by deposit banks that caused the crisis. Clinton didn't help by signing it and it did pass congress by a stupid majority.

I have yet to see how Obama (along with Bush and McCain) who stood up at the podium and pounded on it demanding the initial 800 billion bailout has done anything to alleviate the current economy. TARP and ARRA were extremely inefficient programs (running at about $200,000 per temporary job) and the unemployment rate hasn't gotten better.

I would really like some of our leaders to realize that the world economy that this administration supports so vehemently is entirely dependent on us...and that we do not have to continually cater to the rest of the world.

Reinstitute tariffs

Tax the hell out of company's that outsource overseas

Get the jobs back here!

don't ask don't tell, extending tax breaks, healthcare reform, nuclear treaties, blah blah blah!!! Stop with the BS and start addressing the root of the problem and that is income coming into this country and not flowing out!

Hamburger:

It was your friends along with the South's moralist Newtie and company who brought America the repeal of Glass-Stegall. Remember the "Contract to do America and Americans". Don't tell me that you have forgotten that quickly.

"Those who do not remember the past..... Are condemned to repeat it, repeat it, repeat it, President Hoover!!!!"

Wow, sir you must've been under the lamp too long with Mr. Boner.

Ben Dover

DJ Unemployment averaged 4.5 percent for 7 of 8 years during the Bush Administration

Burger-man: unemployment RATE is not the same as job creation rate. Job creation under Bush was the WORST ever since it has been counted. Bush's failed economic policies created an average of 10,000 jobs per month. Unemployment often jumps during economic recoveries because the rate counts people who are LOOKING FOR A JOB. When the economy starts to recover, as it is DOING NOW, the rate jumps because MORE PEOPLE GO LOOKING FOR A JOB. Then they get counted on the survey. When people STOP LOOKING FOR A JOB they do not count as unemployed. Even though they really are. So the unemployment rate does not indicate HOW MANY OF US ARE OUT OF WORK.

At the beginning of the Bush administration, we were riding a wave of massive job creation. Clinton entered office with about 110,000,000 jobs in the market. He left with about 131,000,000 jobs in the market -- a net increase of 22 million.

Bush left office with about 130,000,000 jobs in the market, a net increase of ZERO. At the end of Bush's reign of incompetence, our economy was shedding 800,000 jobs a month.

Of course, you weren't paying any attention back then because Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, and Glenn Beck weren't priming you to be outraged about something you plainly do not understand.

Joe - If it was all the fault of poor policies by the Clinton Administration, what did the Republicans do to stop any of this when they controlled the House, Senate and WH for 6 straight years?

Liberals never support their points they always resort to name calling.

You idiot The reason your taxes have not gone up for 2 years under Obama is that the Bush tax cuts remain in effect until 12/31/10 If Congress does not act in the lame duck session you we see a tax increase begining in Jan 2011

Joe: If you're going to parrot the Fox infomercial, you probably couldn't be bothered with facts, but here's one for ya:

Whatever your employer pays toward your and your families health insurance will now be taxable income. Congratulations on your huge raise in taxable income, oh but you won't actually take a penny home from that raise, you'll just pay more....and you're employer will have to match it.

"Starting in tax year 2011, the Affordable Care Act requires employers to report the value of the health insurance coverage they provide employees on each employee's annual Form W-2..........This reporting is for informational purposes only, to show employees the value of their health care benefits so they can be more informed consumers. The amount reported does not affect tax liability, as the value of the employer contribution to health coverage continues to be excludible from an employee's income, and it is not taxable."

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=220809,00.html

You shills for Fox and Palin and Beck really think the rest of the country can't read or think on their own? Why don't you just admit you're a Fox news parrot who can't be bothered to do anything but repeat what you hear?

Bush's last budget ended Oct 1, 2009, barely a year ago. And Bush used 11 of his 12 vetoes in his last 2 years to kill Democrat-approved jobs and economic programs. The economy started tanking around 2004. Have you forgotten about all the $300 and then $600 "stimulus checks" mailed out to everyone with borrowed or printed money?

Common sense in government. Ron Paul 2012.

I'm not a big fan of either side, but I came across this, so I thought I’d share:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_debt_by_U.S._presidential_terms

Grand total for the last 35 year of GDP growth - federal deficit vs presidents in office (adjusted for inflation).

Democrats: (Carter, Clinton, and Obama) won by approximately a positive $1.6 Trillion* created after federal spending, interest, growth, and inflation.

Republicans: (Ford, Reagan, Bush Sr, and Bush .5) had approximately a negative $1.7 Trillion* lost after federal spending, interest, growth, and inflation.

To be fair the Republicans grew the economy by more then $1 Trillion, but managed to spend their fiscal responsibility away on something else.

*Margin of error 3-5%

LET'S NOT FORGET THE HISTORY OF THE TAX SYSTEM - Scroll about 75% of the way down!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_tax_in_the_United_States

Red or blue, it doesn't matter, make no mistake.....

some may not have noticed, but 'it' marches on; doesn't matter what party affiliation, no jobs, no re-enactment of G-S, no legislation towards jobs remaining in America......

Now, Capitol hill is like a reality show with all the drama to go along with it, and no results or substance......

don't expect anything to change anytime soon unless WE ALL take measures to do so.

burger, every nickle of spending passed by congress from 2007 to 2009 was signed into law by GW Bush. Including the inital GM bailout and and TARP 1.

independent, the reason republican economics has not been as successful is that repubs are obsessed with handing tax breaks to the ultra wealthy (trickle down economics). The extra drag on the economy due to higher deficits is greater than whatever small stimulative effect of handing millionaires additional money to play with. Our tax policy should be focused on creating jobs. Tax cuts for business, which has been Obama's policy direction of late, is a much better way to do this than tax cuts on wealthy individuals.

What a farce when Boehner says that he cares about the unemployed after calling it "Chicken Crap" (his exact words) late yesterday. It is the Rethugblicans who are voting "NO" on tax extensions, UNLESS the elite top 2% get their tax bonus as well. The same group has said "NO" to the unemployment compensations, too. So just how does this relate to caring about those who are unemployed (to use Boehner's words:"Chicken Crap" indeed)? Bohener and his cronies need to crawl back under their rocks, where they came from. It's amazing how the greedy scums get voted into offices by blind voters relying on sound bytes. There ought to be a way for the public to impeach those not representing the majority of their Constituents greatest needs with a realistic and reasonable approach, instead of always saying "NO".

So, the republicans make gains in the elections, and joblessness goes up.

Maybe businesses are worried about adding 700 billion to the deficit for the tax cuts.

It's easy to blame Obama for the stimulus, but Republicans how are we going to pay for the tax cuts.

Wait, so the GOP want to basically maintain the status quo, when we already know the status quo hasn't resulted in any job creation.

The increase in unemployment rate occurred WHILE THE TAX CUT FOR THE WEALTHY WAS IN PLACE, Mr. Boehner.

Until the Republican Party does anything to promote REAL, MEASURABLE, TANGIBLE job growth, it needs to be quiet. That political party has done nothing to create or sustain job growth in the last 10 years now.

Pass the Unemployment Extension, Republicans. Back up the 2 million you just dumped on the streets with the same fervor you use in insisting on extra tax cuts for the wealthiest in our country.

Tax cuts for those who outsource our jobs, and a middle-finger to those on unemployment... (Cuz' we are the GOP)

Bush used his veto on the idiot democrats seven times and threatened it many more, to try to reign in their radical agenda. Once Obama got in, he hit the accelerator instead of the brake. Take a look at unemployment and deficits from 2000 to present, then note when democrats took congress and when Obama took over. Those figures destroy all this leftist propaganda.

Bush and republican congress - 4.6% unemployment, record dow, deficits averaging $ 230 billion

Obama and democrat congress - 9.8% unemployment, stalled dow, deficits averaging over $1.3 trillion

Republican economics is successful, it's the failed radical wealth redistribution of the democrats that have flushed this economy.

"Burger-man: unemployment RATE is not the same as job creation rate"

Idiot! Please tell me how Bush got unemployment down to 4.6% without creating jobs! Please tell me how Obama got it up to 9.8% without destroying them! Are all libtards that stupid?

Boehner and his Repulican party should just pass the tax breaks that the Dems want to pass an extend the unemployment to the ones that need it. That party has been the lyingest party since Obama has been elected. All I have seen from them is that they want to make the rich even richer than they are. An keep sending are jobs overseas. As Boehner is going to say if he gets his way welcome to the depression. That is were we are headed if they don't start doing there jobs. Republicans the party of chicken crap.

You do realize that the economy takes up to years to react to new policy right? So the current economy isn't an immediate result of Obama, but a lingering result of the previous administration, just as Clinton's administration carried on into Bush's. You are taking misconstrued talking points and turning them into something they are not. Unless you really think that the day Obama took office, even though it takes months to change anything, that we immediately started losing 800k jobs a month. No that was happening because of the years previous, the deregulation of the banking industry by Repubs, not because of Obama or Keynesian economics. You need to study before you get on here and look stupid again.

"Bush and republican congress - 4.6% unemployment, record dow, deficits averaging $ 230 billion"

Please show me where when Bush left Office that unemployment was that low:

http://data.bls.gov/PDQ/servlet/SurveyOutputServlet

This is number is partly true but that was November 2007, also with a democratic congress!!! What happened in the last years of his office??? I'm not even going to go into that most of the borrowed money that was put merely into defense spending (Very Expensive Fireworks), given as tax incentives to corporation for overseas expansion, and completing leverage on the idea that the housing market had unlimited value or could possible bust!!! And no this was not b/c the poor overspent (maybe 15-20%, only a 7% increase then the average normal foreclosure due to delinquency during 2000-2008)...lets look into housing regulations being completing non-existent and cases of mortgage scheme rings (mortgage fraud) were ignored or paid off (the biggest problem) - when a group of people purposely buy a property and sell it to one another to drastically raise the price of the property over a short period of time with the intent to collect money, commenting fraud - this in turn will raise the property values of the surrounding areas artificially, so then all the normal property owners get stuck with an over-inflated piece property when it busts. make any sense!?!?

As stated before, not a fan of either side, but BS is BS, just say'n.

Because he created 4 bad jobs for every 1 good job that went overseas.

Obviously you have short term memory problems or you just choose not to remember where unemployment was when "George the Lesser" left office. In 2008, in 12 months, the unemployment rate nearly doubled under Georgie. It has gone up less than 2 percentage points since Obama took over.

If the democrats and Obama had taken a more Liberal Progressive tact in their policies we would be seeing 4 and 5% unemployment again with better jobs and higher incomes contributing to a fair tax rate.

Bush-era tax cuts have been in place for nearly 10 years now. If Reaganomics worked - give tax cuts to the rich who should in turn pass down the savings through business investment and job creation to the rest of the population - then why did the Bush administration only manage to create 3 million new jobs over their eight years?

They will now if the Democrats keep screwing around......

Cigarette taxes went up
Food prices have gone up
Clothing will go up
Gasoline taxes will go up
Nah don't worry no tax our inflation here....

Now UNEMPLOYMENT go's up..

That Stimulus really helped here.

And You tax money will now go to Europe to support the socialistic states there. But no need to worry America they get to retire at 62 get a month paid vacation a year and much more.

The liberals have a fantastic plan for you

Raise our retirement
Spend ungodly sums of many for thier special interest.

The Federal reserve spent 3 trillion or so.

Beneficiaries

Toyota

GE

Banks

European Banks

Harley Davidson

McDonalds

Catapiller

And of Course Verizon

Amazing how Democrat party contributions pay off.....

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/02/business/economy/02fed.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=Federal%20reserve&st=cse

The Above article was buried real deep in the New York Times Just so you won't find it...

