Kerry Backs Tax Cut Freeze to Defray Iraq Costs

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20030914/pl_nm/iraq_politics_taxes_dc&cid=615&ncid=1480

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic presidential contender Sen. John Kerry on Sunday urged a freeze on tax cuts for wealthy Americans as Democrats seized on the rising costs of Iraq reconstruction as a political theme.

Kerry, in an interview on CBS television's "Face the Nation" said President Bush -- who is seeking an additional $87 billion to pay for rebuilding Iraq -- had mishandled the war and its aftermath.

Kerry backed a Senate Democratic proposal to halt tax breaks for wealthy Americans to defray the costs of rebuilding Iraq. The legislation, which Democratic Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware said on CNN's "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer" he would introduce on Monday would delay tax cuts for Americans who earn more than $330,000 a year.

"If we're going to have to ante up money additionally in order to safeguard our troops and get this job done ... there should be a shared sacrifice in America," said Kerry, a U.S. senator from Massachusetts .

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[HPLeft]

1. Yes, Yes, Yes

Great idea. Somebody has to pay the bill for Dubya's war, and why not make it his fat-cat contributors. The Republicans will block it, but that'll only give the Democrats a terrific tax fairness issue for the 2004 election.

[belab13]

4. and this is why I like Kerry. He comes up with practical solutions.

[twilight]

2. good going on you Kerry!

Keep it up too being you are in a position to do so. I believe that Bob Graham is on your side as well. Thank God there are a few out there that DO see the light!

:kick:

[belab13]

3. how bout increasing taxes on the robber barons before the

legislature ponies up the 87 billion. But I like the gist of what Kerry is saying.

[dflprincess]

5. But I thought Kerry also made it clear

that he would support the 87 billion even if the tax cuts aren't changed.

If that's the kind of fight he (and the other Democrats) plan to put up there is no point in even trying to tie the 87 billion to the tax cuts. Why bother to put up this sham fight if they've already admitted they're just going to roll over in the end?