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The United States Congress could reprise its role as the Grinch who stole Christmas, as lawmakers continue to bicker toward an end-of-year fiscal cliff deadline that threatens to drag legislative drama through the holidays.
House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, told fellow Republicans on Wednesday to not make any serious plans around or after Christmas, implying that work on resolving the fiscal cliff would extend well through the holiday.
"We can do things very quickly, but this is not something we can do very easily, at least as far as bill-drafting goes," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., told reporters on Tuesday. "I think it’s going to be extremely difficult to get it done before Christmas, but it could be done."
Yet these politicians are engaging in just the latest version of a yuletide game of beat-the-clock in Washington.
Christmas trees, menorahs and other festive adornments have been placed at the White House and Capitol, but a glum sentiment has overtaken Washington. And it’s all thanks to the emerging annual tradition of late-December partisan standoffs as the president and Congress race to complete unfinished business.
Win Mcnamee / Getty Images
Capitol Hill police check an unidentified man dressed as Santa Claus with a metal detector as he enters the U.S. Capitol on his way to Speaker of the House John Boehner's office on December 12, 2012 in Washington, DC.
And while that’s meant long hours for lawmakers, Hill staffers and reporters, it’s also resulted in a tremendous amount of uncertainty for many Americans. The last few holiday seasons found some shoppers hitting the stores with scarcely any idea of how much their paychecks would be taxed in the new year. And in 2009, the fate of President Barack Obama’s closely-watched health care overhaul rested on the outcome of an early-morning vote on Christmas Eve.
This year is no different. Congress has known since the summer of 2011 that the fiscal cliff – the automatic expiration of the 2001 Bush tax cuts, and the automatic spending cuts set forth by the 2011 debt ceiling deal – would spring into place at the end of December unless acted upon.
Indeed, the automatic spending cuts, which fall heavily upon the defense budget, were designed to be so distasteful as to give Republicans and Democrats time and an incentive to act well before the end-of-year deadline to reach a deal.
With Christmas less than two weeks away, the White House is faced with the same key question – Can House Speaker John Boehner deliver enough Republican votes for whatever debt deal he and President Barack Obama agree on. The Daily Rundown's Chuck Todd reports.
Even if Republicans and Obama were able to reach an agreement today, it would take at least a few days to translate that agreement into legislative language. And once that’s drafted, House rules require that the legislation be posted online (for review) 72 hours before a vote. In short, time is running out to reach a deal before the end of the year, let alone Christmas.
The historical idea of a “lame-duck” Congress – a snooze-worthy session in which defeated or retiring lawmakers do little of substance – seems almost antiquated, given the frenzied and substantial work left for legislators during recent holiday seasons.
It almost seems as though lawmakers accomplish more during December than they do during the rest of the year.
Last year, it was the threat of a hike in the payroll tax rate that extended late into the holiday season. Obama and Republicans wrangled over whether a yearlong, 2 percent payroll tax cut – which they authorized in the waning days of 2010 – should be extended for another year.
Archival video: The standoff between the House and Senate ended quietly on Dec. 22, 2011, with the payroll tax cut being extended for another two months. NBC's Mike Viqueira, Mark Murray and MSNBC's Mark Halperin discuss.
At the time, Republicans argued that the cost of the payroll tax cuts should be offset with other spending cuts, a position which Obama said was unusual, given the other tax cuts Republicans had previously proposed without a similar offset. The GOP ultimately relented, passing an extension of the payroll tax (only for two months) on Dec. 22.
Of course, that standoff was the byproduct of the previous December’s showdown, which also played a role in setting up the current fiscal cliff currently beguiling lawmakers.
That December featured a negotiation between Obama and Republicans – who had just delivered a “shellacking” to Democrats, in the president’s words, and retaken control of the House – over the fate of the 2001 Bush tax cuts.
Archival video: President Obama signed into law on Dec. 17, 2010, a deal to extend Bush-era tax cuts as well as unemployment benefits for out-of-work Americans. NBC's Savannah Guthrie reports.
Republicans reached a deal with Obama at a relatively early point, on Dec. 6, on a package that preserved existing tax rates for an additional two years past the end of the 2010, when the tax cuts first sought by President George W. Bush were scheduled to expire. In exchange, Obama won an extension in unemployment benefits, which were also set to expire. The president signed the bill on Dec. 17.
It would be easy to look at the record and assign blame for the discord during these past three Decembers to the differences between the Republican-held House and a Democratic White House. But it was the preceding December (in 2009), when Democrats enjoyed strong majorities in both chambers, that saw one of the most high-wire votes in Congress.
The Senate convened on Christmas Eve morning that year to hold a historic, party-line vote on approving the upper chamber’s version of Obama’s health care reform law. Members of the Senate gathered at 7:05 a.m. – giving them enough time to travel home to rejoin their families for Christmas – to vote 60 to 39 to give final approval to the bill that would ultimately serve as the basis for “Obamacare.”
The vote ended months of partisan strife and wrangling over the fate of health care reform, and was designed to advance the legislation to the House before Massachusetts could elect a senator to replace the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, whose seat was held by a placeholder, Democratic Sen. Paul Kirk.
