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MH1

(17,537 posts)
12. I think this is due to understanding that any kind of GOOD deal will be impossible
Fri Dec 21, 2012, 12:42 AM
Dec 2012

and what is coming with the so-called cliff is less bad than what the republicans will agree to.

Consider that A LOT of progressives dearly want to see large cuts in defense spending. Have you noticed what has been missing from everything being discussed in terms of a deal to avoid the "cliff"? Exactly. Now I'll admit I haven't paid attention to details of all the offers, but it seems that going over the "cliff" might be the ONLY way to see those military spending cuts.

Yes, cutting military spending will hurt some people, some people will lose their jobs. But there is no cut in defense spending that won't cause that, and progressives generally want lower defense spending. (The preference might be to do military cuts at a time when the unemployment rate is lower, but hey, what makes anyone think the opportunity will be available then?)

Since there is an insistence on "cutting spending" by the republicans; if military is mostly off the table; how in the world do we do any better than what happens with the fiscal "cliff"? It seems to me that any plan they will come up with will hurt social programs MORE than the "cliff".

Of course there is also the issue of the expiring tax cuts. I wish we could keep the tax relief for only the lowest incomes, the people who are really struggling. I'm sorry, but if you have a flat screen tv and the latest iPhone, you're probably not one of the folks I'm worried about. We need to stop running up deficits. People need to pay sufficient taxes to pay for the stuff their elected reps vote for. That means all of us. Preferably at a more progressive rate scale than we currently have, but in any case it has to happen.

I would like to. Filibuster Harry Dec 2012 #1
She irritates me often elfin Dec 2012 #2
the other day she was sucking up to the NRA/gun ownership. Whisp Dec 2012 #8
She was raised in a family with guns, as was I. juajen Dec 2012 #14
It Needs To Be Done, Sir The Magistrate Dec 2012 #3
Get off my girlfriend! Iggo Dec 2012 #4
A lot of DUers want us to go over the cliff, too. So it's coming from both sides now. freshwest Dec 2012 #5
I think this is due to understanding that any kind of GOOD deal will be impossible MH1 Dec 2012 #12
I always considered the cliff to be a daring way to cut defense. It eliminates the ideological spat. freshwest Dec 2012 #13
Military spending certainly needs to be reduced. juajen Dec 2012 #15
What's the saying: Be careful what you wish for? Who will chicken out first? Any bets ... odds? Filibuster Harry Dec 2012 #6
I like her too, John2 Dec 2012 #7
Obama needs to call their bluff, because the howls will be directed towards the GOP. maxsolomon Dec 2012 #9
I saw that MSNBC garbage program last week and wondered where in the hell they get AlinPA Dec 2012 #10
the pm shows are far better hopemountain Dec 2012 #11
They are going after younger voters. Wise move. juajen Dec 2012 #16
Yes Sugarcoated Dec 2012 #17
Do you really understand what "going over the cliff" really means? cliffordu Dec 2012 #18
She's right. Revolutionary Girl Dec 2012 #19
easy for her to say - try being laid off and having your jobless benefits end Adenoid_Hynkel Dec 2012 #20
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