by Mark Silva
The Democrats have controlled the Congress and the White House for less than a month, the chairman of the Republican Party says, "and you have to wonder if all that power has gone to their heads...
""For the last two weeks, they've been trying to force a massive spending bill through Congress under the guise of economic relief,'' Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican National Committee, says in a Saturday address.
The address comes on a day in which the Senate is debating a compromise economic stimulus that negotiators from both parties have produced - but the Republicans don't appear too enamored with it. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is saying today that the agreement looks more like $827 billion than the $780 billion that negotiators have represented. Add interest costs, he complains, and it's still $1 trillion.
The GOP is still promoting tax cuts as the solution.
"All of us - Republicans and Democrats - agree the government must act to kick-start the American economy. American families are doing their best to balance their own budgets and pay their mortgages,'' Steele says. ""The fastest way to help those families is by letting them keep more of the money they earn. Individual empowerment: that's how you stimulate the economy.''
Steele suggests that his own party cannot only oppose the package, but also must offer Americans a reasonable alternative: "Voting 'no' is not enough,'' he says, "and Republicans have offered innovative ideas to help struggling families and small businesses. We've offered plans to spark job creation and investment through lower taxes, to stop the taxation of unemployment benefits, and to help Americans keep their jobs and their homes.''
See the RNC chairman's address above and the text below:
"This is Michael Steele, Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Democrats have controlled both branches of government for less than a month. And you have to wonder if all that power has gone to their heads.
"For the last two weeks, they've been trying to force a massive spending bill through Congress under the guise of economic relief.
"All of us - Republicans and Democrats - agree the government must act to kick-start the American economy. American families are doing their best to balance their own budgets and pay their mortgages.
"The fastest way to help those families is by letting them keep more of the money they earn. Individual empowerment: that's how you stimulate the economy.
"But the Democrats have a different philosophy. Instead of leaving money in the family checkbook, they want to send it to Washington, run it through a slow and inefficient government, and hope that does some good.
"When families keep the money, they spend it, save it, or invest it. And the private sector economy benefits when families and businesses buy consumer goods or invest it for the future. But when Washington spends the money, some of it may flow into the economy, but all too often, much gets wasted.
"Democrats in Congress want a one-trillion dollar spending bill. You've heard about the pork-barrel programs they want to fund... 45 million dollars for ATV trails and removal of fish passage barriers is one that caught my eye. Exactly what is a fish passage barrier and why does it cost 45 million dollars to stimulate the economy with it?
"That's why Republicans in the House voted against uncontrolled spending. This is not a bragging point, but rather a statement that at least Republicans would stand with the American taxpayer.
"But voting 'no' is not enough... and Republicans have offered innovative ideas to help struggling families and small businesses. We've offered plans to spark job creation and investment through lower taxes, to stop the taxation of unemployment benefits, and to help Americans keep their jobs and their homes.
"The comprehensive Republican plan would lower taxes for all working American families. If you're married, the first 16,750 dollars you make this year will be taxed at ten percent. Why don't we cut that rate in half to give instant buying power to every working American family?
"Good ideas... lots of them... all left out of this plan by the Democrats in Congress.
"Republicans stand ready to work with reasonable Democrats to do what is right for America.
"But it will take more than bipartisan words from the President. It will require fair-minded action from Democrats in Congress.
"Thanks for listening."
Comments
"Rush is a conservative that we must listen to".
1) Rush Limbaugh on the Abu Ghraib photos: "I'm talking about people having a good time, these people, you ever heard of emotional release? You ever heard of need to blow some steam off?"
2) Rush Limbaugh: "Feminism was established so as to allow unattractive women easier access to the mainstream of society."
3) Rush Limbaugh on the kidnapping of peace activists in Iraq: "I'm telling you, folks, there's a part of me that likes this."
4) "No! I want him to fail."
Posted by: bill r. | February 7, 2009 9:40 AM
I laughed out-loud when I read Steele “This is not a bragging point, but rather a statement that at least Republicans would stand with the American taxpayer.” What a joke. Pugs are the rapists that have created about 80% of our national debt!!! Dems maybe 20%!!! Steele better do some history research, but of course that would smack the concept that pugs are supposed to be good talkers, bad performers, and tellers of lies. The followers end up being sheep whose eyes glaze over in the face of good talkers. He is a great leader for the sinking ship.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2678226
http://www.cedarcomm.com/~stevelm1/usdebt.htm
Posted by: Xcellentform | February 7, 2009 10:09 AM
Excellent - More of Steel
Posted by: Inky | February 7, 2009 10:32 AM
"Those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to repeat it,"- George Santayana
What is most frightening and what continues to amaze is that the memory of the RNC does not even last a few minutes, not to mention days, weeks, months, or years. As soon as the clock moves even a second, the running commentary of history is rewritten, not only by the RNC, but by the conservative media who support them.
