Comments on: Key Senate Democrats blast Obama tax proposals

By: TRYING TO B OBJECTIVE

TRYING TO B OBJECTIVE — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:28:02 +0000

In the past some employers lied to get the tax credit, turned in false ss# and other false inf. to get tax credit. We need checks and balances TO KEEP THE GREADY ONES FORM USING THE SYSTEM. I believe in order to come up with solutions to so many problems all sides HAVE to be heard. If Kerry is expressing his opinion, it should be ok. He did offer another solution. At least he didn't criticize, keep his mouth shut. All of you sideline quarterbacks take some time, write to your representives make some suggestions, form a group, have discussions, put your ideals on paper send them to the people in WASH>DC who serve YOU. Take an active part you are the government. We elect our officials then sit back and complain.

I do believe most of the very, very, rich could care less about the American people. They want more money, power, and FREE LABOR. This is our fault, get involved this is what our new pres. wants

By: TX_C

TX_C — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:26:44 +0000

Infrasture projects are not going to help people in the Technology and other private sector industries. We are losing our jobs in large numbers.

We need leaders that understand the over all "JOB" problem in this country. People in these fields/white-collar jobs pay the most taxes and when our jobs go there goes the taxes….

Senators need to work with PE to come up with a resolution. Our country is in a mess….

By: james

james — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:26:05 +0000

Idiot speaks to other idiot democrats and the socialist Obama pretends to be president! CNN is the proponent socialist network and benefactor of Obama drama!

By: clifford

clifford — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:24:42 +0000

I said that the Democratic party was imploding BUT all I got was wise as.s comments!!

By: EBC

EBC — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:23:36 +0000

Well...well...well....."Key Democrats" huh? What a joke. These so-called "Key" folks aren't so key if they can't get their own BIG EGO heads out of their tight butts, I'm sure President Elect Obama will show them how to get a colon cleansing REAL quick.

By: $20 a week?

$20 a week? — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:20:30 +0000

The concerns of the dissenting democratic senators are reasonable and valid. I don't see the logic in giving a tax break that equates to just $20 a week in our paychecks. This is ALL the brightest minds in finance could come up with? What can you buy with $20 a week that will rapidly stimulate the economy? A new pair of shoes, pants, or a shirt can cost more than that. Milk, eggs, and bread are all over $4 in some places. Need I mention the cost of meat and poultry? And in case no one's noticed, gas prices are quickly rising again. $20 doesn't even get me a half tank. As far as I'm concerned, that amount is just a slap in the face when these corporate executives are still living high on the hog. If the president-elect's administration found that giving people a lump sum of money didn't really stimulate the economy with Bush's stimulus (probably because most of us used it to pay a bill or saved it), maybe it's time to think of something else. If the whole purpose is to get us out spending the money at retailers and such, why not create vouchers or send out debit cards that can only be used to purchase consumer products like groceries, clothing, and gasoline? It benefits taxpayers because for a little while those needs are being met elsewhere, and it benefits retailers because they are selling their merchandise. I mean let's start thinking outside the box for once. I think we can all agree that $20 a week won't make much difference in each of our personal financial situations, let alone begin to fix what's happening to the US economy. I will be writing my state's representatives tonight to say as much.

By: JOE KILOZ

JOE KILOZ — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:19:58 +0000

INFRASCTURE,,,,,,,,,,,,,DEALS,,,,,,,,,,,,TAKE,,,,,,,,,,,YEARS,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,TO,,,,,,,,,,

GET,,,,,,,,,,,,PUT,,,,,,,,,TOGETHER,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,TAX,,,,,,,,,,,CUTS,,,,,,,,,ARE,,,,,,,,,,,

AN,,,,,,,,,,,IMMEDIATE,,,,,,,,,STIMULUS

By: tom

tom — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:19:54 +0000

If the subject wasn't so serious, this pathetic performance by the liberals, b4 Obama Hussien even takes office, would be the theater of the absurd.

