U of M Professor: "We need to pay for the war in order to end it." (EXCELLENT article)

[LiberalHeart]

He lays out a blueprint for our Democratic leaders to follow in dealing with the GOP. My opinion is that it's simple and brilliant -- and just might work:

http://newsgrinder.blogspot.com/2007/04/message-for-democrats-we-need-to-pay.html

[jwirr]

1. This is a good idea and it goes along with the pay as you go promise.

When they make sure that the top earning group are the payers this idiot war will end. Send the idea to you senators and representatives.

[LiberalHeart]

2. I like your suggestion ... yes, I'll send it NOW.

[soothsayer]

3. excellent idea!

[ComerPerro]

4. I stopped reading when he first mentioned raising taxes

Not a winning strategy. He is naive.

It won't put Bush or Republicans in a bind. It would if we had a fair and unbiased media. But since we do not, this plan would allow Republicans to say Dems are politicizing the war in order to raise taxes. And since Bush and the Republicans won't vote to raise taxes, they will say that the Dems are using valuable legislation in order to push thier high-tax agenda. It won't matter that Republicans have done far worse with war funding votes, becasue, again, no fair or unbiased media.

This plan is a Republican wet dream.

[LiberalHeart]

5. I disagree, of course. It's an elegant plan -- and...

I've seen nothing else suggested that provides Dems with the cover they need while also driving home to all taxpayers what the cost of the war really is (the dollar side of it, I mean). When we hear about the huge deficit, it's something not many can grasp or apply to their own lives. But seeing the share they're paying spelled out on their tax returns will make it clear, and it also does away with running father into debt.

[ComerPerro]

6. its elegant, which is why it won't work. The voting public is dumb as hell

and all they will hear is "Democrats want to raise taxes" and "They aren't sending Bush a bill he can sign"

[LiberalHeart]

7. Or they'll listen more carefully and hear...

1. they aren't passing the cost of the war on to their children and grandchildren

2. money for a war they may not support is coming directly out of their pocket (and here's how much)

3. those billion dollar contracts handed out to folks like Haliburton should be examined for fraud and waste

4. it's time to end the war now

5. each and every one of is contributing to the war and deserve a say-so in what is done about it

[ComerPerro]

8. imagine this though:

The Dems push a bill that requires that either taxes are raised to sufficiently fund the war, or the troops must be withdrawn. Bush kills it, no one in the MSM talks about it.

Next year, the Republicans will be able to say several things:

That the Democrats failed to send Bush a bill that would fund the troops.

That the Democrats tried to raise taxes.

That the Democrats tried to pass a bill cutting off all funding and requiring an immediate pullout.

That Republicans and Bush fought and killed a proposed tax increase by Dems.

That Republicans killed a bill that would require the US "cut and run".



Its not exactly true, but its based somewhat in reality, and that's more honest than they usually are.

This is how Republicans operate, though.

[LiberalHeart]

9. I agree with that, but I don't think the Dems have to let it happen.

There are some lessons to be learned from the GOP and the Dems should take the best of them and memorize them. I've been mightily frustrated watching the opportunities squandered in terms of fighting back. But I also think things are changing, some spirit is emerging, and if properly coached the Dems could pull this off.

[ComerPerro]

10. well, problem is getting the message out

its bad enough that the media pundits don't stop Republicans right in the middle of their lies, as their job would suggest is their responsiblity. Instead, they lazily say sycophantic stuff like "yes, good point".

Compound that with the fact that there are very few outlets where we can get our message out without interruption, and you have a formula for disaster.

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

11. OH!!! HELL YES!!! MAKE THE PROFITEERS PAY PAY PAY!!!

ALL sacrifices for this war are being burdened by those of us who work our asses off to support our families, our communities, our nation. We're not benefitting!!! The advocates of this war ARE benefitting, OFF OUR BACKS, with NO payback for our sacrifice!!!

The profiteers should pay every damn dollar for this war: the oil and coal and steel industries, ALL private corporations getting our tax dollars, the Wall Street people sucking our blood everytime energy can be 'manipulated', the pharmaceutical and insurance and financial companies bent upon making as much money off human misery as possible.

The profiteering numbers during this war-mongering HAS TO BE OBVIOUS if bottom-lined!!!!

It is disgusting how 'human beings' are wielding so much oppression over fellow human beings,...prioritizing profit/money/power over people.

[judaspriestess]

12. This is an excellent idea

and one that has been used before.

[judaspriestess]

15. K & R

must read :)

[Raksha]

13. This idea makes so much sense,

it's hard to believe nobody thought of it before now.

[LiberalHeart]

14. Picture this...

On your tax return, one line tells you the amount of your refund.

The next line shows what's deducted for the war.

The next tells you how much your personal deficit is and what you need to mail to the government.

That'd wake up a lot of folks.

[pigpickle]

16. kick