GOP: No more help for jobless, but rich must keep tax cuts

[babylonsister]

One of the 'most-viewed' stories on McClatchy right now. I love the 'no frills' headline telling it like it is. :thumbsup:

GOP: No more help for jobless, but rich must keep tax cuts

By David Lightman | McClatchy Newspapers



WASHINGTON — Republicans almost unanimously oppose spending $33.9 billion for extended unemployment benefits for some 2.5 million people who've lost them, because they say it would increase federal budget deficits.

At the same time, they're pushing a permanent extension of Bush administration tax cuts, especially for the wealthy, which could increase federal budget deficits by trillions of dollars over the next 10 years.

How do they justify this?

"Tax policy is dynamic. If you have the right kind of tax reform, it helps generate a more dynamic economy," said Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which writes tax law. While that may be true, even the Bush Treasury Department concluded that its tax cuts increase budget deficits.

Besides, wouldn't providing $33.9 billion to extend unemployment benefits to 2.5 million people help the economy?

"There's a distinction between taxes and spending," Crapo said. "We have a huge problem with a lack of spending restraint."

In addition, noted Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley, the committee's top Republican, "This is a tax increase if you don't extend, and it's not a tax cut if you do."

Democrats howl at what they see as hypocrisy.

more...

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/07/14/97515/gop-no-more-help-for-jobless-but.html#storylink=omni_popular

[Hawkeye-X]

1. For more than 30 years, the GOP has been screwing us

fuck the rich. I want to see the tax rate of 1948 when it was 97% marginal, and capital gains taxes reinstated, and estate taxes for more than a million reinstated.

Nuff said.

[babylonsister]

2. I agree, but am glad they are finally being called on it publicly. nt

[Initech]

3. Do they want an economic revolt?

[Sal Minella]

4. I know I'm really dense, but

I can't make sense out of what Old Chuck says here:

=============================
"This is a tax increase if you don't extend, and it's not a tax cut if you do."
=============================

[Lasher]

5. He's convinced himself the sunset provision doesn't count.

His treasured tax cuts are his perpetual divine right, ordained from above by Saint Ronnie himself.

[Sal Minella]

6. Got it!

He sees the pre-built-in, pre-scheduled sunsetting of the temporary tax rollback as a TAX INCREASE!!! On the part of the Dems, of course.

We do so much need to get rid of Ol Chuckie. . . . .

No wonder it didn't make sense. Chuck doesn't make sense.

[ck4829]

7. K&R

[bdamomma]

8. it can't get any clearer than that the GOP just does not care

just worried about that top 1% or 2% and their damn tax cuts for the rich.

[babylonsister]

9. Exactly. 10% unemployment? What's 10% when they can

please so many more people by obstructing. Unfortunately, the people affected don't seem to understand what's going on and 'the media' surely isn't enlightening them.

[4lbs]

10. It's hilarious (in a sad way) how the GOP says extending unemployment would add to the deficit, yet

argue keeping tax cuts for the rich, which would.. uh, add to the deficit.

[WI_DEM]

11. Now if only the Dems would capitalize on that message and run a coordinated campaign