Why isn't anyone talking about the thousand pound gorilla in the room? What good is talking about reducing the debt if we are adding $700 billion dollars to it at the same time we are trying to reduce it? You cannot reduce the debt at the same time you are increasing it. You watch, the Republicans will add $700 billion dollars to the debt by extending the Bush tax cuts for millionaires and then they will blame Obama for adding $700 billion dollars to the debt. Then Republicans will have to come up with $700 billion dollars in spending cuts just to get the debt back to where it is now. How much do you want to bet the spending cuts will be specifically targeted to eliminate or reduce programs that benefit the poor and the middle class?

Phil, the reason the unemployement rate was around 5% for most of the Bush presidency is that the economy was propped up by the housing bubble and the credit bubble. the reason the economy was losing 750,000 jobs per month and shrinking a 5% was that the 2 bubbles burst.

Yea, they want TAX CUTS for the Wealthy but no help for the Unemployed and yet they say they are working for us ??????

Get real people, these guys talk out of both sides of their mouth, don't believe a word they say.

They will do everything possible to trash the country and blame it all on Obama.

Phil is either incredibly dense or he is another one that believes what he is told to believe. Funny how he claims the highest DOW rate but doesn't mention the lowest. Which by the way also happened under Bush. He talks about the financial sector and how great it was doing under Bush but fails to mention that it also crashed and tanked under Bush. bet he's also one of those that claim Bush made us safe while failing to acknowledge that the WORST ATTACK IN THIS COUNTRY'S HISTORY happened under Bush's watch. Moron or brainwashed?

Joe - not even close to accurate but very close to the crap Boehner is slinging.

On Oct. 26, Moody's reported that corporations were hoarding $1 trillion. That $1 trillion is equivalent to 23.8 million jobs paying $42,000 a year. 23.8 million jobs is slightly more than the number created during the Clinton Administration when TAXES WERE HIGHER ON THE WEALTHY. Clinton handed Bush a budget surplus, too. Budget surplus.

Until these corporations turn loose of the money they are sitting on and start putting us to work, this economy is going to continue along the rocky road. Banks need to start lending with the money they were given to do just that in the stimulus.

The Republicans must stop their own political "maneuvers" and start working on helping move this country forward. If they don't renew the unemployment extension, if they insist on extra tax breaks for the wealthy (as the first $250K for the wealthy will already get a tax break), if they obstruct important legislation and treaties like START, people will remember - especially those who ended up homeless as the result of no extensions, or with less in resources as the result of rescission of tax breaks.

Repubs did this to my family in 2003. I haven't forgotten. And I won't.

Shellie,

it's this simple, but YOU fail to grasp!

the absolute RECORDS part of GW's 8 years were bush legislation and leadership. AND, the downfall period (related to carter/clinton and exponentially by barney frank/chris dodd) were accelerated in 2007 by the PELOSI driven congress. BUT HEY, simplicity and FACTS are difficult for you LIBERALS! you probably don't understand the 3 branches and how they work either, huh?

The markets tanked not once but twice, My mom lost nearly half of her savings in that first meltdown.

So all you lefty libs out there ... tell me this:

After you RAMMED HOME a $1.5 Trillion Health Care package that is growing in cost day by day. You lied every step of the way through the CBO estimates because if the price was REALLY known the package could not have stood.

- You did this in the middle of the worst recession since the great depression.

- You did this AFTER you RAMMED home a $700 billion stimulus package in the first weeks of the Administration

- You did this AFTER a bipartisan TARP package of $350 billion. Please note I'm giving BOTH sides a pass on this first $350)

- You did this AFTER the Auto bailout of $110 billion in which the biggest fault is not the amount but that for the first time in US history bond investors (you know they're people too) lost it ALL so that the Union pensions were bailed out.

You did all these things in 2009 that screwed the pooch in so many ways and then ...

... and then ..

You bitch because there's $700 billion over 10 years that might (notice the word MIGHT) not get into the government coffers. You're on the kill small business kick ... after all they generally don't have Unions. Tell me exactly how in the heck you possibly perceive that this $700 billion is the government's in the first place.

How about you get your financial wreck you created in order. First, where's your budget? You don't have one do you (a budget that is)? Where's your tax policy? Why didn't you spend the first two years working on that instead of the other stuff? Nope! You wanted your sacred cow, you wanted to bail out your precious Union pensions, you wanted to bail out the states (generally Democrat controlled) that also have failed financial policies (NY, California, etc).

No more tax increase period! Get your financial house in order first, then talk to me.

Joe 755363 and others..

I suggest you do some historical reading of the Smoot Holly Tariff bill of 1930 that raised tariffs on imported goods...it is known as the most significant CAUSE of prolonging the GREAT DEPRESSION... it is NOT the answer....do some research...

It's painful...I know but free trade must remain free...

Now, that doesn't mean you can't offer a company TAX INCENTIVES to hire or build here on US soil..you can and they WILL ...then create jobs here.

Unfortunately most US corporations are profit driven...as they should be...so if you want them to create jobs here ....they will need to have INCENTIVES to make it profitable to create jobs here. It's really simple...I don't know why everyone makes this so complicated.

The gop left the cost of their wars out of Bush's budgets, add another 200 billion$'s a year to the deficit. trillion$'s for his tax cuts. Then the gop wants us to believe ( even though these tax cuts have been in place 8 years) that they create jobs. They want the tax cuts for the rich because they are in that bracket. One more thing reagans unemployment rate in november 1982 ( the same time in office as President Obama) was 10.8%, but you clowns just blamed President Carter. The GOP are a bunch of BAW BABIES, Tax Cut Or Nothing waa,waa,waa.

After considerable back and forth about the taxes, please keep the following facts in mind.

An extremely IMPORTANT point that needs to be clearly understood here is, "Cutting taxes as a method of stimulating the economy is a last resort choice after all other options have proved wrong." This concept is currently supported by CBO calculations. In the last century, 1900 - 2000, the greatest average economic growth in the U. S. was during the period 1945 - 1973. To a greater extent the growth following the Great Depression until 1973 follows this same general pattern. Does anyone remember what the marginal tax rates were during that period? Well it was somewhere between 73.5% and 91% for the period from 1945 and only a little less 71% to 91% if you include the entire period 1933 to 1971. After the tax cuts in 1971, which dropped the marginal rate to 70% (60% for ordinary income) and 1972 to 50% for ordinary income, the economy began to slow. This slowdown was then exacerbated by the oil embargo in 1974/5, but has never even come close to the 4.5% rate (REPEAT AVERAGE!! much less Peak 6.5%) amount experienced during the referenced period.

Wait for it wait for it!!! some one has to pay the stimulus money!!! and guess what yup its going to be youuuu and who signed the stimulus package your savior your god Mr. brilliant Mr. HUSSEIN Obama

I couldn't agree with you more. Also, before these jerks jump on the "Bash Obama over jobs bus", they should all consider that every month there have been "revisions to the previously reported number - last month the adjustment as a 38,000 INCREASE. Further, even Steve Lisma=n of CNBC questioned the accuracy of the report since it reflected a negative number for retail - which industry had been sending representives on their shows all week, claiming that they were hiring (both for the seasonal work and for long term), so, everyone, take adeep breath.

I head an afterschool program and have done so for almost 4 years. In 2008 my student numbers dropped to less than 8 due to parent job losses. This year we are again at 18 and my director has told me that she has had five calls regarding opening in the program. I am keeping my fingers crossed that things are getting better. I am also praying the senate dems get a backbone and refuse to give in to the republicans on the tax cuts for the wealthy.You all are right - reganomics was a disasterr both in terms of dessimating the middle class and raising the deficit. The republicans have no ethics - although I guess you could say that they are simply doing what they promised the rich, all along - support us and we will take care of you. Guess the time has come for the wealthy to collect their pound of flesh - or in this case, tax cuts. Lincoln must be rolling in his grave when he looks down on the likes of Palin, Rand paul, Michelle Bachman, Mitch McConnell and the tan man.

MBA Grad

It's Smoot-Hawley Tarfiff act of 1930. Hoover requested a large number of Tariffs on Farm products. Congress (Republican Majority) liked the idea of tariffs and gave Hoover a few farm product and hundreds of manufactured goods tariffs. These were phased in over 4 years - democrats and republicans were too stupid to see that exports dropped by 1/3 in that time. Republicans seem to have figured that out - but the democrats haven't or refuse to admit they are wrong.

The same is over taxing and spending. Compare the Depression of 1920 - 1922 to the Great Depression. Hopefully you have heard of it, if not - it is on the web and at the local libraries. To do that properly take the 5 years of tax / spending preceeding through to the end of each event. It will take a good bit of time to do that.

Things specifically to compare and contrast

• Tax policies - Personal Income, Corporate Income, Capital Gains, Tariffs and Duties.
• spending policies
• unemployment
• imports
• exports
• government reaction policies (hint: 1920 - 1922 - NO Government Intervention - Tax cuts and Spending cuts were enacted before the depression state was known).
• Interest Rate Policies
• Increase and Decrease in the money supply.
• Pay particular attention to Actual time served by politicians - Majority Controls and presidential terms actually start on odd years - not even ones
• Pay attention to who controlled congress and the White house when budgets are passed. The first year of control is not the new party of control budget - it is written by the outgoing party of control.

BTW - you will find the Republicans didn't understand what they had done in the "forgotten depression". Hoover you will find was a progressive and subscibed to Kensian Economics in the end.

Those attacking tax cuts - are using cherry picked stats, or are simply parroting democrat propaganda.

Mike-416 "My taxes havent gone up 1 penny since Obama became president."

Wait until January 1st if the Democrats in Congress don't stop playing politics and class warfare.

Reid and Pelosi are determined to play games to the bitter end, so it looks like nothing else will get accomplished until the new Congress takes over.

Funny isnt it the last two years of democratic majority brought on a reccession now how could that happen could it be their states taxes increased?

The Obamanomics of tax threats have caused the job creators to hold on to their purse strings instead of giving out taxable jobs.

Nobody cares about your piddly little taxes havent gone up really they dont they are unimportant.

People with brains think about the future.

People who create taxable incomes dont think about current affairs they think about the coming fiscal year.

I can't wait until the republicans take over and if the democratic party does not relent they will be gone in 2011 and 2012 will be a democratic slaughter house.

Good bye Obama you have terrorized the nation out of taxable incomes and fought every step of the way against the majority of this country.

Honnestly what good is it to give people under 250.000 a tax break when they wont have a job to collect that 250.000 from?

Tax their boss tax that job away from them.

There's no need to go back and forth on the recession and who did what. It officially started in Dec., 2007. When BO took office, unemployment was at either 7.2 or 7.7%. It's widely accepted that the TARP averted a depression which was started by GWB and Hank Paulson and finished by BO. They spent 400 billion of it and BO spend the rest. Yes, GWB spent his share and then some and BO is continuing the spending unabated. Facts are BO will spend more in 4 years than GWB did in 8. Housing is still a mess. Unemployment is still a mess. GDP is growing S-L-O-W-L-Y. The recession supposedly ended in June, 2009??? . 49 of 50 states are running budget deficits and some major cities are bankrupt are distressed. Do we seriously think the corner has been turned??

in case you weren't awake in the last decade, the recession was already in full swing before Obama even won office. His administration managed to stop a decade of downward trending and a full blown recession from a tidal wave to a small flood.

That's absolutely correct; the recession was in full swing when Obama took office. Perhaps its start coincided with the change in the majority in Congress in January 2007? In January 2007 the unemployment rate was just under 5%; apparently what that majority party has done since then to keep the rate at that level or lower it has been way less than a smashing success!