If this type of memory impairment is an asset, we could feel secure that we could burn our hands on a hot stove again and again without pain or consequence. We could walk out in traffic as much as we liked. We could run red lights. We could settle all our disputes by shooting first and asking questions later, then smile about it. Heck, we could do anything we wanted and call what we did anything we wanted. It doesn't matter as long as we have a large soap box that invades peoples living rooms. With this type of blessed existence, wouldn't we want to see everyone in our families and neighborhoods enjoy similar blessings?
Posted by: Julian Lev | February 7, 2009 10:58 AM
Bill R.....I do not listen to Limbaugh very often, but I happened to catch a few of the comments you posted. You selectively pulled word completely out of context in an attempt to make a sorry point. If I did the same to literally any of your posts....I could make you out to be a lame ignorant SOB.
Posted by: scottiesrule | February 7, 2009 11:56 AM
I think I must have somehow been transported to a parallel universe...the one with the conservative media. Bless me, that was a good one. Thanks for the laugh.
Posted by: scottiesrule | February 7, 2009 12:20 PM
You almost had me....until you referenced the DU. LOL
Posted by: scottiesrule | February 7, 2009 12:21 PM
the democrats, unfortunately, are demonstrating the wrong concepts to get this country moving. Too much spending. what is needed:
long term jobs, lower taxes, tax credit for housing. Not the other nonsense.
At the next town hall meeting ask Obama about:
the taxpayers funding the recent democratic meeting where they chartered train cars, ate and slept at a resort and charged over $100,000 at taxpayers expense for 3 days.
ask Obama about the smoking cessation and STD program costing $600,000,000
ask Obama about all the pork.
All those pork jobs END, businesses provide long term employment.
Infrastructure spending is appropriate, but the silliness of some the expenses are atrocious.
Washington should be the last place to spend, so ask Obama to stop the billions and billions going to buildings in D.C.
That's not helping America, that's burdening the next three generations.
ask Obama, unless his goons won't let you ask or the "audience" is biased.
Only long term jobs, none of the other cr@p.
Posted by: rhonda | February 7, 2009 1:14 PM
Is this guy serious? Has he forgotten he is the chairman of the very same party that assisted wee bush run our great country very deeply into the ground? Perhaps he might consider keeping his mouth shut until he gets his own house in order. Just a thought!
Posted by: Jeni | February 7, 2009 1:52 PM
So Michael Steele wonders if power has gone to democrats’ heads?
After he fired everyone at the RNC headquarters without cause, the entire country is wondering the same thing about him.
Posted by: Catherine | February 7, 2009 2:02 PM
Hey Scottie, I challenge you to come up with any context in which those words of Limbrain are anything less than repulsive bleatings of hatred. Every word that bloviated neanderthal spews is 100% racist homophobic misogyny.
Posted by: Bruce Y | February 7, 2009 2:11 PM
Republicans were the poster children for abusing power. They have zero credibility. And once again their only solution to things is tax cuts.
Good doctors don't act like Republicans. If they did, instead of curing their dying patients, they'd be offering them tax cuts.
Posted by: Steve M | February 7, 2009 2:16 PM
This site only allows slanted, bias postings.
Posted by: nikki | February 7, 2009 2:16 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/06/AR2009020604151.html
Michael Steele is under federal investigation since last March for suspicious money "movement" during his last run for office
Amazing to me how these people put themselves in the public eye and think they can get away with it
Give him a few months before he has to step down
Then he can become Sean Hannity's new partner on TV - he is on the show more than Alan Colmes was anyway
Posted by: alison | February 7, 2009 2:29 PM
How stupid. He doesn't know what a fish barrier is!
Posted by: Fish Montana | February 7, 2009 2:41 PM
Some one needs to be screaming it from the roof tops, since it is apparent the Media isn't going to do anything other than give the Republicans a platform because they are now in the business of making money, not reporting the news, that TAX CUTS DON'T WORK! We have tried that for 8 years and look at where it got us! Trickle down economics failed in the biggest way possible! Now they want to keep mouthing that same old refrain but this time? We have NOTHING left to lose!
