perfect hypocrisy and another quick action to take

So this is just so perfect.

The Republicans in congress, many times now, have held up extending the unemployment benefits for those who lost their jobs during this recession saying that they will not vote for this unless the Democrats pay for it by cutting money somewhere else. The argument is that they care so much about the deficit that they cannot support irresponsible spending.

Now Democrats are trying to renew the Bush tax cuts, which are about to expire, for 98% of Americans - all those except the top 2% of money makers. The Republicans say they will refuse to vote for the renewal of any tax cuts unless the top 2% also got their tax cuts renewed. Their argument is that the more money that is in private hand the faster our economic recovery will be.

So they fight against money going into the hands of the unemployed who need to SPEND the money on food, mortgages, health insurance, etc and fight for money going into the hands of the most wealthy in the nation. This is the group of people least likely to spend the money and most likely to save it.

Perfect hypocrisy and a perfect illustration of who the Republican party is fighting for and against.

The Republican s' plan to renew tax cuts for everyone is estimated to increase the deficit by over $4 trillion, while the Democrats' plan to renew them for everyone but the top two percent will only increase the deficit by $1.5 trillion - a difference of around $2.5 trillion. Big difference.

It is also interesting to note that the Bush tax cuts are expiring because the Republicans used tricks to get them passed that bypassed the normal legislative process and kept the money from showing up officially on the budget deficit. While cutting taxes the Republicans increased spending, started expensive wars, expanded government (Department of Homeland Security), pushed through trillions of dollars worth of corporate tax loop holes and then NOW they use the deficit as an excuse to cut spending on programs that help low income and middle class folks.

So the quick action - call the White House and Harry Reid and tell them to stand firm in not renewing the tax cuts for the top 2% during this economically difficult time. If Republicans want fiscal responsibility then give it to them! Also tell them to be stronger on closing corporate tax loop holes to give us the money we need to create more jobs in this country and to help those who need to get back on their feet.

White House comment line: 202-456-1111

Harry Reid's number in Washington: 202-224-3542