Archival video: Speaking shortly after Senate Democrats passed an historic health care bill on Dec. 24, 2009, President Obama called health care reform the most important piece of social legislation since Social Security passed in the 1930s.
The real drama took place, though, in the weeks preceding that vote. Democrats worked around-the-clock to secure the 60 votes they needed to pass the health care law, and Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson didn’t agree to become the 60th decisive vote until Saturday, Dec. 20.
His support prompted a series of procedural votes to move the health care legislation toward a final vote at 1:05 a.m. on Dec. 21. But even that vote was almost imperiled by a major blizzard that blanketed Washington and crippled transportation throughout the city, forcing senators to camp out at the Capitol.
Those dark-of-night votes could become another staple of this year’s scramble to reach a deal to resolve the fiscal cliff, the countdown to which will mimic the revelers in Times Square on New Year’s Eve unless Congress and Obama can soon reach an accord.
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The impasse will be resolved if Poopie (aka Grover Norquist) tells the GOP (Grover Owned Party) that he will give them a pass on the no new taxes pledge they signed, but just this once.
Not likely. Grover is the true Grinch, and in my opinions Boehner must receive a lump of coal in his stocking.
The impasse will be resolved if Congress would listen to their constituents instead of their benefactors. The country is ready to have this resolved. Screw Grover and his oath.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/13/fiscal-cliff-poll-gop_n_2289056.html?utm_hp_ref=politics
why blame Congress; the administration has had a year to fashion a budget reduction proposal and failed, at the last minute their proposal is Congress gives up its Constitutional duty to raise money and taxes, and the administration will handle everything, that is not a proposal it is a dictatorial order.
At least Grover Norquist puts his arm twisting out in public. You must understand, there are thousands of Grover Norquists working behind the scenes to get the legislation their billionaire masters want. For all we know, it could be the Chinese dictating policy to the House Republicans. How else do you explain why the Republicans don't care what the public thinks? Elections are so passe - fascism has arrived in America.
I blame Congress. They made a pact prior to Obama's first inauguration that they would fully obstruct his agenda despite a severe financial crisis. Obama put forth a budget, and bills, all obstructed.
If Congress continues this obstruction despite a national election on the issue of raising taxes on the wealthy then they deserve the losses they will sustain in 2014.
Layton, the fact that you base your argument on the Huffington Post says it all. Thats as bad as someone using Rush for facts.
Cut spending-who cares what the left and Dems think. They will always ask for more. There isn't anymore. And those tax rate hikes on the rich will only generate enough money for 9 days of spending..then what, more borrowing from our master China. You people are so foolish in your thinking. Can't spend what you don't have, or spend your way out. There isn't enough money in the world for that. Obama didn't put forth any 'detailed' cuts. To say he has is a boldface you know what. The poll stating that the majority want tax hikes is bogus also. Keep reading the propaganda news folks..no wonder we're in such a mess-uninformed sheeple.
randy,
Wall Street Journal right enough for you?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324296604578175613828863492.html
From the article ...
Oh Eric, of COURSE you blame Congress ... you are an Obama leg humper who can always cover up for him !
You said Congress made a PACT Eric .... made a PACT with whom Eric ? Could it be OBAMA ????????????
I love this political drama, a replay of last year. Would we be here if Congress, specifically Harry Reid, would have past a budget during the last four years?
But the Barry approach seems to be: give me what I want and we will talk about cuts next year - right.
Now it's a $1.4T increase over the $T's already in the deficit. Where does it stop?
The RepubliCONs are such scrooges who love to play the game of stealing Christmas.
One example was Newtered Grinch who stole Christmas when he became the Speaker late 1994 (election close to Christmas time?), and then adopted self-destructive policies of government shutdown....cutting off electricity from the White House, giving Horny Bill a chance to smoke cigar with Monica Lewinski.
Oh come on folks lets cut the whining act. As a serious democrat I can only hope the repugs continue to do exactly what they are best at ---- Zip. Let the Cliff fall, Please, let the Bush era tax rates expire. We all are in this financial crisis & the only way out is to start paying for it. Tax's under the Clinton administration weren't that bad & will not finish us off now. They will however allow us to begin repaying our tremendous debt. At the same time the mandated budgetary cuts to the defence budget may actually bring our children back home from Afghanistan & keep them out of several other nasty places. I see this as a huge win for the 99%.
Another win would be to end the earned income credit that allows so many to get back more than they ever payed in.
We must also get back to paying the full social security tax rate if this program is to survive for our children.
While I don't expect to live to see it, an end to all foreign aid would really pull our tails out of the kettle. But that would only put an end to our billionaires biggest slush fund.
These are the responsible ways to end our national debt, but a repug would never go for it.
If these idiots that run, or try to run our country can't get this figured out and we actually go off the cliff then the next time any of them come up for re-election it is up to all of us to vote for the "new guy"!!!! FIRE THEM ALL!
Saxon, and the rest,
Congress drafts and passes budgets, not the President. He just signs them. Ask yourself why there is the sequestration cliff. Because the Republicans wouldn't raise the debt limit for Obama when they raised it 8 times for Bush.
Contrary to the moronic belief around the nation, raising the debt limit doesn't give the president additional spending authority, it authorizes the president to pay off debt that Congress already spent.