The only way one can legitimately classify what has happened to the recession since Obama took office as a small flood is by comparing it to the flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Well, Since Prez O has been in the WhiteHouse My taxes HAVE NOT gone up one penny either!!! Now Just to put the Republican Sociopath Politicos in the Limelight: The Republican/TeaBagMen/Women HAVE BLOCKED Unemployment benefits extensions for those Americans THROWN OUT OF WORK by Republican Corporatists outsourcing their jobs OVERSEAS and getting TAX Bonuses for this depicable legislation!!!! Imagine! General Electric Outsourced 38,000 jobs overseas, Made $9,500,000,000, ($9Billion,500Million Dollars) in profits and DID NOT PAY A PENNY In Corporate Taxes, and voted 100% bonus salary increases for their super wealthy executives while people are starving in the streets like in PreBastille Paris 1789.

AND For You Rocket Scientists who destroyed Your Own best Interests by being manipulated into voting these REPUBLICAN CRIMINALS Back into Power in the House Of Representatives? For people like Boner and McConMan working on your confused vengence bent little minds, it was like: Taking Candy From A Baby............. So You Naive sheep cut off your own B@lls to Spite Prez O!!! Stupid Is Stupid Does...................

First question, if Bush's tax cuts are extended for everyone including the rich, where is the compromise? Isn't it obvious to all Americans that it is the Republicans who never reach across the aisle? I wouldn't call them terrorists, maybe thugs, maybe the Borg...

Next question, if Bush's tax cuts are extended for everyone including the rich, will variables be held constant for all, meaning will it apply only to income tax? Or will the rich also get cuts on dividends and capital gains taxes extended?

From the article:

Boehner blamed President Barack Obama's economic stimulus package and Democratic tax policies for the high unemployment rate, which rose to 9.8 percent in the government's latest monthly report issued earlier in the day.

So all the years of outsourcing, off-shoring, poor terms of trade, union busting, and destroying construction via the housing bust with deregulation of Wall Street has nothing to do with the current unemployment rate? Only the last two years of Obama's efforts to are to blame? Boehner goes on to say:

"The lame-duck Congress should do the right thing and vote immediately to cut spending and stop all the tax hikes," he said in a written statement. "If they don't, the new House majority will in January."

What a load of populist chicken crap! These ignorant sound bites are only possible because so many voters have been dumbed down. The truth is there is very little discretionary spending to cut. The only way to reduce spending is to research why things are increasing in cost in the first place.

Also, we will see the new Teapublican congress fail miserably at creating jobs. They don't have a friggin' clue what to do, and even if they did, many economists don't think anything will work.

As for tax "cuts" or "hikes," this is just more of the same spin. The legislation jammed down our throats under reconciliation will either "expire" or be "extended" in part or in whole.

Also, you may note that Republicans aren't concerned about the loss of revenue and effect on deficits when it comes to protecting the rich. But extending unemployment insurance benefits needs to be paid for. This is the biggest hypocritical inconsistency from Republicans yet--and there are so many it's hard to choose.

All of you spouting the Republican crap talk have to come to a realization next year, the Republicans in congress only care about one thing. How much money will the rich corporate interests put in their pockets for the campaign in 2012?

The Republicans coming into office in January have already said that they will continue to vote against, health care for everyone, education, extensions for UI, social security, medicare, and tax cuts for those who earn under 250,000 dollars.The Republicans are the ones who DO NOT GET IT.

Nevermind that a 9.8% (really ~20%) unemployment rate is by itself clear proof that the tax cuts for the wealthy has not created jobs.

And yet the Republicans are successfully twisting that fact into a dirty falsehood on behalf of their rich buddies. Meanwhile the Democrats continue to let these GOP Lions, lie, cheat, and steal from the Middle Class.

It may be about time to get out of this country before it completely implodes on itself, and turns into a desolate third world country. I guarantee you that is the master plan of the top 2%. Ride this whore 'til she's broke, and then go leave the easy life on some paradise island far from here.

GM Ross.

Under Obama, most of the richest of the rich lost on average about 20% of their wealth. Some lost up to 50% of their wealth (middle class to rich). Some gained anyhow – I checked most of those who increased their wealth supported Obama in 2008.

Those who lost their jobs not only lost the 20% average on investments, but end up taking a job at 75% of what they are making before. Pelosi and Frank are real comedians when the say unemployment stimulates the economy. Unemployment is maybe less than half of the net pay you got under legitimate productive jobs. I would think that someone working at $21 per hour stimulates the economy a whole lot more than someone receiving $7.00 hr for a workweek looking for a job, scrambling to make ends meet or sitting on their arses.

What you have is the Richest friends of the Democrats getting richer while everyone else is losing ground. Under the Republicans – everyone moved forward – until finance collapsed – The collapse was from Democrats and Establishment Republicans claiming nothing was wrong with Freddie and Fannie – and giving loans to people who had no proof they could ever pay them back. Why? -It’s all about getting re-elected. Giving homes to people who couldn't afford them pleased the "intelligencia" and poor people and made them more likely to vote for those who championed the give-away.

DBAkron, check out the quotes that have come out of Republican mouths in the past month and then come back and tell me how much the Republicans care about America, if you can.

Republican Party = Evil Empire or Axis of Evil. Remember this in 2012. In fact we need to circulate this just like Reagan did when he compared the Soviet Union to Evil Empire! Make this stick to the Republican Party like superglue!

For all you jackass Republicans out there - please tell me of a specific "Obama" policy that has had an immediate impact or effect on you, your friends, your business or in business in general. You can't - because nothing has had time to take effect. So you're just blowing hot air as usual and blame Obama for every damned thing your party and your president "Bush" has done. You have a hard time accepting the fact that there is a "Black" man serving as President. I know. I call this my "Angry White Republican Male Profile" because I hear it everyday from middle aged (40 - 50 y/o) white males, who are conservative republicans and supposedly "Christian." They all say the same damned shlt - calling the President of the United States the "N" word, talk about his wife and kids as though they're not human, blaming him for everything that's wrong with America today. For example, my former general manager, would say some of the wierdest crap about Obama....how Obama has caused his business to fail etc. Never once accepting any responsibility for not reviewing important information. Anyhow, my former boss is 46 or 47 and from the southeast, goes to church when it's convenient, and every derogatory comment that can be said about Obama spews from his mouth. Oh yeah...did I tell you that he's white too. His friends that stop by the office and socialize say the same things. They are also typical of the "Angry White Republican Male Profile." Anyhow, listen to "Boner" and you'll see that he and the vast majority of the Republican Lawmaking body are white and angry. Their tone, body language, and actions are in plain view for everyone to see and indicates a deep hatred. The funny thing is, this is what we voted into office - more of the same.

For those of you that are unhappy with Obama, I'll say this - I am a white male, 37, military veteran, married, two kids, highschool educated, some college and still attending, and a former Republican. I'm Independent now and where social issues are concerned, I vote Democrat and where Defense and the Military is concerned, I vote Republican. I am a realist and all I have left to say is that Obama is doing a damned - awesome job and the rest of you knuckleheads better wake up and smell the aroma - because Republican bull-shlt is stinking up the place!

GendoIkari - to put your comment into better perspective. The Bush tax cuts have yet to expire and in the last 6 years - job loss is all that has occurred.

For the rest of you, the rich don't spend money on innovation and job creation - they spend it on houses (first, second and tertiary), boats, jet's, big party's, vacations and put the rest in savings. So while you're in your house eating corn or rice everyday - remember the rich bastard that's eating the 2 inch thick steak with red wine. Remember when you become rich, what it was like to live poor, before you decide that you need to become richer at the expense of the people who put you in that position in the first place.

I'm going to say this again ... I doubt you'll listen because you're still in denial over the November election. I'm middle class, I own a business, and I pay a truck load of taxes ... that said, I don't want anyone's taxes increased. I don't care if they are 'richer' than me. I don't care whether they're poorer. I don't even care whether they're George Soros rich (who supports the left and offshore's his wealth to avoid taxes). Unless you've actually run a business and have tried to figure out how much money you're really going to have to operate next year, you have no idea how the Federal government's indecision on tax policy, monitary policy, and new regulation in the form of this new Health Care act has screwed the pooch. Do you think these new jobs just materialize out of some left wing wish list? You can't print them like you do money or lie them into existance like the Health Care Act.

I'm in business to ... ready for this??? ... MAKE MONEY. I'm proud of it, too! When I can make enough money to expand ... I hire. Right now ... not worth the risk! You can thank Nancy, Harry, and the big O. This is NOT a Socialist country.

Glad to see some common sense beginning to prevail on these boards. The Republican position on the tax cuts and unemployment is ludicrous. I just wish we could have gotten more Dems and common sense Indies to fired up before this last election.

I urge everyone, regardless of your position, to read the article linked in this one "the tax cut debate by the numbers". http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2010/12/02/5567990-the-tax-cut-debate-by-the-numbers

This article didn't see a lot of comments, maybe because it was buried, but it puts the argument into perspective. Many who take the Republican position on tax cuts, really have no clue what real money we're talking about here. It's minuscule for the wealthy who see themselves as middle class. If you make a half million dollars, the Democrats approach will cost you a very small increase. It won't break your back. And those small businesses that truly are small businesses won't go broke because of this minor increase. As some have deftly pointed out, we're talking about taxing a slightly larger portion of your profits, not your total receipts.

I know a couple "small business" owners who earn less than half a million dollars profit and employ a couple dozen people. These guys don't even know what they pay in taxes now, but "know it's too much!" They think the proposed change will "eat up all their profit", but have no idea what it is. When I put on paper for one of these guys, that his tax burden would increase a grand total of $9,500, he said "That can't be right. Surely it's way more than that! And besides the tax they're going to charge me for health care will kill me." Then I pointed out that he wouldn't be paying his perceived tax on health care for his employees and again he said, "That can't be right, that's not what I heard." When I asked him where he heard this, he would not answer but replied with. "It's only common sense, everybody knows the Democrats are about taxing your ass off if you're a businessman." This guy is an idiot. I've seen many things he's done to leave a lot of potential profit on the table by doing stupid things. He's a guy who has managed to make a lot of money in spite of himself. And there's a lot like him. We see many of them posting on this board.

I'm all for helping small business and I'd support appropriate incentives, but I struggle with calling businesses earning a million dollars and more as small business. Many that have been categorized as so called small business make multi-millions in profits. They file as sub chapter S because of it's advantages. Real small businesses that collectively employ a lot of people are making less than a million dollars. We should have incentives to help these guys create jobs right now, but not straight tax cuts. The problem is the guys who are the most concerned about this potential tax increase are the multi-million dollar and billion dollar guys. Guys with very loud voices. Collectively they really don't employ that many people and regardless, they'll still be making multi-millions and billions of dollars profit even with the tax increase. Will they cut jobs to maintain their same high level of profit? Maybe. That would be the "patriotic American capitalist" approach wouldn't it? Tax cuts for the wealthy will not create jobs. Tax increases for the greedy could however, cost some jobs. But even in those cases, these guys already have their workforces cut to the bone. There's really very little likelihood they could cut much further and still meet their market demand. That would be stupid and only serve to cut their profits. But they could try to make a point by doing it, just to show how powerful they are. I wouldn't put it past some of these guys. It's hard to continue blackmailing the public if your threats are just a bluff.

Go back and read the other article. It really helps make this a no-brainer issue. Nobody really wants to pay more taxes, but at some point you need to do a reality check. Also, just look at what Gates, Buffet, Turner and a few other successful billionaires say. They think they pay way too small a tax and the middle class pays too much. These guys are real patriotic Americans who put a lot of their wealth back into the country and donate enormous funds for the betterment of others less fortunate. You may think they're stupid for doing it, but they've proved to be pretty successful.

I can't quite figure out what republicans hope to gain by running on lowering the deficit they created and then wanting the Bush tax break extended instead of trying to lower the deficit. They also want unemployment extended again as if this country can take in the hit of people bringing home over a million a year and getting a tax break and also supporting everyone through the recession they created. Bring back the same ideology that got us in this mess is going to bring down the deficit?