By: Diane Smith

Diane Smith — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:18:31 +0000

I think that both the House and the Senate should listen to the prople. We voted Obama in as President to deal with economic issues. Therefor, Congress should, at least, try to implement his economic plan, including tax cuts for the public and incentives for businesses to hire new employees. If nothing else, moving forward with these plans evokes trust vs. the anger the recent billion $ bailout plans generated. Congress should spend more time trying to figure out how to take away the multi-million $ parachutes and bonuses and take care of the new economic stimulation package.

By: Realist

Realist — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:17:05 +0000

How can they not back a $9.60 tax cut for us hard working americans, this will get us right out of this recession (end sarcasim). When America voted Obama in we were looking for more then $9.60 a week, while he wants to give buisnesses $3,000 for making products nobody can afford to buy. Nortice how there is no mention of his tax increase on the "rich" Maybe he was too good to be true.

By: dustin

dustin — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:15:51 +0000

wow, a party that questions its leaders, it feels nice.

By: robbie

robbie — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:09:28 +0000

If they cut out the payroll reduction for lower-income workers, I'll be voting straight Republican next election...that $20/paycheck may not mean much to the politicians who earn four times as much as me per year, but when you live in a lower income, struggling working family, in an environment where companies are going years without raises and bonuses, that $20/check is another bill paid, and incredibly necessary to help us stave off debt.

tax cuts for the poor are always going to be 'smaller per person' because of the larger number of people affected. And if no one wants to stand up for our meager tax cut, we might as well let Repubs run the show...at least we KNOW they don't care about us

By: sandee in Portland

sandee in Portland — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:08:54 +0000

I think it's great there are going to be discussions, just as long as they don't take 4 months to reach an agreement. I hope they all realize they have to come to an agreement quickly. Infrastructure creates jobs which in turn create money for those people to spend to lift our economy, just as long as the infrastructure jobs aren't things like zoo exhibits, etc., but things like roads, bridges, sewer plants, etc.

By: jim Cal

jim Cal — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:07:22 +0000

I hope you all get what you voted for. Ha. .... Palin/Huckbee 2012

By: bob

bob — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:07:01 +0000

MikeH: there's been plenty of "in-fighting and petty squabbling" during every administration and in both parties, but that's not what this is. Take a step back, a deep breath, and challenge yourself to recognize what reasoned discussion and thoughtful compromise looks like.

By: Tony

Tony — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:07:01 +0000

It is the CEO's and the politicians of this country who have screwed over the American people over and over again.

What else is new???

By: Larry in Houston TX

Larry in Houston TX — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:06:56 +0000

Here is a perfect example when you don't have a filibuster proof majority......IT'S CALLED : GRIDLOCK
(in other words: nothing gets done)
if the Repubs don't like it..then it doesn't make it to his desk

By: Parker R.

Parker R. — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:04:37 +0000

I'm glad that Democrats are finally realizing that their "perfect president" isn't so great after all. Won't be too long before we everyone likes him as much as they like Bush.

By: wanda a.

wanda a. — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:03:03 +0000

SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY IN THE H.E.L.L IS EVERYBODY TRYING TO TELL PRESIDENT OBAMA WHAT'S RIGHT OR WRONG WHEN THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN TELLING BRAIN-DEAD BUSH-WACK HOW HE HAS SCREWED THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: shay

shay — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:57:13 +0000

I will take what is offered to me with a smile and be thankful for that.

Government loan money to the bank which is taxpayer money from the beginning and now they want to complain about how to distribute it back to us.

The stimulus will help me curtail the food issue and that is just about it. How can you help America when they are hungry? For me the money will go toward food and nothing else. I can't afford to buy anything else when the food is high.

Like the gas for one, driving came to a near halt when it shot up to $4.00.

Gas go down for months but not food.. What gives?

By: Newport News, VA

Newport News, VA — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:48:35 +0000

I accept the opposition of some provisions in the stimulus package. What I will like to see rather than politicans "blast" the plan, work with the president to improve it. That is what grown-ups do. Sit down at the table and find something that works.