I can see that didn't sink in, so let me repeat:
Raising the debt limit doesn't give the president additional spending authority, it authorizes the president to pay off debt that Congress already spent. Budget & Spending = Congress.
So, in essence, Obama wants to pay off the tax-free party, off-the-books wars, and crazy tax breaks of the previous administration. The Republicans in Congress (and jackoffs like Ben Nelson) wont let the president do that because the want yet another crisis for the American People.
Hey Viet Vet,
The Earned Income Tax Credit was a Republican idea. Rather than raise the minimum wage, the Republicans proposed and passed (with Democratic support) the EITC. Sure, eliminate EITC, and raise the minimum wage to say $12 an hour, you know, the level where someone can work full time and not be below the poverty level.
Reminds me of another great Republican Deal. When Reagan and Tip O'Niell raided Social Security in trade for tax hikes on the wealthy later. Still waiting on those tax hikes, eh?
Hello? It was all over the news. A book was written about it. Republicans have even admitted to it.
The real problem is the fact thet NONE of these politicians on either side can quit spending money like there is no tommorrw.Simply put,OUR government as a whole is not living within it's means.If an average citizen was spending and budgeting like our government,it would'nt be long before they ended up in jail.It is kind of strange that the average citizen is held more accountable for their finances than the government.You will never see a policitian getting arrested for a bad check.You will never hear about congress or the white house getting multiple collection calls at all hours of the day or night.
When the government overspend and gets in debt up to it's ears the only one that gets in trouble is the tax payers who get stuck with the bill.Yes both parties are guilty of ringing up the bill then leaving the mess to someone else.
Arsenic - You might want to recheck your history. I don't know which deal you are talking about between Reagan and Tip O'Neill, but if I remember right the agreement between Reagan and O'neill was Reagan agreeing to raise taxes in exchange for SPENDING CUTS. We are still waiting for those spending cuts. Same thing was done by the Democrats in an agreement with Bush 1, a tax increase for spending cuts, we are still waiting for those spending cuts. Now Obama is trying the same thing, tax increases NOW, in exchange for reduced spending sometime in the future.
This could be resolved very easy, extend the Bush/Obama tax cuts for a minimum of 6 months and let the new Congress work out the spending cuts and tax increasing during next year. In absence of that idea, just increase the tax rates that Obama wants and cut all spending by 15 to 20 percent across the board immediately.
Almost every other President has proposed a budget, except this one. Granted the House has to put forth a budget, which they have, but the Senate has to pass it, which they haven't. Harry Reid is as much an obstructionist as the Republican Party. He will not bring forth for a vote, one bill passed by the House. So now we are at a stalemate. It takes two to tango. Try tangoing by yourself. Not effective at all.
jim-1455434
hey, jimmy, did you notice how Eric said "CONGRESS" which is made up of both Rs and Ds so how is he covering up for Obama???????????
I guess you don't know what Congress actually does but since this is about taxes:
Article 1 - The Legislative Branch
Section 8 - Powers of Congress
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence, and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
Guess what jimbo - it is Congress you should blame!
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!
Of course good ole limp-wristed Michael O'Brien and the rest of the Liberal/Progressive cabal will blame the Republicans, specifically all those mean, nasty, evil, rich, bogeyman Republicans, for not just giving more money to a criminal government.
We all know the typical Liberal/Progressive is incapable of helping the country as they are the robbers of all the wealth as they exist on their social programs and entitlements they believe they actually pay enough into to survive in older age. This is the ignorance real Americans need to deal with. First the Liberals demonize success and wealth because they know they can never achieve it on their own and then they demand the same wealthy fund their failing social and economic justice nonsense.
The pathetic Liberals/Progressives and Barrack Hussein will just kick the can down the road and refuse to address the real cost drivers in our government. This will continue for 4 more years and then the Republicans will have to come in and fix the "fundamental transformation" of America.
It will be amusing watching the Liberals/Progressives collapse our economy and then see them groveling for the adults to fix their dysfunctional nanny state.
So the economy has improved yet somehow it's vital to extend unemployment benefits after supplying them for 99 weeks??!! Which is it Mr. Prez? Can't have both -
If republicans are truely for lower taxes why don't they pass the payroll and tax cuts for the middle class Obama says he would sign today.......Republicans will not offer up such tax cuts because they would no longer have the middle class to hold hostage for tax cuts for the richest, and that is the whole of the story.
Obviously we did not do a good enough job cleaning the US House in 2012, forgot to sweep under the rug.
Ellis, don't be a boor - there are "rich" Democrats too. Just try to deny it without your head exploding.
justoneguy,
In case you did not notice, I said the 'richest' without mentioning party. Got a guilty complex, have you ?
"Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?" .......the G.O.P. (oops sorry-my mistake)........Ebenezer Scrooge
Ummm nobody is holding anybody 'hostage' Ellis - this is about spending cuts....thus the basis of my comment.
HA HA....peace, so now 'Scrooge' is GOP.....you're a miracle.
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate Christmas?
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate God?
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate family?
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate America?
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate the Constitution?
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate Capitalism/Free Markets
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate the military?
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate our brave troops?
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate American Exceptionalism?
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate morality?
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate justice?
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate human progress and advancement?
