The timidity of Democrats never ceases to amaze me. Actually, it isn’t timidity at all. It is simply a disregard that all politicians have for the middleclass. It is our fault that we allow them to play these games. While the middleclass does not have the wealth of the super-rich, one vote from the rich is equivalent to one vote from the middleclass. There are a hell of a lot more in the middleclass. Until the middleclass educate itself to the reality of our economy as opposed to the fallacies that we have been fed about how it operates for decade, Democrats and Republicans will continue to take the middleclass for granted. Middleclass America is simply too gullible and easily convinced to vote against their interest.
I’ve written a book “As I See It: Class Warfare The Only Resort To Right Wing Doom” that details this and present solutions. Everyone should read this before voting in November. We must stop being snowed. BTW, you can find the book at one of my websites http://bit.ly/bY5hwd .
WASHINGTON — Democrats in Congress are poised to play a leading role this month in thwarting their party’s effort to raise income tax rates on the wealthy.
Tax cuts enacted in 2001 and 2003 expire at the end of this year. President Barack Obama and Democratic congressional leaders have been eager to extend the breaks for individuals who earn less than $200,000 annually and joint filers who make less than $250,000. Those who earn more would pay higher, pre-2001 rates starting next year.
However, a small but growing number of moderate Democrats are balking at boosting taxes on the rich. Many face electorates that recoil at the mention of any tax increase. Some represent areas that are loaded with wealthier taxpayers. Further, some incumbent senators who don’t face voters this fall are reluctant to increase taxes on anyone while the economy remains sluggish.
Without their support, the push to raise rates on the rich probably will fail.
"The economy is very weak right now. Raising taxes will lower consumer demand at a time when we want people putting more money into the economy," said Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., who isn’t seeking re-election.
Democratic leaders still vow a big effort this month to boost the top tax brackets, now 33 and 35 percent, back to 36 and 39.6 percent, the rates that were in effect in the 1990s. Both House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who faces a tough re-election fight, want a vote before the election Nov. 2.
"We still expect to have a bill on the (Senate) floor at some point in September," Reid spokesman Jim Manley said. "Whether Republicans will allow us to pass anything is a whole other story."
"The speaker and the president have been clear they want to extend the middle-class tax cuts because they have the greatest economic benefit," Pelosi spokesman Brendan Daly said.
Democrats unlikely to repeal tax cuts for the rich | McClatchy