"Have your cake and eat it too" seems to be the idea here.

GM - every time the unemployment issue comes up - its over the same thing. The democrats CLAIM to be using PAYGO - but NEVER use that proclaimed policy on unemployment compensation. EVERY time they put where the money is coming from the bill passes as a bi-partisan effort.

IF Obama really understood all of economic history we would be teaming with new jobs. i.e. 1920-1922. There would be no need for unemployment benefit extentions would there?

GM - you are falling for Washington DC politics as usual.

Astonished - the Bush tax cut for the wealthy passed in 2003 raised the deficit $1.3 trillion. How dare any Republican or conservative complain about health care reform when the deficit skyrocketed under THEIR WATCH between 2001-2009?

That tax cut for the wealthy DID NOT CREATE JOBS. But under Clinton, with the tax rates higher, 23 million jobs were created and he handed Bush a budget surplus.

Are the two wars paid for yet?

Those are the facts.

My taxes haven't gone up either. Loosing your job to layoffs tends to reduce your tax bill

Joe-755363..........hate to be the one to tell you , but the "housing bubble" had lots of help from those already in Office before Obama . The head of the treasury and the fed both sided with big business and banking ...and the resoective lobbyist both used. They called for and got the de-regulation of the financial system that had protected this nation for years from the crooks in big business and their greed. Both parties voted the de-regulation out...as for the tax item, I have to wonder just who the republicans are really for..by tying up the congress nothing gets done. These people were not elected to play games.for neither party....but that seems to be their biggest deal, playing games . As for extending the tax breaks for the wealthy...they are extending them for themselves just as much.

IF Obama really understood all of economic history we would be teaming with new jobs. i.e. 1920-1922. There would be no need for unemployment benefit extentions would there?

GM - you are falling for Washington DC politics as usual.

No I haven't fallen for anything, I am a real pragmatist when it comes to politics. The thing is you and your conservative friends have fallen for the one liners coming out of the mouths of Boehner and McConnell.

Yes, there was a boom during the 1920's that lasted until 1929 and that is when the GREAT DEPRESSION STARTED. We didn't see the end of the depression until the end of WWII which was in 1945. During the war we had 100% employment because if you weren't off fighting in the war you were making weapons to be used in the war.

Don't try to trade history with me you will lose. The only reason Republicans like Ike did well during their terms is because they created things like the highway system which created jobs. The reason Bush failed so badly as president is because he forgot this rule, you have to create jobs if you are going to have a successful presidency. The obstructionist attitude of the Republicans at this time is incredible these Republicans that are in office now make the Republican Party during the Hoover era look tame in comparison, and I believe the only reason is because we have a black president in the White House, they cannot stand that and they will do anything to end it. ANYTHING!!!!!!!

skeptic,

Not much value in retorts to your left wing chatter ... it's more blah, blah, blah from that side. Of course you spin the facts the way you want to see it, and I could respond with a set of facts and so on and so on ...

I stand by my statement, lowering taxes isn't preventing any reduction of the deficit, we have enough taxes ... what wew don't have is fiscal discipline. The facts are that you opposed the wars, yet the Dems have continued both of them ... wonder why that is? The facts are that the Bush Administration only increased the debt by a little over 500 Billion until the financial collapse in August 2008. And even if I agreed with your $1.5 Trillion in eight years, it doesn't justify a $4Trillion 'double down' in the first TWO years of the Obama Administration. Actually, the last $700 billion of the Bush Admin AND the last $4 trillion came under Democrat controlled Congress. Hmmmmm!

... But to my point. Raising taxes as punishment for sucesss doesn't doesn't help the economy. I'm proud of those 'richer' than me (and that's a HECK of a lot!). I don't find fault with their success nor do I covet their wealth. Instead I aspire to become like them. On the other hand, I do dispise the growth of Federal, State, and Local government spending, the resulting debt, and impact that has on our economy.

... take the class warfare crap and send it back to Europe where it came from!

Astonished-655682
"""""""".......lowering taxes isn't preventing any reduction of the deficit, we have enough taxes ... what we don't have is fiscal discipline.

Raising taxes as punishment for sucesss doesn't doesn't help the economy""""""""

Great statements!!! Well said!!!

Also....may I borrow this analogy?

Sure... go for it. Maybe it will sink in somewhere. :)

Like figuring out whose ass to kick? As heard in all 57 states.

Uh, Follow? There are only fifty states, the last time I looked.

You're right. Trouble is BO didn't know that. Where have you been for the last 3 years. Those are infamous BO quotes and yes he did say both.

You acknowledge that new members will be sat next month, yet demand to know where the jobs are at....you do not see a flaw in your logic? Also, it will take some time to reverse the Keynesian circle-jerk that Mr. Obama et. al. imposed on the economy. Regardless, Mr. Obama has tremendous power to circumvent congressional efforts to better the economy through his regulatory appointments and Executive Orders.

Casey,

You mean the appointments the Senate Republicans have filibustered, or the stimulus plans they filibustered?

JM: Federal jobs don't count as they are paid for by taxes.

If the present Bush tax cuts are still in effect, and the unemployment rate is as high as it is, can someone explain as to why would we want to extend them again? I'm not criticising, I just don't think they work as intended, unless I'm missing something. Thanks.

One would think that with all the time Boehner has had on his hands the last 2 years, he and his yes-men would have a jobs plan completely put together - and he would now be selling that plan to the American people. Is the Republican jobs plan ready to pass the House in January? Where's the plan, Boehner??

Boehner said, for all the country to see, that he would extend the tax cuts to the middle class regardless. He said that even if a bill came through that did not include those making over $250,000, he would still vote "yes" on it. He was very clear on this - no mincing words or being taken out of context. He confidently told the American people that he would vote "yes."

Boehner voted "no." Boehner is a complete and total liar. Fox'n'Freaks can spin it however they want, but a lie is a lie. (I'll cut Boehner a little slack - there's a good chance that he was completely loaded when he said he would vote "yes" and forgot the whole speach at the podium when he sobered up....). Let's all pray that he spends his holiday vacation at Betty Ford before he actually tries to do some work.

If corporate America is less "uncertain" given Republican gains in the elections, why aren't they hiring?

It seems the gains by the Republicans have led to more uncertainty.

Shockedanddisgusted: The agenda is still controlled by Pelosi. Boehner is currently in the minority in the House.

Pete,

The Bush tax cuts were in effect when he got unemployment down to 4.6%. Since Obama and the radical left in congress have increased it to 9.8% in just four years, it isn't the tax cuts that are the issue.

When you call profits evil, when you vilify CEO's constantly, when you add all kinds of new regulations, mandates, and taxes, when you don't even bother to talk to the chamber of commerce, business understandably runs for the hills.

Running $1.3 trilion deficits year after year and printing $600 billion to pay for it, leading to a weak dollar, aren't exactly success bell ringers either.

Go where, USA? So, unless Boehner has complete control, he doesn't have to come up with anything???? Why isn't he spending this lame duck session telling the American public exactly what his plan is while completely assuring us that it will go to a vote on the House floor as their first order of business in January. What is the plan? Where is the plan? I would be willing to bet that, if it was a good plan, he would be able to get plenty of Democrats to vote for it and put it on the agenda even now!

It was very obvious that you avoided comment about the little Boehner lie. Is that Reid and Pelosi's fault, too? Why did Boehner lie to us, "Go"? Do you even know that he did???

Since you love America (I'm assuming that, since you named yourself "Go USA"), I'm very curious as to why you would throw your support behind a man that lies and has no plan?

Phil,

I just can't see the logic for continuing tax cuts to lower the unemployment rate if it's not working now.

Much of the deficits are from the Iraq/Afgan wars, which are way beyond the original estimate of $500 million, and also the result of the housing collapse, from when prices escalated in 2003-8. We have to pay, no way around it.

Not only have the Bush tax cuts been in effect but so have the Obama Make Work Pay Tax Cuts. Still know jobs & record unemployment.

GoUSA - "Federal jobs don't count as they are paid for by taxes."

Then Blackwater jobs don't count - they're paid for by taxes.

Boeing jobs don't count - they're paid for by taxes.

GM jobs don't count - they were paid for by taxes.

Oil industry jobs don't count - they're paid for by taxes.

Military jobs don't count - they're paid for by taxes.

Baseline, there are a LOT of jobs in America that are supported by taxes, both in and out of the "public" sector. The person processing Medicare claims is just as "employed" as the claims processor at your "private" insurance company - and both probably cost you just about the same amount out of your tax bill.

You wait until the GOP starts cutting all the "government" jobs (which are about the only ones left) - the unemployment rate will be 15% in no time.

derailed two years and where are the jobs and where is the economy oh yeah it has sunk.

Real first off has it ever occured to you the tax payers pay for those jobs?

Has it ever occured to you the tax payers cannot pay for those jobs?

Has it ever occured to you future genrations are paying for those jobs?

For every government job the privet sector does not pay for can be replaced by privet sector jobs.

privet sector jobs are NOT a liability government jobs are a liability.

This country is running far to much red ink (government jobs)

This country needs to run alot more blue ink privet sector jobs.

Privet sector jobs are a asset!

Government jobs are a liability!

No matter how many liabilities you add they will still always be negative math.

Really i cant wait until those cuts come and the tax cuts too the economy will start coming to life again.

The people voted for the republicans for that reason.

JM, GWB appointed 39 people to 27 open judgeships that were blocked or filibustered. The door swings both ways. I believe, but I'd have to look a little further, that after 8 years in office he still had appointments he couldn't get through? Also, recess appointments are used by Presidents of both parties. What you have is 40 good Republican Senators that know how to do things and 60 Democratic Senators that can't get anything done. I'd criticize the 60 before I'd jump on the 40.

follow the yellow....

GREAT POINT! (you think JM wil get it?)

Yellow....I'm not sure if you are aware...at the end of your road there is a little guy behind a curtain pushing the buttons on a machine that creates your entire illusion.

Just a hint. The story is about the House of Representatives, not the Senate. In your country of green women cackle at flying monkeys, the two may be the same. In the Untied States' Congress, the two are quite seperate. How does your comment about the Senate relate to what does or does not pass the House?

Can you tell me why Boehner (he's the guy that will be Speaker of the House in January...he's not in the Senate) lied to the American public? How does that apply to recess appointments? I'm still on my first cup of coffee, but I just can't figure out how your comment is relevant. Will you clear that up for me? Glen Beck has the day off, so you'll have to fly solo. Sorry.

That was a direct reply to post 3.2, nothing more, nothing less. He brought it up. I answered it. If somebody is off track, tell him about that.

You say "in my country"? In this country, a bill, any bill, must pass both houses and be signed by the President to become law. If it fails either house, it'll go for compromise and if it can't be worked out it goes nowhere! You do understand that, don't you? These blogs have a tendency to go all over the place. We have "green women that cackle at flying monkeys". They'll love that one. I hope they don't read what you said.

Point taken, yellow. Sorry about that. (more coffee has helped....)

I would still like your opinion about the Boehner lie. I can not understand why he said he would vote to extend the tax cuts - even if the bill did not include an extension of the cuts to the over-$250,000 wage earners, and then he voted no. Why coudn't he have been honest in the first place?

Shocked the answer is simple, Boehner is a Republican!!lolol

Hey, now....You started it with the yellow brick road...

That post of mine was pretty testy and concescending. My apologies again...I should never read the news when I first wake up.

First, Boehner didn't lie at all. If you look at his written and videoed statement on Politico, He said he would accept a middle class cut only----IF HE HAD NO OTHER CHOICES. Well, he has choices. As a matter of fact, he and the Repubs and BO are close to a compromise now. Thing is----can it get through the house under Pelosi's watch? If it doesn't, it'll get shelved until 1/2/11 or later.