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate a good education?
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate personal achievement?
Why do Liberals/Progressives hate themselves?
justoneguy
and yet they want to increase their own taxes ...hmmm go figure. Maybe because they actually look at the past and see that the Bush tax cuts did nothing but put us in Bush mortgage + Bush mortgage interest while Clinton's 1993 tax hike on the top 1.2% (passed without a single Rep vote) actually gave us balanced budgets...
if only GWB did not come around and f*ck it all up....
JimSpence
is another Fox News viewer.
Tell me is O'Reilly your hero? Is that where you get: liberals hate Xmas or God?
Change the channel - it will make you much more informed just by doing that...I promise.
JimSpence,
Have you thought about getting some therapy? Wow, the level of projection in your comments is mind blowing. You do not realize you are telling the world you are filled with "hate"
Arsenic 2...: WRONG, the administration (president) proposes ALL budgets, it then goes to the house to be debated; Obama has had no budget proposal in 3 years, the Nation has been running on emergency approbations, it has got to stop....
saxon, I'm sorry, but you are wrong. Obama has proposed a budget EVERY YEAR. But a proposed budget is like a "wish list". It has no force of law and the House is not bound to vote on the proposed budget. The House has the duty according to the Constitution to draw up the actual budget to be voted on and vote on it.
The politicians had an entire year to do this, but all of them wanted to wait until after the election so that none of them could be held accountable to what they're about to do to Americans.
LOL!!! Worked like a charm. And then people on here picking sides like either party gives a dam about you.
The same old losers were voted right back in and are safe. Americans are soooo stupid.
Thanks Cat. I guess Saxon's school was too underfunded to cover Civics....
I think the congress and Senate should loose there pay and benefits while they play these games, just like all the people that will loose there Unemployment 12/29/12. Tell congress they will loose all their income on that date. I bet the would do what needs to be done right now. There Master Grover will loose his hold on them. Congress seems to have forgotten who they work for. Its the voters Stupid. Remember We the people. The people you are suppose to Represent. Not the Koch brother and friends only. I know they have paid you off to do what they want. That is going to change. Do the right thing and save your job. Save this Country. David Koch has spent Millions to keep from paying for clean up from his pollution, And to keeps his taxes at 10% or less like Mitt did. The only money he wants saved is his.
Chief of state: This role requires a president to be an inspiring example for the American people. In some nations, the chief of state is a king or queen who wears a crown on special occasions, celebrates national holidays, and stands for the highest values and ideals of the country. As the American Chief of State, the president is a living symbol of the nation. It is considered a great honor to shake the president's hand.
Chief Legislator: Only Congress has the actual power to make laws. But the Constitution gives the president power to influence Congress in it's lawmaking. Presidents may urge Congress to pass new laws or veto bills they do not favor.
Chief Guardian of the Economy: In this role, the president is concerned with such things as unemployment, high prices, taxes, business profits, and the general prosperity of the country. The president does not control the economy, but is expected to help it run smoothly.
Cat - You are wrong also. Article 1, really has nothing to do with Congress writing and approving a FY Budget. The Budget is not a bill therefore can not become law. The President submits a Budget Request, usually in February, usually considered DOA when sent to Congress. The House and Senate Budget Committees write then own Budget Resolutions, once they approve their Budget Resolutions, the House and Senate committees meet for Reconciliation of their Budgets. Once Reconciliation is done both the House and Senate vote on the Budget. If passed that becomes the Budget for that Fiscal Year. Since it is not a bill it is not signed by the President. The past 3 or 4 yrs the SENATE under Harry Reid has refused to write or vote on their own Budget Resolution, however, they did vote 99 - 0 against the Presidents Budget Request and also rejected the House Budget Resolution.
Surely republicans cannot be stupid enough not to know every day they hold up a budget agreement and hold middle-class tax cuts hostage they lose more credibility and seats in Congress in 2014.
Wrong sfcret, the President does have to sign to accept or reject whatever budget agreement. Congress cannot pass and enact it's own budget without the Administration, other wise, what would be the need for a president ?
The president does not control the economy. He is not helping things run smooth.
This my way or the highway leadership is not working.
The people elected the Congressmen not the electoral collage.
Ellis - You didn't take a civics class in school did you? The President DOES NOT approve the Fiscal Year Budget. The Budget is NOT A BILL and therefore is not signed into law. The President gets his say when Congress passes the appropriations bills and then the President can sign them into law or veto them.
Obama has proposed a budget EVERY YEAR
And how many democrats voted for his budgets?
Layton I'm tired of hearing "61% agree to raising taxes on the wealthy"!!! Why would not 98% want to raise taxes on the top 2% ie someone else!!!???
Is there anyone out there that is really stupid enough to think that these people care about your Christmas? Do any of you think even just 1 of these people are going to miss out on Christmas. They each make 300k a year I don't think they are worried about your Christmas. They are worried about giving themselves a tax break for Christmas and you well just go ring a bell somewhere get the heck out of hear. I guess you would have to have been to a communist Country to understand that exactly what we are.
Christmas presents are different for different people. I'm sure Republicans promised a mountain for the billion dollars they got in donations. I'm sure those people are expecting some payback.
