Bonuses for Billionaires: NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF

[babylonsister]

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/21/opinion/21kristof.html?_r=1&ref=opinion


Bonuses for Billionaires
By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
Published: July 20, 2011


The first few times I heard House Republicans talk about our budget mess, I worried that they had plunged off the deep end. But as I kept on listening, a buzzer went off in my mind, and I came to understand how much sense the Tea Party caucus makes.

Why would we impose “job-crushing taxes” on wealthy Americans just to pay for luxuries like federal prisons? Why end the “carried interest” tax loophole for financiers, just to pay for unemployment benefits — especially when those same selfless tycoons are buying yachts and thus creating jobs for all the rest of us?

Hmmm. The truth is that House Republicans don’t actually go far enough. They should follow the logic of their more visionary members with steps like these:

BONUSES FOR BILLIONAIRES Republicans won’t extend unemployment benefits, even in the worst downturn in 70 years, because that makes people lazy about finding jobs. They’re right: We should be creating incentives for Americans to rise up the food chain by sending hefty checks to every new billionaire. This could be paid for with a tax surcharge on regular working folks. It’s the least we can do.

Likewise, the government should take sterner measures against the persistent jobless. Don’t just let their unemployment benefits expire. Take their homes!

snip//

Finally, if we risk default, let’s rent out the Capitol for weddings to raise money for the public good. Wouldn’t it be nice to see something positive emerge from the House?

[The Magistrate]

1. The Man May Have Written Next Year's Republican Platform, Ma'am

"Satire has become impossible; you cannot concoct a conceit so outrageous you can be sure you will not see in next week's headlines."

[babylonsister]

2. Hahaha, so happy you recognized that, my friend, but knew you would.

Coming from Kristof, it's telling and I liked it. Everyone is paying attention and giving us their 2 cents, fwiw.

[JustAnotherGen]

3. Thanks for posting this!

:rofl: I needed a laugh this morning! ;-) But the sad truth is - as another DU'er pointed out. . . this is thier 2012 Agenda/Platform wrapped up with a big red bow! :rofl: