This is a core issue with me and maybe the big reason why I am a Democrat (and have been for more than 40 years). Fairness for working people. A progressive income tax used to be a mainstream idea. And it will be again.
I got an email from Andy Stern at Moveon.org (glad he's there now he retired from SEIU):
Remember what it felt like to watch Barack Obama back when he was Candidate Obama? Seeing him fired up and ready to go in front of a crowd of 20,000?
Well, as of this week, that Obama's back. On Wednesday, he gave a feisty, tough speech that showed just how irresponsible Republicans have been, how crazy it'd be to give them back control of Congress this fall, and what he proposes to do to get our economy back on track.
That's why we need to show Democrats in Congress that voters want them to stand tall and stand with Obama on this. Can you sign this petition so we can deliver it Democrats in Congress right away?
Sign Petition Here
The petition says: "Stand with President Obama: Don't let Republicans hold middle class tax cuts hostage."
Here's the entire email.
Dear MoveOn member,
Remember what it felt like to watch Barack Obama back when he was Candidate Obama? Seeing him fired up and ready to go in front of a crowd of 20,000?
Well, as of this week, that Obama's back. On Wednesday, he gave a feisty, tough speech that showed just how irresponsible Republicans have been, how crazy it'd be to give them back control of Congress this fall, and what he proposes to do to get our economy back on track.
The strongest stand he took was making sure that Congress lets Bush's infamous tax cuts for millionaires expire—while preserving tax cuts for the rest of us.1 Republicans hate the idea of taxing their super-rich friends. And some corporate Democrats might side with the Republicans and the corporations instead of regular people.
That's why we need to show Democrats in Congress that voters want them to stand tall and stand with Obama on this. Can you sign this petition so we can deliver it Democrats in Congress right away?
Sign Petition Here
The petition says: "Stand with President Obama: Don't let Republicans hold middle class tax cuts hostage."
The Bush tax cuts for the super rich aren't just bad policy, they are bad politics too. Voters consistently reject extending those giveaways in poll and after poll.2
And economists agree that the top 2%—the richest folks who the Republicans are going to bat for—don't spend this money, meaning this tax giveaway doesn't have any stimulative affect on the economy.3
But struggling families will spend it. They need relief now and that will help our economy.
With Republicans committed to bailing out their rich, corporate friends to the tune of $700 billion at the expense of middle class families, it is essential that Democrats stand up and do the right thing.
Can you sign the petition today?
Sign Petition Here
Thanks for all you do.
–Nita, Peter, Michael, Daniel, and the rest of the team
Sources:
- "Obama vs. the Republicans," The New Republic, September 8, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/...
- "Bush Tax Cuts: The Politics Are Obvious," The New Republic, September 8, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/...
- "Obama vs. the Republicans," The New Republic, September 8, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/...
Now people may differ over whether Obama's back or always was here or whatever, but I am very happy with the consistent position the President has had about ending the tax cuts for the rich. It's the right thing to do and if nothing more is accomplished, I will view his presidency (and this Congress) as a success. Yes, they expire, but the wealthy are using all their pull to get Dems to find a reason to extend them once again. In opposing a Dem sellout, President Obama's leadership has been crucial.
House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio on Wednesday proposed freezing all tax rates for the next two years and cutting most government spending back to fiscal 2008 levels. Tax cuts enacted during the Bush administration expire at the end of this year, and the president wants to extend only those that affect individuals who earn less than $200,000 a year and joint filers who make less than $250,000.
Obama called the GOP plan "holding middle-class tax relief hostage" so that millionaires can prosper.
"If you want the same kind of skewed policies that led us to this crisis, then the Republicans are ready to offer that," the president said.
Why not, he said, extend the middle-class tax cuts, since virtually everyone agrees that's worthwhile?
"My position is let's get done what we all agree on," he said.
Even some Democrats are wary of not extending the top rates, however. Now 33 and 35 percent, they'd return to pre-Bush levels of 36 and 39.6 percent next year if Congress fails to act.
Obama wouldn't discuss possible compromise, saying, "Certainly there's going to be room for discussion."
http://www.newsobserver.com/...
I heard that part and I saw no indication that the Presdient will agree to extend any tax cuts [for those making over $250,000].
Now we must put pressure on Dems.
Please sign the petition:
Sign Petition Here