Hear, hear. Exactly what we need to be advocating.
Posted by brooklyn at December 10, 2005 03:41 PMTax relief and tax cuts are simply a matter of semantics. While the dems could use buzz words I would hope they remain reluctant to follow the GOP talking points format. The GOP are like stepford wives all clones of the same mind-set, same speeches, same ideas, same ole same ole.
You are correct the dems do need to articulate their ideas. No one really seems to know exactly where they stand when some vote for bills like the contentious Bankruptcy bill. Are they the opposition or DINOs ...
Democrats have fought some contentious bills, tried passing sensible and sound legislation, but the republicans will not allow the democrats to be credited with anything. But most people are unaware of this. So this explains in part why the republicans have control of the debate.
Notwithstanding your advice on consumer interest tax deduction is terrific. Why aren't the dems countering with ideas like that. Combined with the aforementioned demonstrates exactly why the Republicans control the debates.
To just offer why tax "relief" is not beneficial to the economy without offering other options to counter or debate the merits thereof how can they expect to control muchless win the debate. It appears they are too afraid and cowered to publicly suggest alternatives which does not translate into voter support. They would gain a lot of support if they would bring fresh ideas to the table. They are missing opportunity after opportunity.
Steve, an excellent observation on your part and sound advice.
Posted by serena1313 at December 10, 2005 06:15 PMwhy not bring back the consumer interest tax deduction, something that will actually provide tax relief to a vast majority of the population that is living paycheck to paycheck?
That's a great idea, but will never happen without a Dem-controlled legislature. First of all, get rid of Biden. Of course, that wouldn't do much good, since Delaware would just elect another pro credit card company Dem lackey. So, Dems need to control in a big way for your ideas to bear fruit. The lack of framing in our party is appalling to say the least, so I can only pray to God for our chances in 2006.
Americans now pay a record 13.6% of their disposable income to service their debt. Since we’ve had to borrow at record rates to spend beyond our means, debt burdens have risen considerably. [Federal Reserve]
Given this statistic, I would think the consumer interest tax deduction would be extremely popular. It wouldn't hurt the credit card companies, if anything they would be in favor because it would give consumers almost an incentive to add to their debt load. It would be interesting to know how much this might cost the treasury if the deduction was brought back.
"showing voters a real choice of values for next year"
Exactly. All attempts by Democrats to be "Republican lite" is why they have been doing so badly. You aren't going to get the whackos, so don't try to appease them.
You can get the people who are confused by what is going on, but reluctant to jump to another ship that seems even more confused.
It's hard-wired into our brains to pick the confident dumb guy over the waffly smart guy. This explains 2004 AND 2004.
Democrats have to care about what they care about.
Posted by WereBear at December 11, 2005 09:36 AM