Pete I can tell you from first hand experience that my husband's unemployment check is taxed. If the tax cuts are not extended he will pay even higher taxes and then we would get practically nothing in the check. So what would the point even be in having it?

If it was not for my husband's military retirement check and my own paycheck we would be living on the street. Now think about what would happen to the ones who don't have that to fall back on?

I don't understand why they even tax the unemployment check. That to me is absurd. Do they tax the welfare checks? I don't know the answer to that because I have never received one to find out.

I wonder how many people realize that the "make work Pay" program also expires Dec 31? Even if the Bush cuts are extended Everyone under the 75G single and 150G married range get a tax increase.

dixie - add to that people who lost their jobs and had a 401K loan. If they couldn't pay the loan off, that becomes income that is taxed and also penalized 10% for withdrawing funds early from the 401K.

Unemployment is about 50% or less than your employed net pay - then you have to pay tax on it if you exceed $2500 in benefits received.

Then there is one other punishing effect of unemployment. If you are able to find some part time work - when you exceed the allowable amount of work, your weekly benefit is decreased in some proportion to what you worked. Because you received less that week, you will have some benefit left over when your stated period is over. What ever remains because of decreases for working, you can still claim, but will not receive a full check, only the Remaining. Before you go to another tier, you have use the leftover up. It's hard to pay bills on unemployment much less an even smaller amount.

Amen.

All those new taxes, mandates, and regulations are a tax on business. Businesses don't pay corporate taxes, we do. Ergo, they are tax increases on us. Do you honestly think we were too dense to figure that out?

Everybody pays for corporate taxes, including the poor, they are extremely regressive. Even if you pay zero in federal taxes, you pay the higher prices corporations have to charge to recoup their increased expenses. Try taking a business 101 class.

If you think this year was bad, just wait until all the Obamacare mandates start Jan. Again, they implemented the good stuff before the election and the bad stuff after. Do you honestly think we wouldn't figure that out? Nov 2 proved otherwise.

Nov didn't really prove anything, it was a very close race in a lot of states, and the only reason a lot of states when red is because of 2006 and 2008 when a lot of traditionally red states went blue and are now going back red. No surprises there, it's the nature of politics to swing back and forth. Because in reality nothing gets done and whoever is in power isn't much more than an elected scape goat. The current polls actually are AGAINST most of the crap the republicans are already fighting for. People want jobs not health care repeal. 44% of people want tax cuts JUST for the middle class while only 40% want them for all. You don't have the right to go around speaking as if you are speaking for everyone because you aren't, not even close.

New CNN poll out today has 51% wanting tax cuts for the middle class only and 26% for everyone.

Hmmm Republicans, I wonder what the will of the people is.

Corporate tax rates are currently at their lowest level (measured as a percentage of GDP) since the 1930's. Has all that tax cutting helped the average American? Hell no - they just jacked their CEO's pay up to 531 times the average workers' salary, offshored the jobs and maxxed out their bonuses and dividends.

Corporate profits hit a record $1 trillion last quarter. Where are the jobs? That alone is iron-clad proof that trickle-down economics doesn't work. THANKS, GOP!!!

Rick what good will tax cuts do for people who make under 250.000 when their bosses will no longer be able to afford them?

Of course they are holding back jobs and money they dont know what their taxes will be.

They cannot think like a moron and say oh my taxes didnt go up yet.

They have to think into the future and take tax threats seriously.

Don't worry this whole country will be thanking the gop when the corporations let go of that money in privet sector jobs and wont be giving it to the government instead.

Government jobs = LIABILITY

Privet sector jobs = ASSET

I guess alot of the liberals never thought the people of this country could brain all of that addition and subtraction out LOL!

Its easy the majority of the people learn subraction and addition before they go to school.

Go on democrats keep terrorizing the people of this country with one bad polacy after another I welcome the day you set a record in this country.

The least amount of democrats ever in office in 2012.

They should be seized by the numbers they were driving this truck and have reaped the benefits..251 repubs in congress are millionaires ---many of them in the last decade!

Disgusting hypocrites and liars!

There's also statistical data that indicates that Clintons tax increase spurred more job growth than tax cuts by Bush.

Sure Mike... The Clinton term was a disaster until he wised up after the mid-terms.. and finally followed Gingrich's lead...

Newt got more of his agenda passed than bubba did. Remember how bubba kept waffling about how many yrs we take to balance the budget. Newt stood firm and it happened even faster than newt thought.

bs,

None of newt's agenda got out of the Senate. He did nothing. The Republicans did nothing. You're just another BS Moron.

bs,

We balanced the budget because of the dot com craze. Unless you're now saying Newt invented the internet.

Ok, that's it. Where have the moderators gone on newsvine. Both sides seem to ignore the code of honor. I'm getting sick of the name calling on both sides. If you don't agree with someone, fine, but stop acting like spoiled brats and stop with the name calling.

Boehner's no Newt Gingrich just like Obama's no Bill Clinton. Clinton and Gingrich and Dole and Lott knew they had to compromise to achieve anything, and were willing to do so. I don't see any compromise coming from Boehner or McConnel. Just the same tired partisan rhetoric because it's all they need to do to get re-elected, which is their only real goal. (In the interest of bipartisanship, I don't hear any compromise from Pelosi or Reid, either).

Joe, I completely agree here, where normally we disagree. I am disappointed by the reluctance for the Republicans to compromise, but at the same time, I think a lot of it stems from Pelosi, Reid and Obama's refusal to compromise over the last two years. Obama has come around but Pelosi and Reid haven't, as evidenced by them scheduling the votes on tax cuts while the President is in the midst of negotiations.

STL... you don't know crap. It is amazing every time I read where you people say that the Dems are the ones not reaching out. Please okay, the Reps since they found out that Pres Obama and the Dems win in Nov. 2008, have even came out to be the party of "NO" even on things that make sense. Tell me what party voted against rape victims on the Dem Franken's Law. Tell me also why the Reps voted against the Stimulus and then beg for money and held news conferences holding up big Stimulus checks with their name on them. Some Reps even put Stimulus jobs on their freaking websites.

The Dems are the ones looking out for people who need it more

Also tell me have you seen any House Dem member standing upon a roof holding and waving the "Don't Tread of Me Flag". Well have you ?

Democrats have owned congress of four years and the white house for two. Who has prospered? Unions, government workers, banks, and wall street. Who has suffered? The lower and middle class.

Please tell me, do you really think we are stupid enough to believe democrats are looking out for the American people? The voters sure didn't buy it.

Valhalla if they are prospering so much, why is everything talking about this recession thing. No the middle class has been failing since Reagan started the whole "trickle down" thing. It doesn't work and it never will. Under a normal capitalist society the spread of wealth creates economic activity, but that stopped happening when we gave unfair advantage to the upper class. They used that power to deregulate and get more power, then we started seeing the rampant misuse of credit for the last 20 years. All that really did was give the illusion of prosperity for the middle class while wages in fact remained and still are stagnant. But corporations and the rich got richer. Why is it that current CEOs make like 10000 to 1 income inbalance to the average worker, 20 years ago it was only like 100 to 1. A CEO in a current American company makes more before lunch that most of the company workers make all year.

Val.... a typical rant of the hate from you Reps and Indeps against the Union. I bet deep down inside your soul you want a Union back job. See my wife has one and loves it. She has been at it for the last 4 years and loves it like she loves me. You also do know that Reps are Unions too. Do you think that only Dems hold Union jobs. I know a few from my wife's work place.

The funny thing is while you Reps and Indeps cry how bad the economy is and yes it is bad, it is moving in the right direction under the Dems control. Now that is the freaking truth.

Phil, would you stop with your constant stream of partisan horsesh**? the economy tanked because it was built on the fantasy housing bubble and relentless borrowing of money. it wan't "the democrats" and it wasn't "the republicans". Democrats didn't create the housing bubble and didn't force Wll Street to engage in fraudulent lending. And republicans certainly did not do anything to help during the years they dominated the government.

Get your mind out of the partisan toilet.

So John of Orange, if this Bush tax cut you speak of increases jobs and increases business hiring, why is it the Bush years had none of either? * years of tax cut for the top 2% and no increases in jobs or business, just addition of 700 billion to the deficit. So the cut spending tea baggers fall in line with these deficit ballooning tax cuts , and NO MONEY FOR THE UNEMPLOYED. Yep John of Orange is right on target, hope all his little supporters that are now with out unemployment are happy they voted for him, so the rich and big business have a friend in congress.

Republicans continuously whine about the Dems refusal to compromise. To a Republican, compromise looks like giving them everything they want. The Dems have compromised the teeth out of every bill that has been passed. Anything in the Health Care Reform that would have benefitted me was compromised away. Anything in the Financial Regulation bill that would have benefitted the consumer was compromised away. Now anything in the extension of the Bush tax cuts that would have benefitted the economy is about to be compromised away. And STILL the Republicans whine that the Dems never compromise and still the gullible voters vote against their own interests. It's no wonder the country is spiraling down the drain.

Not a single tear, not one for the unemployed they think we don't want to work.

You want to know what put us where we are today?

Income inequality in the United States is at an all-time high, surpassing even levels seen during the Great Depression, according to a recently updated paper by University of California, Berkeley Professor Emmanuel Saez. The paper, which covers data through 2007, points to a staggering, unprecedented disparity in American incomes. On his blog, Nobel prize-winning economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman called the numbers "truly amazing."

Though income inequality has been growing for some time, the paper paints a stark, disturbing portrait of wealth distribution in America. Saez calculates that in 2007 the top .01 percent of American earners took home 6 percent of total U.S. wages, a figure that has nearly doubled since 2000.

As of 2007, the top decile of American earners, Saez writes, pulled in 49.7 percent of total wages, a level that's "higher than any other year since 1917 and even surpasses 1928, the peak of stock market bubble in the 'roaring" 1920s.'"

Beginning in the economic expansion of the early 1990s, Saez argues, the economy began to favor the top tiers American earners, but much of the country missed was left behind. "The top 1 percent incomes captured half of the overall economic growth over the period 1993-2007," Saes writes.

Despite a rising stock market, largely growing employment and a historic housing boom things were not nearly so rosy for the rest of U.S. workers. This trend, according to Saez, only accelerated during the George W. Bush's tenure as President:

"...while the bottom 99 percent of incomes grew at a solid pace of 2.7 percent per year from 1993-2000, these incomes grew only 1.3 percent per year from 2002-2007. As a result, in the economic expansion of 2002-2007, the top 1 percent captured two thirds of income growth."

This amazing gulf between the rich and the rest of us is the direct result of GOP policies. If we continue to buy their BS, we're not going to have anything left to buy it with.

Clinton didn't wise up until he got a republican majority. Just like now. I have little faith in Obama he is definatly not a clinton. If the democrats do not relent on the tax cuts for everyone even more democratic heads will roll in the next two years.

I look forward to more spankings for the stubborn democrats.

If you didnt get the messege yet you will in the next two years.

I gaurendamtee ya that.

I do love the saying of the hard core liberal. My taxes didnt go up but really nobody cares about you and your taxes they care about the future taxes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They cannot live in the past!

It never occurs to the liberal brain that higher taxes cause higher prices or that higher taxes loose jobs or that corporations dont pay taxes they collect them from YOU!

You cant pry it into a liberals head because they are on the greedy end of the crap stick of take and never give.

I know that this will never reach the brain cells of the living dead.

People who hire and fire people in the taxable privet sector plan their fiscal year on the incomming fiscal year and not the past.

The strutting peacock gop are forgetting that they won VERY LITTLE AND WOULD BE NOWHERE without the baggers...The baggers got the votes the gop just tagged along and hijacked the enthusiasum...They are not rated higher than the Dems even now! The people do not want [polls] what they are selling for their millionaire corporate owners!

MSNBC is pushing the republican lies this morning about tax cuts--cut it out! call them out!

