The Good and the Bad

Some good news out of Congress, but some bad as well.

They finally passed the extension of the Bush tax cuts, including the very wealthy. The Republicans claimed that by extending them for the wealthy would create jobs. However the facts do not support that claim. First, if they actually did create jobs, we would not have near 10% unemployment since the tax reduction was passed in 2001 and 2003 by Pres. Bush. Since then the economy only created 1 million private sector jobs and lost nearly 5 million by the time Pres. Obama took office. So that proves it does not work. Second, American businesses are sitting on 2 trillion dollars in cash that they could hire millions of employees, but there is no need to, no demand for their products since the middle class has no money to buy them. Third, the increase in consumer purchases is benefiting foreign workers, not American, as most of what we buy is made out-of-country. It helps China's huge surplus of cash that they can spend either buying our debt or building modern infrastructures, like high speed trains, smart power grids, bridges, dams, highways, fiber optic networks, etc. This entire package will add another approximate 900 billion dollars to our staggering 15 trillion dollars of debt. There is only one way to pay for it and that is to eliminate some public services, such as Medicare and Medicaid. That is exactly what the Republicans want to do, and have ever since Pres. Johnson created it in his Great Society plan. As I have said before, their plan is to "Starve the Beast."

I think we need to go back to more tax brackets for the wealthy starting at about $350,000 taxable income at 39% and then increase to 42% at $600,000, and then 50% at 1 million dollars, and then 55% at 3 million dollars and 60% of income over 5 million dollars. This would radically reduce the debt without harming the middle-class and the poor who can least afford any tax increase. It would stabilize America's credit rating and improve the dollars. If and when American can get their debt in balance to revenue, then the tax rates can be reduced on this segment of the population. There is only so much cost cutting you can do, before you dramatically reduce the standard of living for everyone and become a third-world country. It can happen.

On the more positive side, Congress did repeal the Don't Ask, Don't Tell law regarding members of the military. It should not take long for the military to adjust to this situation. They do not need to build separate barracks or separate showers. Think about it, gays and straight servicemen have been showering for decades without a problem. As far as fraternizing, there are military regulations that cover that already, just a simple phrase modification is necessary.  However, the larger issue that will be new is benefits and rights of spouses and children of LGBT service personnel? Does the couple have to be married in a state that permits LGBT marriage in order for the spouse to have access to the military base, shop at the PX and Commissary, receive death benefits, live on base in family housing, etc.?

A sad moment is the Republican blockage of bringing to the floor the vote on the "Dream Act." This bill would permit persons who came to this country as children, younger than 16 years of age, with their parents illegally and who have either attended college for two years or service to our country in the military. This bill is a reasonable and fair way for the hundred of thousands of individuals that are as American as any native born citizen, who grew up in our culture and society, who has become educated to be a benefit to our society and our economy or has risked their life in our defense. When you join the military, you must swear the same oath as an immigrant that is becoming a citizen and when the president elect and members of congress are sworn into office, that is to "...defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic..."  Why would you not allow these brave individuals a path to citizenship. Are we so callus toward these people?

I know several very intelligent, bright, and hard working kids that are in this same situation. Some have very advance technology degrees that would greatly help our country, but they are unemployable now that they have graduated college and do not have a Social Security card or a Green Card to pass employment screening. To send them to the country of their parents, a country they have no ties to, a country they might not even know the language and culture, who would be seen as a foreigner in the country of their birth is unconscionable. These individuals did not have a choice in coming to America illegally, so they should not be punished for the actions of their parents. The Republicans who claim to be the party of God, sure don't act like they are. They are very cold hearted people.

UPDATE: START PASSED! I can't believe that the Republicans are stalling the START treaty with Russia. They want all sorts of changes that would require going back and renegotiating the treaty with Russia. They say no deal, take it as it is. It sounds like it is the best we can get right now and it is imperative from a global security point of view to get this ratified. To hold this hostage for political gain so that Obama does not have some type of foreign policy success is beyond all reason. Is the hatred of a black democratic president so great that they will damage the country and possible the world for a short term political position in the upcoming 2012 elections? This treaty restores our ability to verify their nuclear stock piles and weapon systems, something we have not had for almost a year now, since the last START treaty terminated.  George Bush 43 damaged considerably America's power standing in the world with his ill fated Iraq war and torture of prisoners. We don't need the Republicans to further destroy our standing.

UPDATE 9/11 COMPENSATION: It was brought up again and the Republicans were shamed into voting for it. Who shamed them, Jon Stewart of the Daily Show. Way to go Jon.

The Republicans voted against the health care bill for the Ground Zero first responders who are suffering from lung problems because of the dust and toxins when the World Trade Centre twin towers collapsed. It is only 7.4 billion dollars being allocated for their care and disability. To not help these courageous public servants from all part of the country that rushed to the scene to first save living victims and then search for the remains of those who lost their lives. Again it shows how cold and uncaring the Republican Party as a whole is. What has happened to them, have they lost all compassion for anyone other than themselves and the very rich?

We are in the last week of this current congress, before the Republican take over the House and enlarge their numbers in the Senate. If more of these bills aren't passed now, they will not be on the table again for another two years and maybe more. We are moving into a period of stale mate. It is obvious that the Republicans are more interested in regaining the White House than dealing with the pressing issues of the country.