I mean with a single pay check these guys could fly 10 family member down to DC put them all in private rooms buy presents for all of them and still have money to go out and eat just off 1 of their bi weekly checks. Your Christmas Gone theirs travels with them!
I think the American people do to take away benefits for both the House and the Senate. These yahoos make enough money on insider trading etc., they don't need pensions, free health care etc. They are supposed to be serving the American people, not the American people serving them.
Wyatt;
Apparently yes, JimSpence, in the post just before yours.
See #1.23
Personally. I just wonder when the voters of this nation will realize that we have elected a bunch of millionaires who care less about this nation as a whole....and care lots about their millionaire friends that donate money for their re-elections. I wonder just what we are really paying these folks to do..other than bicker among themselves while the nation sinks .
Thats right Eric. Same as the Democrats funding for their candidate. You're an idiot
Get the job done, if not we will take your health care away from you since the GOP is owned by corporations and get their money from them, they wouldn't care if we suspended their salary.
Most don't need a salary. They have to stick to their "starving the beast" policies to be able to cut entitlements.
Why do they call them entitlements? I've paid my entire life into Medicare and Social Security. It's my money.
!!!
Eric, see my reply to Rrmin, below. Obviously these clowns are still living in the Bush/Cheney era, when "Healthy Forests" meant "destroy every and any living thing that can be found", and "Clear Skies" meant, "millions of tons of cyanide, mercury, arsenic, lead, hexavalent chromium and @!$%# we haven't even found names for yet going into the atmosphere and your children's bodies".
You are pretty naive if you think only the Republicans are owned by rich corporations. Unions also support the Democratic party and they are hardly poor based on all the dues they raise. Then we have the rich movie stars who support the Democratic party. I could go on and on. Each of these groups have their own agendas and want paybacks in the way of perks and contracts. Remember all the money Solyndra donated to the President's campaign? Do you think they just did that out of the kindness of their hearts? So get real.
Actually, instead of being neutral you Communists in the mainstreme media decided that Santa Clause (Barry Soetoro) should lead us to the Promise Land and give us gifts that don't cost anyone anything (except taxpayers). Don't hire an actually successful person like Mitt Romney because that would be a pragmatic solution and we just demagogue issues in America. We are not into solving problems. We like to demonize the Republicans who are the source of all evil in the world! Yay - us!
"you Communists?" You're a joke; no no read to read the rest of your GOPuke propaganda post.
It's not my fault you're one of the Frank Marshall Davis disciples.
Hey Labama, woops, Obama, woops ...what was your screenname last week? You've been banned so many times for comments such as the one above. Talk about addicted!
Actually - this is my first rodeo. I've never been here before. But I am pretty flattered that you would consider me a return visit. Seems like there are 60 million voters that don't like that Empty Suit very much. Thanks.
Romney was and is a putz, that is why he lost.
Bush said he had a mandate in 2004 and won by a lesser margin than Obama did in this election.
Republicans need to get over themselves.
Finally, those on the right are beginning to see the light. Perhaps if the GOPTP tore up their Norquist contracts, quit waging countless WARS on social issues, and offered a glimpse of being willing to compromise, they wouldn't be so despised by a majority of the public.
Speaking of despised, I could have sworn it is the GOPTP that cries and whines about a supposed War on Christmas, yet here they are, doing their best to ensure the holidays are miserable for everyone.
Actually, less people voted for Obama this time than in 2008. Voter turnout was a mere 59% instead of the 61% four years ago. 65 million voted for Barry as opposed to 69 million in 2008. More people voted Romney than McCain. So there is no mandate to raise taxes. It's just left-wing media spin. I lived and worked in Europe over ten years and their Socialist system of economics is breaking them apart. The Demoncrats failed to retake the House so the Republicans just need to hold fast and stand up to Obummer. I'm not suprised Obama supporters support a war on Christmas. The dude's not a Believer.
I agree Obamasuckshard...how about the four million dollar Hawaiin vacation the spender in chief is about to take. He sure feels your pain doesn't he lefties? It is written that in the end times many would be blinded. Again-where's the detailed spending cuts from big "O"?? There aren't any, we'll discuss that later--are you kidding me? We are to trust the Dems to cut spending: since when. They will continue to hand out perks to their voting blocks and take from the hard workers-all of them, even the wealthy. Reality check for lefties-it isn't yours and you're not entitled to someone else's stuff. Get off your duffs and get working..oh wait-that was Romney's message..wanted to put people back to work. They don't want that; they want more free stuff. Sad little takers.
OSH
You name says it all. You're an idiot. Why would you expect anyone to listen to your bantering. Just another rock headed repukelican that thinks their always right. Never anything positive just President Obama bashing. You don't care about your country that's alljust BS. All you care about is whine, b****, and complain. I guess that's what losers do and remember.......you lost! So just shut your pie hole. You and CAZ can get together and kiss each others behind.
Perhaps, you like the mature reference to "Poopie" which started off the discussion in comment #1 ????
Perhaps you like the muture reference to "an Obama leg humper" previously in the discussion???
