The budget debate is unfolding in Congress and the Democrats have a real chance to win important concessions from the majority party. In brief, instead of looking for spending cuts, the Government could easily get back 70 billion dollars by simply ending the tax cuts to the wealthiest 1% of Americans.
Imagine the following: Democratic Senators and Representatives gathering on the steps of the Capitol to publicly "return" their tax cuts and call for the repeal of the tax cuts to the wealthiest 1% of Americans. Based on their Congressional salaries ($158K in 2004), the Bush tax cut plas saved members of Congress approximately $3000 each. This is not an insubstantial amount, and if given collectively to charity would certainly garner incredible media, public, and political attention.
Call your Senator/Representative, a script is suggested on the following page. More info at: http://www.mytaxcutforkatrina.org.
Call Congress: Ask Senators & Reps to Return Their Tax Cuts
Script:
I am calling to ask Senator/Representative _____ to return their tax savings from the Bush administration tax cuts in 2004 and donate that money to charity. By doing so, it will strength the Democratic party argument that the tax cuts are unfair and irresponsible, and also set a positive example for healing and leadership. A group of Princeton students and researchers have launched a campaign to coordinate collective giving on behalf of Katrina victims and in support of a repeal of the tax cuts to the wealthiest 1% of Americans. Their website is http://www.mytaxcutforkatrina.org.
It only takes a few minutes of time and, as you see below, it's not as if these tax cuts make any sense, socially or fiscally.
More information at http://www.mytaxcutforkatrina.org.