What makes me sick to my stomach is this notion that brokering a deal means giving away the store. We know what the problem is and yet Democrats in step away from the one item that they should stand steadfast for; everyone pays their fair share. AP reports this morning that:
Democrats are abandoning their demand for a surtax on millionaires to help finance payroll tax cuts in a sign that lawmakers are trying to broker a compromise on Congress’ highest-profile year-end dispute.
Even so, there is no clear path to quick bipartisan agreement on the legislation, which would prevent an automatic Social Security tax increase on 160 million workers and the expiration of jobless benefits for people out of work the longest. Both would occur Jan. 1 without congressional action.
Lawmakers are also embroiled in a squabble over a huge, separate spending bill, a dispute that would force a shutdown of most of the government on Saturday unless it is resolved. Neither party wants to risk the wrath of voters by shuttering government doors. [....]
This, in light of the President’s statement over the past few weeks that he will do the right thing by the American people. This isn’t a deal. This is just another ploy by Republicans to make Democrats look bad and continue their efforts to try and keep the economy from getting better. Meanwhile, the President’s efforts on righting a wrecked economy are working. Why? Because the rest of us understand what Republicans are up to and we’re had enough. This is like watching an excellent set up on the football field. Everything is lined up for a game-winning goal and the star team fumbles the ball.