Posted by: Deanna | February 7, 2009 2:47 PM
Listen i[ people.....if we don't spend money to stimulate this economy? We won't have an economy or country to worry about because if you don;t think our enemies will attack when we are at our weakest? Your not smart enough to keep breathing. Who cares how much it costs if it saves this country?????????
Rush? Is a sad mouth piece trying to ensure his next paycheck and Steel? Is shown to be a crook but hey he apparently fits right in.
Posted by: Deanna | February 7, 2009 2:51 PM
The Repuglicans have just elected a chairman (Steele) who has only won elected office once (Lt. Gov) and tried to pass himself off as a Democrat when he ran for Senate in 06.
Steele comes off like a bad used car salesman.
Heckuva Job, GOPer's!
Posted by: Laughing Larry | February 7, 2009 2:57 PM
So Michael Steele wonders if power has gone to democrats’ heads?
"After he fired everyone at the RNC headquarters without cause, the entire country is wondering the same thing about him.
Posted by: Catherine | February 7, 2009 2:02 PM "
The Dems did the same thing. Can't fault him for that. When something is broke, you fix it.
I think Steele is just what the Rep. need. Here is a man that reminds me of Obama...they are both strong and what is best for their party.
Sounds good to me.
: -)
Posted by: alice | February 7, 2009 3:01 PM
It seems this country forgot how close the election really was.
Democrats
Popular vote 69,456,897
Percentage 52.9%
Republicans
Popular vote 59,934,814
Percentage 45.7%
I voted for Obama and consider myself a republican. I am curious how many people like me voted for change and fairness and now regret this? What many dems don’t realize is how easy it will be for them to lose our 8% extra votes. If they keep attempting to blame 45.7% of this country for problems they also contributed to they will lose this position fast. The ill gotten gains from the CEO’s to realtors, mortgage brokers and house flippers to many welfare recipients such as our new “octuplets” mother are not from one specific party. I voted for someone to clawback the ill gotten gains and reward fiscal responsibility and hard work. What happen? Watching Obama hurry this bill through with his “catastrophe” rhetoric I believe I voted wrong. Let’s pass a temporary social safety net bill quarter of the size of this bill and take time to build a real stimulus package. We can do better.
Posted by: cc | February 7, 2009 3:01 PM
Mr. Steele,
A "fish passage barrier" is a dam.
When you remove the dam, the fish -- salmon -- are able to get upstream to spawn.
When fish are able to spawn, they can then grow up and be caught by fishermen.
The fishermen sell the salmon to stores. Stimulus.
The stores sell the salmon to restaurants. Stimulus.
The restaurants sell the salmon to diners. Stimulus.
The scrap is sold to pet food manufacturers and fertilizer manufacturers. Stimulus.
The pet food is sold to stores. Stimulus.
The fertilizer is sold to stores. Stimulus.
The fertilizer is sold to farmers. Stimulus.
The pet stores sell the fertilizer to customers. Stimulus.
Nurseries sell the fertilizer to customers. Stimulus.
Nurseries use the fertilizer to grow plants to sell to customers. Stimulus.
Nurseries sell the fertilizer to landscapers. Stimulus.
Landscapers sell their services to clients. Stimulus.
Farmers use the fertilizer to grow crops. Stimulus.
Farmers sell the fruit of their crops to stores -- and to food processors. Stimulus.
Food processors sell their food to stores. Stimulus.
Stores sell the food to customers. Stimulus.
Stores sell the crops to restaurants. Stimulus.
Stores sell the processed food to restaurants. Stimulus.
Restaurants sell the food to customers. Stimulus.
Currently, the west coast salmon fishery is shut down, because there are too few salmon, because of the barriers to spawning, also known as reproduction.
That is when two salmon make thousands of baby salmon.
If you remove the fish barriers, its effects spread through the economy.
This is why $45 million to remove "fish passage barriers" is a great way to stimulate the American economy.
That 45 million will provide paying jobs for:
1. laborers to remove the dams
2. fishermen
3. seafood peddlers
4. restaurateurs
5. farmers
6. food processors and packagers
7. grocers
8. nurseries
9. landscapers
10. the truckers who move all this American product from place to place
11. and more
That is how $45 million spent on removing "fish passage barriers" will act as stimulus -- and stimulus very well-spent.