Yeah, you can come back and talk to me when you've served your country for 23 years (which I did, by the way.) Nevermind that I actually love my country, unlike Obama - and have actually had a real job. Never heard you cryin' about anyone bashing Bush for eight years, did we? No - you reserve your pity parties for your Obamashrine. Worship as you please, in this country you have that right. But I know 2013 is going to be one helluva year, thanks to Kool-Aid Drinkers such as yourself. Don't say I didn't warn you.
OSH
40% of America believes that Humans popped on the earth fully formed 10,000 years ago.
73% of Fox News Viewers believe that Saddam Hussien was behind 911
- Of course, niether of those are true
13% of America has diagnosable psych problems.
And 60 million Americans voted for Romey because they don't understand much about much and vote idealogically rather than for the good of the nation. Sounds like 40% + the Faux News Morons + the crazys. You know, your guys.
Idealogy Arsenic???? lmao Hope & Change & Yes we can is an idealogy? I will cut the deficit in 1/2 by the end of my first term. Hows that for an idealogy?
Jay, sorry that you don't understand what the word means. Idealogy is like "we will cut taxes regardless of the damage it does to the country", or, "Tax breaks for the rich grow jobs". Ya know, believing something even though all the evidence is against it. Thats different than things like facts, like 80 years of prosperity in the United States flowed directly from FDR's liberal New Deal. Or that US corporations have record cash, but are not hiring.
It's not just Boehner, Pelosi, Reid and McConnell.
It's also the arrogant PRICK we have as a President who has been driving a 1-sided agenda for 4 years leaving no room for meeting in the middle.
This country is divided 52:48 or 53:47, so that's how the compromise must be structured or we are not going to get anywhere.
Raising taxes without huge spending cuts at the same time is like putting a bandaid on a spewing juggular vein. IT DOES NOTHING
I thought I was the only one who noticed.
Rght! That's why Bonner said "we got 99% of what we asked for!" last year, yep, that's the GOP comprimising and Obama playing tough....pull another GOP lie out of your A$$ why don't ya?
Anybody who really cared about deficit spending voted for Gore in 2000.
Where were you guys when Bush asked Congress to raise teh debt ceiling 8 times and got it every time?
Where were you guys when Bush fought two wars off the books with Congresse's aid, while for the first time ever in our history, reduced taxes during wartime?
Nowhere, that's where. Your hypocracy is boundless.
What these wigs (rep) are doing is criminal. They should be fired, arrested, and peosacuted for treason. Do they really think they will have jobs come next election. I dont think so.
The Republicans don't care if they lose their seats, they will just move into high paying jobs as lobbyists...see (former) Senator DeMint, resigning to go work for the Heritage Foundation. Elected office is just a stepping stone to bigger things for these Republicans.
DeMint is not leaving for the money. Reid had nothing when he came to Washington and he is leaving as one of the RICHEST politicians ever. Jim actually loves his country and wants to save it from the grassroots up instead of Dingy Harry who just wants the power that it brings him.
OSH,
You must also include Nancy Pelosi into the equation. Her earnings have dramatically improved in the last three years:
2008 - $12.5M; 2009 - $21.7M; 2010 - $35.2M.
It's good to be in politics at the 1% category. Bet she and her husband are earning at the same rate of Romney. Talk is cheap Nancy.
Rebecca both sides are corrupt. Why don't you look up how Senator Harry Reid became a millionaire while being a Senator in Congress. Instead of corporations helping him he just bought real estate then passed bills in Congress for the government to purchase the land for the new Interstate 580. Dems and Repubs go to congresss to become millionaires. They do not care about anyone yet the lemmings keep voting them back in.
Congress Stole Christmas????? Methinks, Michael, this article is insufficient and lacks good reporting. Lest we not forget that other character in this drama, the Heal Dragger In Chief???Where is this Grinch represented in your article? Did you already receive his "holiday" card, so you gave him another pass?
You simply cannot report without input of your partiality.....that is so high school newpaper.... not real journalism, but again, look who you work for and the editorial spirit, tactics and ideology that flow down to the lowest levels-or you will have to rework the article.. right? ..
Yes, they will have jobs next election. You won't because you voted for O-Disaster who thinks stealing from the rich and giving to the poor produces economic prosperity.
Your right !!! Bush's tax cuts for the rich have done wonders for this country
Did you give yours' back???? Na...didn't think so.....
Actually Bush was in charge of the recession. That would the the Swampland of Reid, Pelosi, Dodd and Frank that oversaw the sub-prime mortgage bubble collapse. They were controlling the strings from 2007 through 2010. People woke up and drained the House and gave it back to the Republicans. The Tea Parties are still here and they will voting in 2014.
The "Bush Tax Cuts" cut income tax rates for ALL levels of taxation. Go back, read the original bill, grow up.
wb52
I would have given my tax cut back but i decided to put it in an overseas bank instead of investing it back into this country.
Entitlements really appear to have the REPUBS, in an uproar. When the SS Act was enacted back in the 30's by Roosevelt, it was held away from the general fund. Then Congress looked at all that money and could not wait to get their greedy lille hands on it. What they need to is put back in the FDIC, and leave the money alone, and it would be out of the General Fund. Now while we are talking about entitlements, lets put Congress Retirement funds on the table also, what they get is criminal.
