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In reply to the discussion: Candidly, I do not see the necessity at this time for "Shared Sacrifice" [View all]Samantha
(9,314 posts)Thank you.
What you describe in part reminds me of what Republicans have historically done when campaigning. They reel in the wealthiest of people by dangling huge tax cuts in front of them. Once the politician is in office, he or she does effectuate the tax cut. But what they save the wealthy taxpayer in one pocket via their IRS filings is more than offset by other maneuvers which takes money out of their other pocket. This appears to me what some Dems are trying to do with this Grand Bargain. So how many of my pockets do I have to keep a watch on?
I was steamed at Plouffe's remarks as well. He was the messenger sent out to float the trial balloon. Now the administration studies the reaction. But when push comes to shove, the preferences of the middle and lower income citizens will not matter. I do not think Social Security will be touched at this time, I do believe Medicare will be adjusted -- in what manner is anyone's guess -- but I think Medicaid will be devastated. I also think the Republicans might make another stab at privatizing health care for veterans. I do think the mortgage interest deduction is at risk, but probably only those over a certain income bracket. Another proposition not often discovered is eliminating the ability to deduct one's state and local taxes from their Federal taxes. Now that would be a big hurt.
This is the moment where everyone might decide just how to deal with this situation.
Sam