So I'm much more of a reader than a writer here on Daily Kos and haven't posted a diary in a while but I have watched this unfolding Obama Tax Compromise debate with increasing frustration.
I get it, we are all pretty pissed off and frustrated. I'm frustrated. I'm appalled that we are even having this damn discussion.
I'm pissed and Obama for a myriad of reason but not for this and here is why: no one has come forward and shown a REALISTIC way to pass tax cuts for the middle class and save the most vulnerable by extending Unemployment Benefits.
So here is my challenge: show me a damn plan and I will get on board but until then just screaming "no!" is simply imitating the juveniles who call themselves "Tea Baggers".
The parameters (i.e. REALITY) after the jump.
We on the left believe in political realities and here are the realities that Obama is faced with today.
- Chickenshit leaders in both the House and Senate refused to take up this issue before the elections when they should have and had actual leverage over Republicans.
- All tax cuts will expire in 3 weeks. Low income and middle class America WILL see their taxes go up along with the wealthiest.
- Middle Class tax cuts only have no chance of passing the U.S. Senate due to the filibuster
- 2 million plus Americans will have their UI run out in the coming weeks without UI extension
- There are about 4 million 99'ers who have exhausted all of their benefits
- The House of Representatives is going to flip to Republican rule in 3 weeks
- The economy still really really sucks and is badly in need of additional stimulus.
So lets take those basic realities and formulate an alternative. An alternative that doesn't merely throw the unemployed, working poor and middle class families under the bus in the name of a larger ideology. UI must be extended. 99'ers need to get something. The tax rates for the NON-wealthy must continue. And we have to get that done in the next 2 weeks.
What is your alternative Markos? Show me one and I'l sign that petition.