The money was never in the FDIC. From day one, social security revenue has gone into a trust fund which was required by law to by special bonds issued by the US government. The only thing that has changed since day one is that there is now a "unified" budget which reports a bottom line income & expenditure deficit/surplus -- thereby masking the new debt owed by general revenue to the various trust funds. The reporting of the unified budget deficit is the primary reason why the national debt (the combination of what is owed to the rest of the government and what is owed to private individuals) increases each year by more than the deficit.
I see that my paycheck take home is going to shrink come Jan 1 and I have adjusted my spending now. I have not spent 50% of what I did last year for charity and gifts this season because my budget would be fractured with the reduction in take home pay if I spend thinking my current take home will continue. I think I am not alone. There's probably many millions thinking like me. So, the looming fiscal cliff has affected our economy. Consumer spending, I think, is down and that's the leading indicator for the economy. We will see when the counting is done. Yes, Congress Stole my family's Christmas and I WILL NOT FORGET IT in the voting booth. Out with ALL incumbents, I say!
Congress will find some way to weasel themselves out of this. God forbid if they have to work a week before and after any holiday. They cannot even work when there is not a holiday. Leeches!
The Republicans will do anything to avoid cooperating with this president. They do not care who they hurt, just as long as they can make things tougher for Obama.
Yes, Obama works very hard inviting Chris Matthews and Rachel MadCow over to the White House to discuss policy. The Muslim Brotherhood, too. Hey, when your Ambassador in Libya is attacked, what is a President supposed to do? Go to Vegas, of course! In the last four years the Obamas worked very hard on their vacations and a lot of economic prosperity was secured on the beaches of Hawaii and the waters of Martha's Vineyard. Who care's if Obama's golf game improved while millions of Americans were out-of-work? Let the French eat cake, right Michelle?
OSH
On top of being an idiot you're a liar. Your grasp of international politics would make a middle school student laugh and fools like you are the exact reason the GOP failed in the last election. Even now you're too stupid to realize your own errors. Sure makes me want to put stock in anything you say. Whoopeee the GOP kept control of the House which is the biggest farce of our political system. Half of them regardless of party have no clue how or what to do. Kind of like you.
Stop-Loss
That is such a brilliant comment. Kind of like when the Dems had control of the WH, Senate, and Congress huh? ROTFLMAO
Here's to all the Dimowatts: Enjoy every tax and fee you get because you deserve every last one. Here's to all the 47%. Merry Christmas. If you can not see behind the smoke screen that Barry, Pelosi, and Reid are blowing - you need this and I believe that the Repubs, as much as you hate them, will probably (as a lesson for you) let all of Barry's goodies befall you. Merry Christmas.
Our President has already done so much on his own to restore our country after the last nightmare of an adminkstration... and it looks like he may have to do the rest on his own as well.
Why does the GOPuke insist on holding us all hostage for the super wealthy 1%?
I love the way they paint this as Congress' hold up.... Takes 2 to tango. Obama can stand firm becuase frankly he doesn't care if we go over the cliff. He thinks Americans are way too rich anyway, and a true Socialist will find anyway to they can to take money from the working class. Just look at FHA loan PMI rates... it's criminal, but, flys under the wire.
Congress is just pleading with the administration to do what will not sink the country further into debt.
Btw: they call them entitlements because it incorporates spending on programs other than the ones we pay into... Like benefits for illegal aliens, extended unemployment, food stamps, etc.
Rrmin, you get an automatic, big quivering F on that. First: go over to your liberal neighbor's house and borrow her dictionary- no, it's cool, I'll wait right here for you.
OK, got it? Yeah, I knew she'd be happy to help out- we Liberals are all very pro-education, you know. Now, look up the word 'entitlement'- oh, you don't know how to do that? Poor dear, let me help you.
Here we go! Entitlement- "that which is owned by right or by title"- gee, couldn't have been easier, could it? Entitlement means something that you have a right to- in the case of Social Security or Medicare, because you have paid into them your entire working life!
What's that? No, I'm certain that there's no mention of illegal aliens here. See, this is an English dictionary! For one where words mean what you want them to mean, maybe you should try to borrow one from Sean Hannity. Or even the Red Queen!
[OK, I admit that last part was my little joke. Yes, I am well aware that Hannity will scream at the top of his lungs for the (taxpayer-supported) police if one of his viewers gets within a Texas mile of his front door.]
Hey, Rrmin! D'ya want me to call your mom and hit 'er up for your bail money?
I'll Second on the "Rmin is an idiot" proposal.
It's the media that is stealing Christmas. The world will not end if they don't come up with something by the end of the year. In fact it might actually be good if they don't. We need many if not all of the cuts that come with no decision. Media, stop making this bigger than it really is.....!
Thats it. Blame the media. When all else fails it is the media's fault. Look at the real issues and potential damage that could occur if this happens. Don't be so blind. Show some patriotism here. Neither party is better than the other but we should put our heads in the sand because serious damage WILL occur if we choose to ignore this.
Then maybe your president should stop galavanting all over country and sit his ass in DC to work through this with Congress.
Republicans have already taken the first step toward meeting in the middle by saying (publicly) that they would give in on the tax increases for the 'rich'.
They ask Obama (and his liberal minions) to now take a step... what's his response? Basically he said to them - 'EAT ME!'
THAT is real leadership!
