From Democracy for America:
From CNN only hours ago:
Defying President Obama, House Democrats voted Thursday not to bring up the tax package that he negotiated with Republicans in its current form.
"This message today is very simple: That in the form that it was negotiated, it is not acceptable to the House Democratic caucus. It's as simple as that," said Democratic Congressman Chris Van Hollen.
Following the non-binding vote of the Democratic Caucus, Reuters newswire just reported this breaking news:
U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi will not bring President Barack Obama's current proposed tax plan up for a vote in her chamber, an aide said on Thursday.
The aide said Pelosi would require changes be made to the measure that most of her fellow House Democrats formally opposed by approving a resolution of opposition to it. The aide said: "She (Pelosi) will honor the resolution."
The clock is ticking on the end of the legislative session. Without action, the tax cuts end. I've read articles both pro and con the Obama deal. I certainly don't want those unemployed to suffer due to the national policy of the past decades. Decades of ending manufacturing in the US and exchanging good jobs for bad jobs or no jobs can't be undone in a year or two. Although slowly improving, jobs are simply not available for those who want them. It isn't the fault of the unemployed. I get that. But . . .
My gut has told me, along with my brain, that continuing to give the rich a ride on the back of the middle class when it comes to supporting the infrastructure of the US isn't helping end the unemployment. My gut also felt really relieved when I read this news about the bill not making it through the house.
I must also admit I wondered about the GOP calling the shots when the new Congress has yet to be seated. The Democrats still have their substantial majority in both houses and still have the Presidency. So why are the GOP getting to be in control of anything whatsoever?
We know that their goal is to f**k things up for the majority of the American people so that in their blind anger, they vote out Obama and vote in whichever yahoo the GOP runs.
If people are made to suffer, and I fear they will -- and I will be amongst them as I am jobless -- let the GOP clearly hold the responsibility for that suffering. Let it be clear that they are raising taxes on everyone due to their insistence that their rich masters be served foremost. Let it be clear that they are obstructing every effort made to help people. And, considering that even after the last election, the Democrats still control the Senate and the Presidency, let Congress work to help those needing help, after the tax cut bills are no longer tied together as one.