Russ: I hope you'll forgive me for repeating myself but here goes: they have us exactly where they want us. The working class who aren't begging for a minimum wage/no benefit job are working twice as hard for the same or less pay and not complaining for fear they'll be next in the line for their "big, windfall, living-high-on-the-hog-off-the-taxpayer's-back" couple of hundred dollar unemployment check. This is one of the paybacks to the corporations who keep them in their country clubs, yachts and second or third homes. A hostage workforce . Sure, next let's eliminate minimum wage. Then labor laws. And if $7.25 per hour cuts into your profits too much, let's reward you for sending jobs overseas by letting you pay zero in taxes on your multi-million or billion dollar bonus, on the faint hope that instead of taking that big bonus, you'll create a couple more minimum wage jobs. The bottom line is that they are accomplishing what they were bought and paid to do.

Well said! It is about to get worse for the average man.

Bush and republican congress 4.6% unemployment

Obama and democrat congress 9.8% unemployment

You lie.

Yup, Phil, keep spewing that crap, if it makes you feel better. Just proves you have no grasp on anything except Glen Beck's little charts. It's a good thing for you they're small, compact, and not too much reading or economic comprehension, just like your post.

Amen Russ.

Phil the little GOP cheerleader: Clinton presidency 20 million jobs created fiscal sanity. Bush presidency 4.5 million jobs created all of them lost in the recession, fiscal insanity.

Yo Phil-pot From Beckistan;

You for got something, or well you used the Beck way of using facts. So just what was the unemployment rate at the END of GWB term? Oh you used the incoming number, thats nice, seemed to forget the whole 8 years od bozos term.

2008 jobless rate; June 5.6, July 5.8, Aug 6.2, Sept 6.2, Oct 6.6, Nov 6.8, Dec 7.2, Jan 7.6 2009. See a pattern that GWB didnt see? Don't you just hate facts.

Phil is another Republican HACK please ignorehim he obviously only listens to glen beck

American workers are the most "productive" in the world, and productivity increased another 2.3% last quarter.

And what, exactly, IS productivity? More work by the workers for NO MORE MONEY. No more for them, that is - that 2.3% was tacked onto the record corporate profit of $1 trillion last quarter.

When are the corporations and their rich shareholders going to start sharing some of that productivity with those who earned it for them? Obviously, they're not going to do it voluntarily, so I agree with Warren Buffett that they're obligated to pay it as taxes.

Carter 1980 unemployment 7.4% Reagan 23 months later 10.8% 11/1982.

The other half of that job creation formula is for workers to have the skills for the jobs being created here. We're not creating 3rd world jobs here anymore. Check the want ads. They're full of openings for SKILLED jobs, not dishwashers or liberal arts majors. This approach works great. I got a great job in the middle of a recession but had to take a pay raise. ;) Invest in yourself, not in your govt.

Let's just say that increased economic activity and new jobs have a better chance without tax increases than with tax increases. Can we agree on that? Pulling money from the free market can not help.

Really? Liberal arts majors? Like carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other tradesmen, bookkeepers and other clerical support staff, etc. Those kind of third world jobs? I don't know where you are, but the only jobs in my local paper are RNs, physicians, and commission-only sales clerks. You're a bit condescending for someone who knows everything. I detect a bit of bs myself.

But tax cuts work when people spend, or invest, in ways that support or create industry (the generic term) in the U.S. Currently most of the tax cut money we're talking about does not do that.

Buying a German made car does almost nothing for our economy, nor do Hong Kong suits. In economic terms volume counts for much more than single item cost.

Much of the investment that is discussed is going to companies that show the largest return on investment, in this era that means cutting wages and benefits, or just off-shoring. Those who do so are given large bonuses for making the 'tough decisions' the rest of us...not so lucky.

Remenber during those great Bush years real wages for most Americans fell while productivity increased a real first for laissez-faire.

Trickle down theory. Didn't work for Reagan, didn't work for Dumbya, and isn't working today.

The US became the worlds most powerful economy in the late 40s- early 70's with an upper tax rate between 70% and 40%. We also had strong labor unions to ensure the family wages necessary for a strong middle class and a strong social services system to protect the vulnerable.

Beginning with the "Regan revolution" The upper tax rate plummeted to an absurd low of 28%. The national debt skyrocketed, increasing in real dollars and against GDP under every GOP president since Nixon. As Republican policies and corporate outsourcing reduced the influence of Organized Labor, Real wages for the middle class stagnated or fell, even as the wealthiest saw their incomes rise dramatically. As a result, our ranking among world economies continues to fall, most notably against countries with strong "socialist" ideology.

The right would have you believe that somehow, our debt problems can be attributed to "runaway spending", somehow ignoring the fact that GOP policies caused tax revenues to plummet while at the same time increasing the need for social services with their near constant war against the interests of the middle class.

The ONLY WAY we as a country have any hope of returning to our former level of prosperity is to remove all aspects of the ruinous tax policies of the last three GOP presidents and return to the only idea that has been proven to work.....economic and tax policy that supports the MIDDLE CLASS rather that the handful at the top.

ding ding ding you win the prize

Greasemonkey - very good!!!!

Greasemonky, your point is absolutely correct except that the top marginal rates ranged from 71% to91% during that period. The huge drop initiated during the Reagan era can easily be linked to the long term slow down of the economy. The highest growth rates since 1973 have been around 3.5% with an average lower than that around 2.7% compared to the 4.5% AVERAGE 1945 - 1973 with the high at 6.5%!!

i guess 2 more yrs just so the unemployed can survive without the rich getting theirs (what they payed for in the election no taxes) the repubs will continue to hold the unemployed and the country hostage until the rich and wall street get what they payed for period. and the only reason bush era unemployment was low is because he sent every dam body off to war so thank you repubs and tea partier voters for this new batch of goverment theives

The answer is Reagan produced 20 million jobs by the end of his first year in Office. What has Obama created 2.5 million "Saved of Created". Reagan wins! By the way John F Kennedy cut taxes and also created jobs. There are Zero examples of raising Taxes and creating jobs it only stifles the economy.

You fail to take into account, Burger, that Obama helped stop the greatest economic disaster since the Great Depression.

He only created 2.5mil? Ok fine, how many did he save? If he didn't step in, and lets say 50% of the banks failed, and therefore 50% of Americans lost all their money along with their jobs...how about he saved 100mil jobs?

We kind of have to hypothesize because he stopped the cataclysm but please, try to think outside of the box just a little.

And coolidge avoided an even bigger one (according to economic indicates leading into it) and by leaving it alone, the idiot companies got the punishment they deserved and it was over so fast, most people never heard of it. FDR messed with what should have been a smaller recession and turned it into a 10 yr depression and we're still trying to deal with the unsustainable socialism he created.

Billy, and everyone thinking on the same lines, I agree, I just don't understand why people don't see this. It's sad. The problem here is not the politicians, but the American people who vote these hypocrites in.

Jon Prove it! How do you know that Obama "saved us". They should have let the free market fix itself. Yes there would have been pain but now the pain is paying for it.

BS Detector You are exactly correct!!

Reagan? You're kidding, right? The same guy who gave amnesty to illegal aliens so that his corporate backers had cheap labor in California?

BS,

Let's see in '32 when the bank failures really hit their stride, FDR took the reigns in March the rate that year was 23.6%, by '36 it was down to 16.9% then egged on by deficit hawks stimulus was replaced by savings and by '38 it was back up to 19%. Hmm the numbers are on the web, reality is a funny thing to blind believers.

Also as was the case recently it was the average Joe, not the 'idiot companies' that took it in the neck.

Remeber it was that famous Marxist-Leninist Theodore Roosevelt who warned of the dangers of the 'monied interests'.

The jobs that were created from the Reagan era thru the Clinton presidency and some of Bush's days in office were all because of credit card debt and rising home values (second mortgage debt, refi's, buying and selling homes at a profit). Our country did not grow any new production jobs, we did not do anything to add much to create sustainable wealth, all we did was create debt and it all came back to haunt us in the past few years. I missed adding wealth from having our wives leave the home and going to work. This is how we grew as a nation. Now that credit dried up, our home values dropped in half and more, we are broke, we have no money to spend, many of us are bankrupt and in foreclosure proceedings and have nowhere to turn. As a country we are in a Recession they say, but we are really in a deflationary period. Our Federal Reserve prints money 24/7 and until we come to grips with this we are kidding ourselves.

I find it fascinting when the FOX clones rip on FDR and always fail to mention that he was democratically elected the President of the United States four times. Bad presidents with bad policies do not get re-elected 3 times, kids...

Hmmm.....how many terms did Hoover serve?

burger, Clinton (along with Gingrich, Dole, and company) raised taxes and created 20 million jobs. your simple-minded economics model is full of holes.

Reagan's administration created 16.8 million jobs in 8 years, sounds great huh, Carter's created 10.8 in 4 years, Clinton's did 22 million in 8 years but the best are the two Bushes, who together in 12 years in office didn't create as many jobs as Carter did in 4. Reagan passed the two largest tax INCREASES in American history, in 1983 with the Social Security tax hike and in 1985, with a tax increase almost exclusively for the middle class. In addition there were two recessions during Reagan's 1981-83, and 1987- through the end of his term, remember the Wall Street crash of October 1987. Of the entire national debt of the United States, 3/4 of it is thanks to Reagan and the two Bushes. The Republicans have banned memory as un-american. Wall Street has always done better under Dems than republicans, and if you want to live like a Republican vote Democratic and make it emphatic.

Members of Congress contribute to Social Security and Medicare just like the rest of us and have since 1984.

Source: http://www.ssa.gov/history/hfaq.html

I like how they say that they will support the extension of unemployment ONLY if its paid for but yet wont bat an eyelash about borrowing money to pay for tax cuts to the top 2%.

They support business growth cuz that's where jobs come from. You're not going to get a job from the drunk in the alley.

All these richie rich upper 2% have seen their wealth grow drastically over the past 10 years, and I haven't seen any of them handing out jobs from the tax cuts. So BS, you are an idiot, and you need to quit spewing the lies from conservative entertainment.

Matty - The GOP has always been known as the pro-business party and business is where jobs come from.

Actually, the drunk in the alley does create jobs. If he has money he will spend it at the nearest convenience store, creating a job for the clerk. The beer/booze he is drinking will have to be transported to the store, creating a job for the truck driver. The beer/booze will have to be produced, creating a job for the guys at the brewery.

So yes, the drunk in the alley does create obs, and lots of them.

Think about it. How does a business grow? by having customers and getting more of them. But if your potential customers have no money to buy your services/goods, it does not matter how little you pay in taxes, you still won't grow your business. That's why entitlement programs and benefits are good for the economy. It puts money in the hands of people who will actually use it, thus creating demand, activity and growth.

Thats why I prefer to give the drunk in the alley my money instead of making sure Paris Hilton can buy some more shoes!

BS,

Are you blind, or just in a cocoon? Many of the unemployed were hard working and often well educated people whose only fault was that the company they worked for could get it cheaper in China. When they got booted, their savings got used up covering the differences between what they earned, and what their lives cost, unemployment has barely kept them afloat, so they aren't buying cars, or extra clothes, or much of anything that isn't related to the three basics.

Are you really heartless, or just ignorant?

My guess is that BS is being paid by someone to post the rhetoric of the right. A job is a job, I guess. I could be wrong, of course, but BS's posts do seem very scripted.

Mike: Tax cuts don't have to be paid for if spending is cut by the same amount. You see when the government allows people to keep what they have earned, they don't have an actual outlay of cash.

"Go"....Most of us understand that a ton of fat needs to be trimmed from the Federal Government. What does Boehner plan to cut? Why does he not lay down his plan before the American public, showing exactly where the cuts are are going to be and how much each will save and that they will all cover the 700 billion? Where's his plan? He doesn't have to be the Speaker to tell us what his plan is. What has he been doing for the last two years???

