Why would the 2 co-chairs of the fiscal commission bother

[johnaries]

to come out with a meaningless report of their suggestions that has nothing to do with the rest of the commission?

Is it a "trial balloon"? If so, that balloon has been popped. although some of the suggestions aren't too bad, many of them have been denounced by too many, including Pelosi and even other members of the commission. Since any suggestions require 14 out of 18 votes to even make it into the official list, it's doubtful these will make the cut. Even if they did, they would never pass Congress.

Since several members of the comission have denounced these proposals, it is also possible that the 2 co-chairs know these proposals would never make the final list and just wanted to go on record as saying "hey, this is what WE think".

Anyone else have any ideas why the 2 co-chairs would release a meaningless report? I'm sure many will have some interesting conspiracy theories, but let's think about this rationally.

Regardless, it's still not the Commission report. And even if it were, it would have to pass Congress which this report would have no chamce of doing.

(I have to admit, trying to lower the deficit by lowering corporate taxes is pretty damn stupid!)

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

1. Too kill it

I am not saying this is the reason, but if we assumed all parties to be reasonable that would be a reason.

The real report will be so pre-tainted by these shenanigans that it will never get a fair hearing no matter what's in it.

[johnaries]

2. True, that is a possibility.

If Simpson-Bowles are upset with the way the official report is lining up, then releasing this report could taint it.

On the other hand, the reverse is possible. It may be that they are hoping that when the official report is released people will say "that's so bad, it's better than the first report".

I guess we really won't know until the official report is released - if then.

But good thinking, you could be right!

[county worker]

3. The plan cuts taxes on the wealthy and puts the burden on he middle class.

Cuts in benefits, increase in gas taxes, eliminating tax credits and deductions that middle class workers depend on.

It will raise middle class taxes and cut taxes on the wealthy. It is income redistribution upward.

If you stop the wars, let the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy expire, pass another stimulus bill that is job creating, we would just about eliminate the deficit by 2015 and not touch "entitlements"

This plan is straight from conservative ideology!


If Dems vote for a commission report that puts the burden on the middle class and cuts taxes on the wealthy, at 64 yrs old, 2010 will be the last year I vote for a Dem unless they can turn back the clock on this.

[girl gone mad]

4. Bank bailouts don't pay for themselves..

despite what Rachel Maddow says.

[johnaries]

5. But this is NOT the commission report. It's meaningless.

So why would the co-chairs even bother releasing it?

[MineralMan]

6. Probably to gauge reaction to the proposals.

What that means is that it's important to let the other members of the commission know what you think. I strongly urge everyone to communicate with those members and share your thoughts. Please, though, if you hope anyone will read what you send them, say it in reasonable language.

[johnaries]

7. Agreed! It is ABSOLUTELY important to let the other members

know what you think. And they will listen to "reasonable language" as you say a lot more than they will angry rhetoric.