If you're going to propose tax increases, be honest and call them tax increases. Don't call them 'reductions in tax expenditures'. Our tax code needs at least one, but probably more like two or three additional brackets above the current $250. That's a change that makes sense to a lot of people. I think adding two brackets, one at $500k and one at $1m, with higher rates for those in those two new brackets, would be a fairly easy sell to most Americans.
That said, what this speech does accomplish is to draw a clear line between his view of our country vs that of the GOP.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
People who think insulting nicknames are political discourse are not worth debating with.
I think it is a very straightfoward plan & he is to be commended for coming out with it. The devil is in the details
His fellow democrats will not be happy. He is a little vague re Social Security however. They should raise the limit that taxes can be collected on.
I wish him luck & commend him for at least tackling the issue.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
Hear hear.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/3/05
The Wall Street Journal weighs in with its opinion on the speech:
"Obama's toxic speech and even worse plan for deficits and debt.."
"His fellow democrats will not be happy."
The left is thrilled with this speech. Folks from salon.com to Rachel Maddow are effusive with their praise for the way Obama is framing the differences between the Dems and the GOP.
Here is part of Rachel's clip from last night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUls2yhL6eA&feature=
I'm not a huge fan of Joan Walsh, but her piece in salon.com does a pretty good job of summarizing the whiny GOP response to Obama's speech. She also points out the fearmongering the GOP did regarding the healthcare bill, compared to the harm th Ryan plan will inevitably do to seniors.
Walsh
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
Too bad Obama wasn't serious about hearing the GOP proposals. So much for all his "bi-partisan" shtick.
Link
FINALLY! Finally Obama called out the GOP on their bull****. He needs to be saying more of this when he KNOWS he's being recorded and he would win 2012 by a landslide! (Something tells me he knew he was being recorded anyway.)
And Goth would you mind telling me what Obama said that wasn't true? As if.
Updated On: 4/15/11 at 07:03 PM
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