Bigger question. If the plan is to continue the disproportionate cuts to the wealthy by cutting spending elsewhere, why on earth did they not do this in 2003???? You agree that this is how it has to be done...so why did they not do it then?

And they (republicans) won't do anything they want the unemployment to be 20% or more so Obama will be a one term president didn't you get the MEMO?

The federal department of education administers a budget of $160 billion. Simplify the tax code, reducing the need for a mammoth size IRS would add a few billion. Of course, all and then some could be achieved by not funding Obamacare.

Spending cuts alone are not going to reduce the deficit. Need to let the tax cuts expire. This is probably the only thing that is going to put a dent in the deficit. The repubs are more interested in keeping their tax cuts and that of thier rich donors, than saving our country. It they shut down thegovernment again, it is going to wreck the world economy.

Karen - Only one party is even talking about reducing the deficit and that is the GOP. How do you see the GOP wanting the middle and lower income folks to pay? The bottom 50% of income tax filers paid less than $500 in taxes and many pay zero. Not following your logic.

But the GOP have done nothing about reducing the deficit. We don't have one per the GOP and we don't have to PAY for any of this. It's all smoke and mirrors from the GOP to just get elected. Then they whine and do basically nothing... as usual. We will see how they pay for the 2% Tax cuts to the wealthy. Funny, how they always ignore that question.

Indy - The DEMs have controlled the Congress for four years along with the WH for the last two. When are YOU going to ask THEM what they have done?

Rational...I realize they do not show it on FOX (so it must not be true), but the Democrats have been working on the deficit. Since you are so rational, maybe you can tell me how the Republicans plan to make up for the 700 billion in lost revenue.

Two wars and embarassingly disproprtional tax cuts for the wealthy went right into the deficit. The Republican leaders and all the FOX entertainers and paid guests launched a HUGE propaganda campaign to convince the American public that deficit spending is actually GOOD for the economy. Where you here for that?? Please, oh rational one, PLEASE explain to me again how the Republicans care about reducing the deficit when all they did the last time they had power was to increase it while telling the public that it is good economics!!

and please...tel me rationally....How is the Boehner of today any different than the Boehner of 4 years ago???

Rational.... and those Dems in control sure got the economy moving in the right directions. Also why are the Reps breaking all filibuster records. Just in Pres Obama 2 years, the Reps have used filibuster 160+ times. Pres Obama has hundred of thing that need to be sign but can't because of the Reps stopping him.

life - Easy answer. The GOP is breaking filibuster records b/c they have been shut-out of discussions on legislation. Past majority parties knew they needed to be inclusive to gain some support from the minority party. This Senate majority has taking a slammin' & jammin' approach until the Mass. Senate race stopped their freight train.

shocked - You ask, How is the Boehner of today any different than the Boehner of 4 years ago???

EVERY elected official, GOP & DEM, better be different. The American people spoke clearly in November. They want the economy getting better and they want deficits cut in the longer term.

thats a joke rite!

Skip - I would prefer to talk ideas but you apparently are more comfortable throwing stones. The DEMs have controlled the WH, the House and the Senate for the past two years (the entire Congress for the past four years). When do YOU start asking the DEMs what THEY have done for the economy?

The Democrats jpb and economic proposals were vetoed by Bush...who used 11 or his 12 vetoes in the 2 years of a Democratic congress.

RP

You can't have it both ways. If the 2% that got the 700 billion dollars in tax breaks GOT those tax breaks so they could "create jobs" where are they?

That's the lie of "trickle down" economic policies. In the good times there is a slow, very small and slow "trickle" but at the first sign of a downturn it gets turned off and FAST. Those that have, KEEP IT, and those who don't suffer greatly.

So, you want to give the upper 2% another 700 billion bucks so that "wealth can create wealth (jobs)" Show me the money, honey. Where are the jobs from the last 700 billion we gave them?

It all trickled up that's what happened.

Exactly!

Better chance for increased economic activity and more jobs with those dollars in the free market than taking them out. That is all I am saying. Give me your best arguement for job creation by pulling those dollars out of circulation as taxes.

Well, lemme see now...

The GOP campaigned during the last election cycle on "fiscal responsibility".

How is it fiscally responsible to continue to pay out 700 billion bucks we don't have?

Those bucks are NOT creating any jobs NOW. The latest employment report and those for the last several years show that pretty plainly.

Rational... you just don't get it. The rich does not and get this in that brain of yours, does not spend that money and doesn't use it to hire. I mean damn, it has been a decade and you and the rest of the Reps keep talking about those tax cuts for the top. You must be rich to keep spewing that crap. Let me tell you what the rich does, they hold onto their money to make all the "Forbes Richest List". There are more Millionaires and Billionaires. The rich got richer. Don't you understand that. For you to keep bring up those fail things, you must be rich yourself.

Hmmm....I know it's a silly question. Do you think Boehner and McConnell are a part of that group that makes over $250,000? We sure have a lot of nerve to expect them to pay fair taxes. Ah, The good ol' Republican motto. "Serve thyself first."

life - The rich do not spend their time on here arguing with folks that will not reason, so NO, I am NOT rich. I am below the $250,000 cut-off, but I still think. I will agree that the ultra rich do not run to Walmart and spend their tax sayings. So what do they do with it? They invest it and that can turn into jobs. Also, we have been reading lately how scores of the ultra wealthy are commotting to donating large portions of their wealth which does get spend and turn into jobs. Also, will you agree with me that there are a lot of people between $250,000 and the ultra wealthy that will consume any tax savings which drives jobs?

Rational, that's the theory but more jobs are created by demand than supply and the few people who are rich can't create enough demand to support a consumer economy, especially when they use the wealth to buy things that don't employ Americans, or ship the investments overseas.

Rational...can you please cite documented examples of how those over $250,000 invested their money and how that translated into more jobs over the last 7 years? You say you've read about it....would you mind sharing where you've read it with us lowly unreasonable types?

The big rich buy stocks and the pay only 15% on capital gains. They love outsourcing because it increases profits. Slave labor they love. The ceo of Disney made 600 million in salary and God knows what in bonuses while he had children in Haiti working for 12 cents an hour.

These corporate giants don't give a damn about our middle class are anyone else. I know there exceptions, but damn few. Banks,wall street and big corporations are destroying America and many have been brainwashed to support them. Our government has joined the pigs. Only pressure or force from the people will work. If we don't organize and act we will be in depression and chaos.

What I said that I have been reading about is the ultra wealthy committing to donating large quantities of their wealth to charitable causes.

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/40521/

Please explain how pulling money from the free market through higher taxes does anything at all good for creating jobs.

Rational......we are talking about jobs and you bring up Charities, which by the way, the rich get a tax-off credit for giving to the rich. You do know that. Me and my wife give to charities and every tax time, we get a tax-off for giving to a Charity. Giving to Charities give you a tax write-off

life - The question was - what do the wealthy do with tax savings and the answer - they spend it (not so much), they invest it and they give it away. Someone asked for documentation on giving it away. When charities get it, they spend it and that is support for job creation.

Rational Poster, how many jobs have been created in the past ten years? How many jobs have you seen created from the Bush tax cuts? I haven't seen any and I am still waiting.

Boehner were are the jobs??????

if you make over 250k you can afford it. I doubt you do...moron

Familydoc: Stay in medicine! Your post shows you know very little beyond that field.

FamilydocJ

Ha! Hard to blame someone who hasn't even touched the Gavel as Speaker of the House.

Never stopped your ilk from blaming Obama for TARP, the banking deregulation meltdown and a recession - even though he never touched the gavel.

He voted for TARP while a senator who was running for president.

Correct Go USA... and I believe that the meeting Obama and Bush had determined that his administration was responsible for 1/2 of it, while Bush was in charge of the other half.... I believe that is how it went...

The rest Mike mentioned...I don't recall anyone saying that...

Further cause un-employment? hello ask yourself this where are the jobs? oh oh oh I know they are getting outsourced to china, india, vietnam you know places like that.

Just you wait!! You'll get what you asked for!! Just let me know how it tastes when the repigs F you again!

Did you get what you asked for? Unemployment under 8%...

Whoa, doc. Did you really write "chumps"?? Chumps???? Wow....I thought people stopped using that word 50 years ago. Chumps? Oh shucky darn, doc. You're just trying to win us over to your side with your charm and eloquence, aren't you, you old shmoozer.

Has Boehner been invisible all of these years, doc? Why is he not out there promoting his grandiose jobs plan that he is going to run right through the House in January? How many seconds does it take to vote "No"? What has he been doing with the rest of his time? Where's the new plan, doc? When in January is it going to pass the House, doc?

Chumps. Thanks for the laugh, doc.

Caterpillar is bringing in foreign labor from India to work in the new plant in Texas. Caterpillar got massive amounts of bailout money and is hiring these people, bringing them in at minimum wage, paying their living expenses until they're trained and then putting them on a $10 to $12 dollar an hour assembly line job. Now, here's the 64,000 dollar question: why, with so many unemployed americans is Caterpillar importing workers? I know this for a fact because I have friends working at caterpillar right at this very moment...

That's awful but how many of your Texas Reps, voted for this legislation? Do you know? Remember, the Republicans , in every case, as opposed to the Democrats, in too many cases, have voted to allow this. This is the myth of the free market, or in the case of the present-day Uncle Miltie Friedman model, gangster capitalism, totally unregulated and totally amoral and unpatriotic and it is destroying America.

Right about now my husband said that he would take a job making 10 an hour, it is more than the unemployment check he is getting. If they are going to give the bussed in help that after they are trained.. why not start off giving 10 an hour to an american who needs it?

My point exactly, rdixie

mygirl1
Caterpillar is bringing in foreign labor from India to work in the new plant in Texas. Caterpillar got massive amounts of bailout money

I can't fathom this! Thanks for posting.....

Don't try to confuse the issue with numbers and facts. Tax cuts for the wealthy create jobs. We've been hearing it for 10 years now, so it has to be true. You just take your facts and figures and go hang out with your elite educated friends and leave the rest of us Americans alone, so we can continue to hate those that try to help us and befriend those that abuse us.

Well.. your whole premise is flawed.. so, you know...

Good rebuttal Mark. You sure proved him wrong with that...

He proved nothing. So, nothing to refute...

He just seems a little too enthralled with poop..

Also - not sure how you cut taxes AND reduce the deficit while maintaining services.

Mike I have been trying to figure that one out too. It's like being un employed no income and paying for my house, paying utilities,medical, buying food and nesesities all on some magic credit card and saying it's okay. then when the bill comes due I ignore it. Yeah Right.

R-e-m-i-n-g-t-o-n........keep passing the ammo

Where are all those tea party types they should be complaining about tax cuts when we have a deficit of 14 Trillion dollars right ?????????

I say let the taxes go up for everyone unless the republicans relent.

Keeper - The DEMs have controlled the Congress for four yrs and the WH also for two. When do YOU start asking THEM what they have done for the economy?

@ Rational Poster, good question but you left out the fact that republicans have fillerbustered 112 times since Obama got in and what about them blue dog dems. and have done everything they could to block, stall and mock. it's not as simple as having the Majority and passing everything through.

fordays - We have had split gevernment for most of our years as a nation. Even when one party controls the WH, the House and the Senate, the majority party has to take the lead in the Senate (that is the way the rules are written for good reason) to compromise and gain some support from the minority party. The DEMs have failed to do that. They have been in a slammin', jammin' mode not knowing what it takes to govern and this is what we got. The American people spoke in November and the American people as a whole get what has been going on. They expect better. You should too.