Steele, you don't know what you're talking about.
Republicans who oppose spending money on repairing the environment as "pork spending" do not understand that air, water, and soil are the natural resources upon which our entire economy is built.
Posted by: RBS | February 7, 2009 3:08 PM
This is insanity and denial at it's height. Republicans have no solutions to economic problems AT ALL! After 20 years of having their way in Washington they have created the largest economic mess our country has seen since the unregulated robber barons ran the government. Their failed solution to everything is "tax cuts", "tax cuts" it hasn't worked very well now has it? Only an imbecile would believe that as the population goes up, less services are needed, and we can continue providing needed services without increasing the money needed for them. What don't they get? They really need to update their thinking to the 21st century, instead of clinging to 18th century ones. No matter how hard they want to stop or turn back the clock, it just ain't gonna happen...
Posted by: J.Stone | February 7, 2009 3:44 PM
Are there any Rethuglicans left out there who aren't under investigation by the Feds??
"Michael S. Steele, the newly elected chairman of the Republican National Committee, arranged for his 2006 Senate campaign to pay a defunct company run by his sister for services that were never performed, his finance chairman from that campaign has told federal prosecutors."
.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/06/AR2009020604151.html?wprss=rss_politics
.
Posted by: Beth | February 7, 2009 3:46 PM
Michael Steele says: "All of us - Republicans and Democrats - agree the government must act to kick-start the American economy."
Wrong! The Republicans in the Swamp want to do nothing, unless it somehow puts more bucks in their own selfish dittohead pockets.
Posted by: gord | February 7, 2009 4:11 PM
Someone needs to explain to Mr. Steele and the Republicans what a fish passage barrier is and why it is important to remove as many barriers as practical. Their recent comments illustrate how a lack of basic understanding about environmental issues has devastated our environment, fishing industry, tourism, recreation, and the economy. Just another inconvenient truth!
Posted by: steve | February 7, 2009 4:19 PM
Someone needs to explain to Mr. Steele and the Republicans what a fish passage barrier is and why it is important to remove as many barriers as practical. Their recent comments illustrate how a lack of basic understanding about environmental issues has devastated our environment, fishing industry, tourism, recreation, and the economy. Just another inconvenient truth!
Posted by: steve | February 7, 2009 4:20 PM
Mr. Steele is the biggest hypocrite! Where was him when Bush was proposing the first bail-out, sending campaign money to his sister's company?
Posted by: Roberto | February 7, 2009 4:21 PM
When I'm listening to the Republicans,Karl Rove,Dick Chenney,Fox Newsmy only question is "If you guys knew everything and had the answer for everything, why are we in this pile of crap? you sound so smart and so articulate with all the correct movements and policies,that looks like a mistake that we voted for Barack Obama.Please guys is bad to be in the minority,but it's worst to never shut up.
Posted by: romi | February 7, 2009 5:30 PM
Republican's cure for everything, tax cuts, might be helpful if you have a job.
Posted by: Kristin | February 7, 2009 5:49 PM
This guy is as big an idiot as Rush and as big a crook as Blago. Steele moved campaign money from one fund to another illegally and paid his sister for work not performed out of his campaign coffers. His response to the revelations? The source is " a convicted felon"! A convicted felon who was the financial officer for Steele's campaign. I guess that was ok because it was before his conviction so he was a simple felon then! This guy is as big a bozo as they come.
Posted by: Susan | February 7, 2009 6:08 PM
By being elected head of the Grand Old Party, Michael Steel has become one of the most powerful politicians in America. He was elected by the party elite, while Obama was elected by the people. Obama did not get not even 80% of democrats support. In Michael Steel we see an African American elected to be in charge of the Party of Linoln!
Posted by: Carmelo Junior | February 7, 2009 6:29 PM
The MEpublicans got us into this mess, and willl continue to to find fault with proposals supported by Democrats.
It's government for the people, WE the people. The MEpublicans need to understand this, it's in our constitution. The greedy shameless gangs need to face facts. No more illegal deals. They played their hand called "those who hold the gold make the rules". The party is over, shame on the MEpublicans and their Wall Street cohorts who would continue to rob us blind. Let Wall Street become Fall Street if they don't act responsibly. Our government is not a money tree for the wealthy. We know that tax cuts aren't the answer, but the MEpublicans love their bonuses that our government previously allowed. The Party's over, and your party, the MEpublicans, will not be allowed to misuse our funds any longer.
