President Obama lied to the American people when he said "95% of working Americans are going to get a tax cut." What he's done is lower the amount that the government witholds from working people's paychecks. In my case, this has resulted in $10.00 more per week in my take-home pay. What he hasn't done is cut the actual tax rate, which means that my "rebate" will be that much less, when I file my 2009 taxes. Now, I should be glad about this, because I always thought that it wasn't fair that I got no interest on the excess taxes that were witheld from my paychecks. However, I got used to getting my little $600.00 check (or direct deposit, for the last few years) every February or March.
While I agree that it's a good idea in principle, it is not, and never will be a tax cut. For the President to call it that is the most insulting type of fabrication. He assumes that by the time people realize that they didn't really get a tax cut next year, they'll have forgotten his promise, or he'll be able to argue that he couldn't do it "because of the crisis I inherited" in the first months of his term. Slimy doesn't begin to describe this tactic, and I've had to struggle to find any reporting on it. The media have focused exclusively on when the president will "end the Bush tax cuts" on the rich.
Let's look at that one, too. "End the tax cuts." The "cuts" are actually the rates that have been in effect for the last several years. With the possible exception of the "death tax," they weren't scheduled to get any lower before expiring in 2010, so why are the Dems and the media calling them "cuts?" Because they are both complicit in this slimy deception, and they think the American public is dumb enough to fall for it.
People are waking up to this BS, however. I've previously written about his "instant" tax-increase on smokers (link), which disproportionately hurts poor and middle class people. Now, he thinks that leaving the Bush tax rates in place qualifies as a "tax cut" for the lower 95% of "working Americans?" Not in the real world, Mr. President. Not in the real world. The media and the Congress may be playing along, but the people are speaking out against this outrage.
The nationwide tax protests haven't gotten much media coverage, either, but don't think that will stop us. While I'm not affiliated in any way officially with them, my heart is at every "Tea Party" protest (link). I know what they stand for, and stand with them. This is a middle class movement, because it's the middle class who are taking the brunt of Obama's actions, so far. Make no mistake: If Obama accomplishes the rest of his "agenda," there won't be a middle class anymore.
His proposed "cap and tax (er, trade)" energy plan will double, or triple electricity costs. He wants to expand health care coverage to "everyone," before fixing the massive waste and corruption in the current health care system. His trade policies are already poised to cost thousands of Americans their jobs, as nations retaliate against his "unilateral" abrogation of treaty obligations. These policies will hurt the middle class, not just the rich. Americans will not stand for it, and some of the politicians in Congress may be starting to get it.
I don't think they can get by with "dog and pony" shows like the AIG hearings for the next year and a half, until the mid-term elections. It's becoming more apparent every day that the questioners are the ones who need to start giving the American people some answers. They can start by admitting that they aren't "cutting" anyone's taxes.
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Comments: 30
I expect nothing from Obama, except to see a lot more grief.....
Mooch
I'll bet lots of people thought at first it was a tax cut but it was never labeled as such by the Obama Administration.
From his speaking problems, failures to answer questions, and reliance on teleprompters that has embarrassed him a couple of times, he is showing none of the much celebrated pose and knowledge he had....
That his poll numbers are about normal now and some press/middle positioned voters have abandoned him is no real news. His party, despite the noise of the Blue Dogs, still is behind him no matter what (except that vet med bill). Until the people start really waking up, this tide is still rising.
I think those of us that have seen their household income stagnate over the past few years will appreciate a few extra bucks in the weekly paycheck. Time for the gripers to admit they have been getting raises all along and if their tax refunds have gone down it is because their incomes have gone UP!
As for changing the amount witheld, that is up to the employer, though the government gives businesses "tables" as guidelines. Those are what they changed, and my employer started following them 2 weeks ago, though the Administration said they would take effect in April. I have no say in what my employer chooses to withold. I've been trying to get them to withold more NY State taxes for years, so those bloodsuckers won't come after me for an extra $50-100 every year, to no avail.
The situation will play out soon enough. I hope that I can write that I was wrong, a year from now. It's worth noting that besides the tax cut, "cap and trade," as well as Obama's health care expansion funding were cut from the current House bill. So the "Tea Party" people (my tribe) will keep on protesting, and the media and administration are going to try new tactics to pass Obama's agenda. What will the next one be? I don't know, but I like Richard's take: "It ain't over till it's over."
PS to Sam: You want a repair of the economy?? The only way historically proven is massive government spending, (?) Um, I don't think so. I got a good laugh out of that one, though. Thanks!
Unless the rules have changed or the exemptions you claim for federal withholding are already at zero, you can always increase your federal withholding by reducing the number exemptions on you federal withholding form (? form number) . When I was still working, there was nothing illegal about claiming fewer exemptions than you are entitled to on that form, This, however, might result in more of an increase than you want, and depending on how the NY tax works, this might also increase the amount withheld for NY.
I was glad to see the first paragraph of your above comment. It jives with what I have heard,
Last item. conditions being subject to change, I never accept what politicians say they are going to do if elected as if it was a promise written in stone. In fact I wish they would leave a little more wiggle room, to account for the possibility that things will change and if they do that politicians would be forthright in admitting the need for a change of position.
It's great to hear from you, Carol! Thanks for stopping by!
But, you will notice that you have no spare change if the President's cap and trade proposal (still undefined even though it is in his budget). That tax cut won't go very far once you have paid your higher power bill and the increased energy costs in all your other bills.
Oh, and then there will be the higher cost of health care (still undefined even though it is in his budget). The single payer system will cover a lot of folks who are sick and can't get insurance (because insurance is for an unforeseen event in the future), so you can expect your taxes to go up to cover their care.
And, let's not forget the higher cost of the President's education initiative (still undefined even though it is in his budget). You can expect your taxes to go up to cover that program.
All in all, this may be the most expensive tax cut you ever received.
Now that is funny.......you funny guy
I hate to disagree but I don't think they would be shocked. Just as they find a way to praise the Obama tax cuts that will give me an extra 10 dollars a week while denouncing the Bush tax cuts that give me an extra 50 dollars a week they will find some way to praise Obama no matter what he does. After all no one seems to have a problem with his continuing the wars, rendition, cell phone tracking and keeping gitmo open.