Kyl Defends Taxpayer Subsidies For Richest Oil Companies

[TomCADem]

Source: Think Progress

Appearing on Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) argued that budget talks should not include the reduction of oil and gas subsidies. Kyl, who abandoned budget negotiations with the White House this week, claimed that eliminating $2 billion in annual subsidies for the richest oil companies — instead of slashing programs that feed the poor and protect the middle class — would “hurt the American consumer”:

"First of all, if you want gas prices to rise and pay more than $4 at the pump, go ahead and do this. That is not what we should be about right now. That kind of tax increase is going to flow right to the consumer. Everybody knows that. Secondly, you are picking out one industry in the United States, an industry that employs almost 10 million people, represents 7.5% of the Gross Domestic Product. You’re saying to them you are not going to get the same tax treatment that all other manufacturing corporations get in the United States. So we’re going to punish you, because you make a lot of money. It’s also true with those big profits, they have enormous costs of investment. Of course, you covered the issue of how much it costs to put one of those platforms out in the middle of Gulf of Mexico. Billions of dollars. Big money all the way around. You’ll hurt the American consumer if you impose more taxes on them.


Read more: http://thinkprogress.org/green/2011/06/26/254359/kyl-defends-taxpayer-subsidies-for-richest-oil-companies/

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Here is John Kyl arguing for saving tax breaks to oil companies by cutting benefits to the elderly and poor. Unfortunately, the mainstream media has conditioned the American Public to Blame Democrats and Give Republicans a Free Pass. Thus, Republicans feel like they can act like complete bigots and campaign for the end of entitlement programs and workers' rights with impunity, because no one will blame them. Indeed, if they something outrageous, the public will still blame Democrats and not hold Republicans accountable.

[Yavapai]

1. I wish that son of a bitch would take a flying leap into the Grand Canyon!!!

Maybe he would be useful as Condor food!

[cstanleytech]

2. Won't work

Even condors have minimum standards which he doesnt meet.

[sce56]

4. Yep he is too Oily

[jbfam4]

3. Should we believe what he said about oil subsidies

if "his remark was not intended to be a factual statement."

[No Elephants]

5. Brooks (of the NYT), said that both Dems and Pubs feels that a govt. shutdown

would benefit them politically and therefore he thinks shutdown is a certainty.

I don't like the guy, but, if he's correct, I feel very sorry for
the disabled and elderly who's only income is from Social Security.

[TomCADem]

6. I Think If Republicans Agreed To Some Tax Cuts, Democrats Would Accept It

I don't think that Democrats are trying to artificially create a default. The Republicans, on the other hand, are insisting on cutting the deficit entirely with cuts to benefits to the poor and elderly. I don't think Democratic opposition to this is insincere.

The question is whether Republicans will get any blowback for their efforts? So far, the corporate media is playing along by portraying Republicans as the ones who are serious about debt reduction while giving them a free pass on their refusal to consider any tax increases.

McConnell's talking point that "Taxes Kill Jobs" is always included without any reference to the fact that layoffs resulting from these spending cuts also kill jobs.

Look up McConnell, and the media always quotes that talking point without challenging him. Its amazing!

[kimsarah]

8. GOP will cave first

Not because of competency from the Dems, but the GOP is on Wall Street's shorter leash. Wall St. and the U.S. Chamber will yank on that leash soon enough, if only the Dems will let them.

[kimsarah]

7. Jon Kyl is my hero

I just want to reach out and shake his hand for saving us from higher gas prices. No-sereee, I don't want to pay $4 at the pump. And I don't want to cause any of those 10 million fossil fuel employees to lose their jobs. We can't afford it. Lay off the oil and gas subsidies, that's what I say. I can only imagine how much it costs to put one of those fancy platforms out in the middle of that Gulf of Mexico. Protect the American consumer! Go Jon, you ROCK !!! I hope Arizona keeps re-electing you.

[Scuba]

9. You might consider adding one of these....

:sarcasm:


Oh, and welcome to DU.

[liberal N proud]

10. These fucks defend giving money to the rich while taking from the poor

I just don't get how that equates as rational in anyones heads.

How do they manage to determine that makes sense? :shrug:

[Vinca]

11. I can't help it, but I truly despise Republicans.

[Historic NY]

12. If the American consumer has no food to consume it won't matter...

These companies are sitting on record profits pay little or in some case get tax refunds while not contributing one dime to the countries bottom line.