(you asked for it people... you got it!)
Everyone who voted in this past election had the opportunity to throw each and every one of these bums out and did not do so. If you are one of those who voted for an incumbant you have helped subject this country to 4 more years of "DO NOTHING".
The real issue of the fiscal cliff is not what is included in an agreement - it is the fact that the various stakeholders agreed to compromise or failed to come to a compromise. The Congress - both the House and the Senate- and the White House have the opportunity to instill confidence that our government can function. There are two major opportunities - the fiscal cliff and the debt limit. On both, our government needs to show compromise is a good thing; not something to be avoided at all costs.
FEV
You're scary. You actually use common sense to draw your conclusions. Don't count on getting the GOP freaks here to listen because they don't understand "compromise". Complaining and degrading our President are all they care about. Then they will tell you that they're patriots and love their country. Welcome to the GOP aka Goofs On Parade.
OH STOP!
You are a partisan a$$hole!
You read what FEV said and then took her (non-partisan) comment and twisted it into a left-wing jab!
YOUR ATTITUDE exemplifies the problem in DC. You and your left-wing lunatic cohorts have no interest in cooperation or compromise.
The Republicans have taken the first step by publicly offering tax increases for the 'rich'. They then ask (in the spirit of compromise) that the liberals offer some detail of the spending cuts that will be included...
The liberals and their 'my-way-or-the-highway' attitude have told conservatives to 'go pound sand'!
SO... don't give us your BS about cooperation or conservative obstructionism - it is YOU who represent what is wrong with this country!
:OP
Most everyone in America who is fortunate enough to have a job has worked hard at it all year. Some have worked at more than one job to make ends meet. Forgive me if I hope that Congress does have to shorten its Christmas break and actually do some work---they've done so little all year and should be ashamed to stand before the American people. This fiscal cliff could have been resolved in a day if there was a true spirit of compromise and caring for the American people---all of them, not just the 1%.
Steeler Fan, you don't need to be forgiven for stating facts! Congress has done nothing this past year but earn their very dismal approval rating.
The term "Congress" includes the House and the Senate where Harry Reid has his his "butt-prints" on all kinds of legislation that has been passed by the House. Harry is Obama's lap dog.
Obama is the President of the United States. The fiscal cliff is his problem. What is he doing? He is campaigning. The Oval Office has an empty chair. If the media blamed Bush for the bank collapse while he had a Democrat Congress, the media MUST BLAME OBAMA for the US Fiscal Collapse. The collapse of the US is a little worse than the banking crisis. Obama could destroy the United States. That would be his legacy.
For those who have forgotten, the Fiscal Cliff was the compromise necessary to get the Republicans to agree to raise the debt ceiling last time around, in order to avoid the US defaulting on its obligations, the threat of which caused the downgrade of its securities by one of the major credit rating agencies. Recall that Obama and Boehner had come to an agreement on a package to reduce the budget deficit, and Boehner could not deliver enough of his Republican congressmen to pass it, leading to the Fiscal Cliff compromise. The Republicans own the Fiscal Cliff. The electorate knows it, despite pathetic attempts by Republicans to now blame the President for it.
Uh...don't think so there buttercup....Yes they had an agreement.....and then the Empty Suit changed it....Your guy won the election....you didn't like our ideas....we presented an offer...you guys didn't like it...we submitted another just yesterday and again you didn't like it.......well.....we don't like yours.
So there ya go...an impasse.....over we go....we conservatives planned for it...didn't you libs....once again you don't have a plan "B"?
Well when we go over everyone get's their way....Empty Suit gets his tax increases including the 2% and we get our cuts.....Of course those getting the freebees aren't going to like that much...hmmmm once again the Empty Suit FAILS to deliver......Just like he failed to deliver to the 4 Americans he let die in Benghazi........He's just a peach of a guy isn't he???
AMEN wb52!
The one thing it proves is that we need a new tax system so we are not constantly at these idiots mercy.
This Congress will go down in our nations history as the worst representation our country has ever had!!!! Period
I don't know Libtard, looks like the House is representing the folks that are sick of borrowing/taxing/squandering and voted to keep them there. They represent people with work ethics... not the parasitic deadbeat Obamabots...
NBC, this is not a one sided fight, 48% of the public does not agree with Obama. It is time that 48% stop buying products advertised on NBC when they publish biased divisive trash like this article. We need to stop spending more than we have, period. Anyone that does not agree with that perspective is just irresponsible and selfish.
More grand standing and "Government Failure" and not a "Fiscal Cliff" as contrived by the creators of this complete financial mess in both parties. Our useless and irresponsible non leaders still playing politics and games, let it happen and see what happens..................... Bet it's already been pre-planned and settled behind closed doors with both sides later claiming victory with hapless taxpayers the losers as usual.
What a farce and fraud.
Pres. O is not grandstanding...he wants to cut services - to please the GOP, but also to raise revenues- to really fix the deficit. But the GOP has always wanted to totally destroy the livelihood of grandma and grandpa and their social security and medicare benefits which are the only thing some of our grannies and grandpas have.
We have said we are will to go with increased revenue....you folks don't like the our method of raising it....name one cut the Empty Suit has said he concede to.....
Im buying lubricant for Christmas.