Posted by: caligram | February 7, 2009 6:40 PM
Republicans could go on a crime spree for the next 2 years and still not catch up to the Democrats when it comes to illegal activities. How is Charlie Rangel still in the House let alone the head of the House Ways and Means Committee. Oh, that's right, Democrats only have to pay taxes if they want to. Need a sweet deal on your mortgage, call Chris Dodd...or Barney Frank. Need to get rid of a body, call Ted Kennedy. Better move fast on that one since Teddy may not be long for this world. Want to know more Democratic felons...just pick up the paper on any given morning and see the indictments being handed down. Of course, you will have to dig to actually find out the political affiliation of those being indicted...but take my word for it...they are mostly Dems.
Posted by: scottiesrule | February 7, 2009 7:39 PM
Carmelo Junior are you nuts. Barrack Obama got elected by the majority of all the people in in the United States. Michael Steele the thief got 80% of how many white good old boys. The elected him as a token black thinking this will help get the black vote in the future. Like Mccain chose Palin which she has brea...st thinking the Hillary vote would vote for them... Open your eyes.....
Posted by: Marie | February 7, 2009 8:11 PM
Carmelo Junior are you nuts. Barrack Obama got elected by the majority of all the people in in the United States. Michael Steele the thief got 80% of how many white good old boys. The elected him as a token black thinking this will help get the black vote in the future. Like Mccain chose Palin because she has brea...st thinking the Hillary vote would vote for them... Open your eyes.....
Posted by: Marie | February 7, 2009 8:11 PM
Carmelo Junior are you nuts. Barrack Obama got elected by the majority of all the people in in the United States. Michael Steele the thief got 80% of how many white good old boys. The elected him as a token black thinking this will help get the black vote in the future. Like Mccain chose Palin because she has brea...st thinking the Hillary vote would vote for them... Open your eyes.....
Posted by: Marie | February 7, 2009 8:12 PM
Carmelo Junior are you nuts. Barrack Obama got elected by the majority of all the people in in the United States. Michael Steele the thief got 80% of how many white good old boys. The elected him as a token black thinking this will help get the black vote in the future. Like Mccain chose Palin because she has brea...st thinking the Hillary vote would vote for them... Open your eyes.....
Posted by: Marie | February 7, 2009 8:12 PM
20 years of Republican rule....what planet do you live on? Seems I remember a guy by the name of William Jefferson Clinton staying at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for 8 years. Seems I also remember Democrats having control of Congress for a few of the past 20 years. I also remember Democrats acting fairly partisan when they were not the majority. Of course, that would not fit with your view of history or why we are where we are today. So much easier to blame Republicans for everything. Oh, don't forget the....Bush did ______ (fill in the blank for whatever idiotic issue you want). I look at the next 4 years under Obama as being a very painful time. The man has already demonstrated he doesn't have a clue. However, unlike the libs who actually wanted the US to fail or suffer under Bush, I hope we find a way to survive.
Posted by: scottiesrule | February 7, 2009 8:32 PM
Glass houses, Mr Steele:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/08/us/politics/08steele.html?_r=1&hp
Posted by: Kenny Bunkport ☯ | February 7, 2009 8:37 PM
Either that, or, when Repbulicans lost their power they lost their minds.....
People are losing jobs faster than Palin can shop for clothes. People cannot be empowered without a means to be independent and to pay their own way to be able to make their own decisions. Tax cuts do not benefit anyone when there are no jobs, no income, failing businesses, and closed businesses. The President is doing what the majority elected him to do. Back off.
Posted by: nana4g | February 7, 2009 9:01 PM
Why would you be concerned about taxes cut when you're unemployed.
I thought this deserved a repost:
http://www.openleft.com/showComment.do?commentId=146670
Short and interesting read.
http://mediamatters.org/items/200902050027?f=h_top
Posted by: Ms. Priss | February 7, 2009 9:04 PM
The Republican Party has lost credibility and respect. They ignore the recommendations of every economist and cling to a closed minded insistence on an economic ideology which is not bad but which is totally unsuited for this time. It is amazing that they lack the IQ and the character to realize that and to "let go" enough to participate in solutions for the good of the country instead of for their own power.
Posted by: nana4g | February 7, 2009 9:05 PM
I keep trying to give the Republicans the benefit of the doubt. Decent, reasonable people whom I just disagree with. But they keep proving that they are total idiots, mean spirited and utterly without redeeming social value (in other words obscene.) Let them all move to the South and let the South suceed from the Union. Lincoln's big mistake was forcing those folks to stay in the Union.