Rational.... you people only won the freaking House. Tell me how did the Americans speak when the Dems control 2 and the Reps control one and that one starts in Jan. The Dems won the Senate Nov. 2. Did they not. Also if a majority vote wins, then the Dems won ever freaking thing they brought to the table. Did they not. This having to take 60 votes to win on certain things is pure bull crap. Reps using record filibustering too. Pres Obama has hundreds of Bills sitting on his desk to be sign by him, but can't because the Reps are holding them up. One bill is called the "Fair Pay Act" for women.

life - get a grip. No need for anger. The GOP picked up what like 6 or 7 Senate seats. How much of the Senate was up for election? 1/3. SOOOOO, yes, the DEMs retailed the Senate but the other DEM Senators have to sit up and take notice b/c soon they will be up for re-election and they saw what happened to their colleagues.

This having to take 60 votes to win on certain things is pure bull crap.

Hmmm. You can't blame the GOP for that. It has been in place for a long time for good reason. It forces the majority party to compromise to accomplish the peoples' work. The DEMs don't know how to do that or simply refuse.

Pelosi had a stacked deck, with a democratic majority she could get anything she wanted passed and did. The republicans were like the little kids with their faces pressed outside the candystore window, they could filibuster and whine but not accomplish anything.

As to policies, if the economic downturn started with Bush then why didn't Obama and the democrats make repairing the economy their no. 1 priority? Instead they focused on a healthcare that has so many pages and hidden taxes that no one really knows what will happen with it. Waivers to the bill are already being granted to companies and now SEIU says they're cutting child insurance since their insurance fees went up 60%.

As to the stimulus packages, cash for clunkers and other ill-concieved programs...they cost three times as much as not doing anything at all. Add to that the massive borrowing, the payoffs and bailouts to the fatcat banks and wall street, all done first under Bush for 800billion and now under Obama's watch for something like 1.3 trillion, plus his hanging onto most of the stimulus money and doling it out for votes and you might just not have too much faith in the democrats.

As to the tax cuts for the rich, included in here are inheritance taxes, capital gains taxes and a slew of other taxes that if not repealed or the cuts extended, will mean a whole lot more money going out of taxpayers pockets and into the government's hands. No real attemps have been made by either party to curtail spending in a meaningful way. Too many entitlement programs are being abused and hung out as sacred cows and too many government beaucracies doing the same work, make work and busy work and drawing salaries in the 40 to 170,000 and up range aren't being addressed. Its always the same sad story from the federal on down to local and municipal governments...gotta git rid of them teachers and firemen, but can't touch us adminstrators, our staff, our staff's staff and onand on and on it goes and nothing gets done...

Yeah. About the only thing I've learned from Boehner is that being full of chicken crap makes your skin look browner.....

Democrtas had a majority for 2 years,and did what? Nothing for the Middle class Americans,just the Bankers,Insurance companies, Unions and their Fat cat supporters thru the stimulis and bailout.

Its obviously a position of service he relishes.

BOHICA America

Bend

Over

Here

It

Comes

Again, & Again, &......

AlfredtheGreat: You'd better consider to whom you're so willingly ready to give the reins of power before you march on your idealistic crusade to ask the President to resign. The right wing fanatics damned near destroyed this nation between 2001-2008 economically and politically to say nothing of the outright hatred for America they were able to muster from much of the rest of the world. The reason the right wing hates the Democrat and RINO's today is centered on the embarrassment they incurred as a result of their monumental failure during those eight years. If you believe those people are going to treat you better because you are so willing to join them in their fanatical crusade to destroy the President of the United States, then you better think through more deeply what you’re planning to do.

And to add on to Tjefferson

So Bush shoved his agenda down our throats costing 12 trillion while the repubs voted lock step with him all the way. Your group decided that compromise is not a good thing when repubs won't take responsibility by helping Obama try to stabilize the ship. In other words repubs won't be responsible and do what is best for the country but use one executive order after another without worrying about the debt and on top of that borrow the money at a huge interest rate?

Repubs didn't want to see Obama fail? But Obama knows they do and what does he do as president but have to compromise to get anything from repubs..the dead beats

It works both ways and dems played nice when Bush was in office and they shouldn't when next repub president takes the office. To be fair add Kyl, Bohner, Mc connel to the list of not enough spine category

Obama used what other countries tried successfully..cash for clunkers..that started in Japan ..healthcare which alot presidents looked into and didn't have the spine to do.Presidents have bailed out companies in the past and a huge success is Gm and Ford worked with the president knowing parts they needed also went to Ford autos saving jobs and money. Obama has some success and it won't be enough for some if he catches or kills bin laden or cures cancer...it will never be enough..He can only try to push his agenda through ..420 bills sit on the floor waiting for repubs to get off there collective butts we don't need the obstruction at this time

GOP is the problem. IT's there TAX breaks unPAID FOR it's there TWO WARS, unPAID for it's there DEregulation over the BUSH YEARS to the Banks/Wall street, it's the GOP that are sticking they thumb up are butts. Then comes the DEM's to fix all this chicken CRAP the GOP left us. Now that the DEM are atleast working on fix the problems the GOP left us it's the DEM that are the bad people. You right wing nut jobs are the ones full of CHICKEN CRAP. Not one plan that the COB can say would create a single job, not raise the debt a dime that have been put forth by any GOP member. if the Tax plan that CURRENTLY still in place is so great WERE are the JOBS. There are NONE all you did was already spend 700billion on the Rich over the last 10 years and now the GOP and Tan Man want to do it again. what does this tell us, do the same old Chicken CRAP, we know it didn't work before just "trust us" (GOP) NO I WON't your plan didn't work at all. The GOP speaking out both side of the A$$ at the same time. Well the people listened to all the bs from the GOP and were so mad and blamed everything on the recently in power (although not by much in senate) they just gave up. Well GOP good luck in Jan and were is your plan for JOBS, I sure you get your tax breaks for the rich, and we know that didn't work before. so NOW WHAT.

Dems give you "Chicken crap" repubs give you Seminolla

SUCKS - You are living in the past. The Congress has been controlled by the DEMs for four yrs and the WH for two. If the GOP got it wrong, there has been time to fix it. When do YOU start asking the DEMs what THEY have done?

Rational poster is another republican HACK, and he is NOT RATIONAL at all.

Rational would be rational to remember that 2006-2008, the Dems did not have enough of a majority to over-ride a veto. Was rational in the US during those years? Rational then should remember how Bush took to the veto like a prostitute takes to crack.

Rational is rational and Fox is fair and balanced. Proof that if they just keep repeating the lies, they begin to believe the lies (it's called brain washing, "rational" and polite society shuns the practice.....).

Wow. We're all chumps and pinheads now.

Super....logi? Since you are SO smart, I guess you can indulge us with the accurately quoted writings of Karl Marx. Please explain to me how the actions of the democratically elected President of the United States of America apply to Marxism. Pinheads like myself would also love it if you were to quote the sources of you vast wealth of knowledge. And then, if you have the patience for someone you think is so stupid, can you please explain to me how your opinion that our President is a Marxist applies to the fact that John Boehner lied to the American people.

I'm sorry you think I'm so stupid. Please lower yourself and explain the relevance of your comment.

You are delusional, wake up and look how all of Government is stealing our birthright.

No president has ever spent a dime of our money. No president has ever sent us to war. No president has ever put restrictions on our personal freedoms.

Who can do those things? Congress and only Congress. No matter which party is in charge this cycle or the last they have made every move that put America where she is now.

Again.. as was suggested the last time this came up.. Pay for jobless benefits with unused Stimulus funds... What about that is so hard to comprehend?

You need to examine the facts before you hate...

Mark, yes the UE benefits should be paid for. And if the Republicans want tax cuts extended for the top 2% (which is 6 times as expensive as the UE benefits according to the CBO), those should also be paid for. The U.S. has been borrowing to make up the lost revenue for those tax cuts for the past 10 years; the Repubs in charge when those cuts were passed made them temporary (I confess I don't know why). And we have steadily lost jobs over the same time period, so I don't believe that continuing that particular tax bracket cut will change the jobs outlook but it will continue our borrowing that amount.

Oh man... What is up with? Cut the spending! Cut the waste!

You don't spend money you don't have.. ergo, you don't collect the taxes for it..

If I don't raise the rent on my tenant by $100.00, I don't budget to spend that money..

Well said my friend!!!!

Thanks, Common Sense, your name says it all!!

Who cares what you think. The people of this nation were smart enough to vote for the good of the nation and taxable jobs.

If the democrats do not relent and give the people what they want they will continue to be voted out of office.

I look forward to it because i really do not think the democrats brain is big enough to give the people what they want.

Good bye idiots in office. This country wont miss you.

what crumbs?....Business creates wealth where none once existed....The Goverment creates serfs....Please name ONE JUST ONE Country made great by a Socialistic goverment...let me save you the head scratching cause you can't

Yeah, it is the rich man that will hire you, huh. You kiss his arse and he throws you crumbs from his table of bounty. You will get on your knees and thank him for a chance to work as his slave while he takes what little worker protection you have as a barter in exchange. You people make me sick! That is so much bs, most of the money they get will be saved and invested and not invested in you nor the American economy. Stop loving Thurston Howell, he is not your friend. I just amazed of how dense so many of you rightwing types are in believing Horatio Alger platitudes that have long since been proven wrong time and time again. Can there be anything more stupid than the slave that ingratiates himself to his master? The middle class tax cut will be used by the recipients to pump up the economy with their demand for goods and services that are still stifled because of the GOP meltdown.

It just so frustrating that the people that have the most to lose go to the altar of greed and excess to expect a fair shake? The trends, startling inequitable distribution of the country's wealth, that was spoken of has been coming for many years, while the fools allow themsleves to be distracted with flags, apple pie and happy talk about how you too could become a Donald Trump. They blame the libs for fomenting class warfare, well I say the warfare has, is and always will be waged between those who try to live and the others who want their cake and yours as well. The path may be unavoidable, but I want my elected politicians to see the big picture and do what they can to protect the middle class and working people that are the backbone of this economy, and who if riled enough can decide to knock the cookie jar down and say that we need to start over..Best wishes to you

Welcome to the jungle, friends. You give the plutocrat the reins, his plan is to see your retirement years spent in the local cemetery. We have been condemned to flip burgers to the death.....The rightwinger wants us to believe that there is something noble about that, but of course that horrid existence does not apply to him or her, does it?

We need to get the continued intransigence on the part of GOP more under the glaring eye of the television camera......and let the people see what is going on.

YOU wanted these plutocrats in Congress, so always remember, YOU ASKED FOR IT. Stayed tuned to the reaming you all will get in regards to extension of Unemployment benefits

BS, all you want is what others have but are not willing to earn it yourself. Yeah, one can be the next Donald Trump, but not if one failed to get an education or learn the skills necessary to take advantage of all opportunities available, and not if one is only willing to work 40 hours a week with two or more weeks of paid vacation and 8 or more paid holidays a year. You think Bill Gates and Paul Allen developed MS-DOS and built Microsoft working a 40 hour work week? Get serious.

Stop withching at those who have become successful and go out and make the same effort. And if you have made the same effort and failed, do it again because the list of billionaires is peopled with those who have tried more than once, failed and tried some more until they made it. If making such effort is not your thing, then be satisfied with what you have and stop believing you have a right to share in the results of others' efforts.

Hey Delusional! If you think that anyone in this country can be another Bill Gates you have bought into the GOP aristocratic propaganda! We are not ALL born with silver spoons in our mouth or into an Upper East Side Condo! Some are born with physical and/or mental handicaps, into single-parent homes, into families where education is not a priority. The "pick yourself up from your bootstraps" crap is spewed by those not willing to assist fellow human beings less fortunate than themselves to reach their potential. People like you selfishly enjoy your privileges while mistakenly believing that you earned them by yourself. NO ONE is employed, healthy, or educated without the care and assistance of others! NO ONE!!

help yourself to what when you dont have a job in the morning?