Posted by: Phillip Ziegler | February 7, 2009 9:25 PM
Einstein once said that only fools keep doing things the same way and expect different results.
The Republican mantra is tax cuts upon tax cuts. And these fools keep expecting different results.
Posted by: Sharon | February 7, 2009 10:21 PM
A big halleluha for that one Mr. Ziegler! I say turn this into an EU style thing and make the government smaller and more managable. It is also the quickest way to keep government in check. Also, the curse of a "super power" is not neccisarily a good designation to have.
Posted by: Xcellentform | February 7, 2009 10:29 PM
Good lord what an uncle tom!!!!
Posted by: Harriet Beecher Stowe | February 7, 2009 10:40 PM
The Republicans seem determined ot margionalize themselves out of existence! Maybe that is a good thing?
Posted by: Mandy | February 7, 2009 11:18 PM
I think power went to the heads of the Republicans-- and they are so addicted to it that they can't acknowledge that the American public chose to remove them from power. They are now acting as an obstacle and stumbling block to the change we so desperately need and want. Their HUGE political ego cannot stand to consider the possiblity that they failed, and that if they simply let Obama do what we elected him to do, the Republican failure will be clear and obvious to everyone.
Posted by: Virginia Fey | February 7, 2009 11:56 PM
Steele talks like everyone is working and doesn't mention 3.6 mil who lost there jobs. You can't cut taxes on someone who has no income Mr Steele.
Posted by: bobbyboy | February 8, 2009 12:15 AM
Steele talks like everyone is working and doesn't mention 3.6 mil who lost there jobs. You can't cut taxes on someone who has no income Mr Steele.
Posted by: bobbyboy | February 8, 2009 12:15 AM
Reasonable Democrats? That's GOP code for "bend over and spread 'em". The GOP spent the past 8 years stating categorically that any congressperson who disagreed with Dubbya was committing treason.
They had their shot; now let them rot.
Posted by: Patrick Drazen | February 8, 2009 10:57 AM
Let's just say: Obama he ain't.
Posted by: purplehawk | February 8, 2009 11:28 AM
I hope Mr. Steele will very quickly put aside his arrogance and realize that he's being totally used by the RNC as their clown fool puppet.
As purplehawk so aptly says, "Obama he ain't", and will never be in this lifetime. Hedoesn't have it - poor man.
Posted by: millie | February 8, 2009 11:52 AM
Rhonda, you are a moron.
Just keep repeating the Repiglican lies about the jobs just being temporary!
A job is a job when you have none!
Posted by: Arliss | February 8, 2009 12:26 PM
Yeah, he doesn't know what a fish barrier is. Could he have asked someone before making a national address?
It's one thing to be ignorant--no big deal, everyone's ignorant about something. (I myself am ignorant of the best way to cook blowfish, for example.) Butt I'd be reluctant to give a speech in front of the nation and proudly proclaim my ignorance!
Hey, Mr. Steele: before you give your next speech, you might ask your speechwriters whether or not they've asked The Google or The Wikipedia. You might save yourself some serious embarrassment.
Posted by: Hugh-Gee | February 8, 2009 1:01 PM
For "Fish Barriers"! Let's go beyond sound bites! That $20 million one time investment could yield a recurring $200+ million yearly benefit. Show me a tax cut that will do that. I don’t understand why we don’t hear the other side. Maybe the narrative of “Washington corruption” is so important to the press that they ignore those that present the facts that don’t support it.
On the Salmon industry in 2007:
“…three states bordering the Pacific Ocean estimate the industry will suffer a $290 million loss due to the shutdown..”
http://www.hmbreview.com/articles/2008/05/11/news/doc48220abecc905776753229.txt
Posted by: Graham P. | February 9, 2009 12:51 AM
I'm a small business owner, and there is NO WAY the tax break the Republicans are calling for would induce me to hire people in a down economy. Our business is down because people aren't spending money, and a tax cut to me at this point is completely meaningless. The Republicans just don't get it. We don't need tax breaks. We need customers. And until this economy starts to recover (and recovery will require massive spending by the government) I'm not going to see my business continue to fall off. The Republicans caused this mess. They need to sit down and shut up, because their ideas won't help and could possibly make things far, far worse.
Posted by: Mark F | February 9, 2009 9:59 AM