By: Marie banderas

Marie banderas — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:48:13 +0000

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS, BABY !!!!!! THATS "WHAT" PEOPLE NEED ! IF PEOPLE ARE WORKING, BEING PAID A FAIR WAGE, THEY THEN HAVE SOME ( SOME) money to spend, and not need a stingy small stimulus ...get the infrastructure jobs going..get the auto makers building better, green, energy efficient cars...get more teachers in our school, especially the gifted and handicapped, and the poor..tax CHURCHES, they seem to be doing fine building mega giant churches, taking big bucks away from people who need the money for themselves, by using "guilt" to get them to shell out even more money to the tax free churches..Raise taxes on "luxery" items, most of us main street folks cant afford them anyways, and those who can should be taxed more..KEEP PEOPLE IN THIER HOMES !!! kinda hard for afamily who has lost thier home, to even get work, now that credit is checked to even get a job !!! thats my input anyways..now y'all can attack me too..

By: inuk of the north

inuk of the north — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:46:59 +0000

Obama's most dangerous enemies are those from within the Dem Party.

Watch for constant squabbling between Reid, Pelosi and the Obama team.

By: Florence Lince

Florence Lince — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:42:14 +0000

I'm just curious. Who made all these people economy experts all of a sudden? They are mostly to blame for this country being in the toilet as it is. Obama has an idea and they get to attack? I think they need to sit down, sign on the dotted line and see if it works or not. I'm sick to death of all the talking and the talking and the talking while we, the real American people, keep suffering!

By: tina

tina — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:41:00 +0000

And this is the one's that Obama will have to be leary of. The one's in his party. Kerry could not win the election when he ran. So here we go.

By: Pete

Pete — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:40:04 +0000

He's right. I can't see that tax credit being much of an incentive to hire more employees that they weren't already going to hire anyway. Even at minimum wage it will cost over $15K a year per employee. Subtract the credit and it still leaves over $12K worth of work that needs to get done to even break even on a new hire.

Maybe, MAYBE it would have a marginal effect where the numbers are close and the employer just needs a nudge, but other than that, it will be handing out money for employers doing what they would have done anyway. Worst case scenario is that the employer would hand out OT to existing employees to get the job done which could arguabley have a better effect than adding to payroll. That credit money could be better spent on something that would have a more concrete effect.

By: Teresa

Teresa — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:37:54 +0000

I wish our Senators would study the issue before they just shoot from the hip. These Senators should take some tips from our New President management style to take the time to understand, evaluate, consult with experts, review options, make a decision and then communicate it.

By: Caroline Kennedy for NYS Senate

Caroline Kennedy for NYS Senate — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:37:54 +0000

Aren't our forefathers geniuses for instituting this system of checks and balances. Gone are the days of the Bush dictatorship and of the vice-president "really gettin' in there with the senators and makin' good policy changes [in] support [of] the president's agenda that will make life better."

By: wayne

wayne — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:37:10 +0000

John Kerry's response is the words of a true socialist.Don't give incentives to companies to create jobs. Create more government jobs so that government can control it.

By: wayne

wayne — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:35:10 +0000

John Kerry's response is the words of a true socialist.Don't give incentives to companies to create jobs. Create more government jobs so that government can control it.

By: f kimbrough

f kimbrough — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:34:32 +0000

and rightfully so ends the dictatorship of bush/cheney and the sheep that followed

By: f kimbrough

f kimbrough — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:34:01 +0000

and rightfully so ends the dictatorship of bush/cheney and the sheep thta followed

By: kate

kate — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:33:38 +0000

So John Kerry didn't get the SOS job now he's going after the PE? Where was he during the last 8 years? Where was he during the Bank bailout fiasco? John we are not stupid!!!

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:33:23 +0000

Hurry up and send me my 9 dollars a week tax cut !

By: AndyL

AndyL — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:32:40 +0000

WHO DARES QUESTION THE MESSIAH!

By: Denny

Denny — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:31:40 +0000

$20/paycheck. Wow. That won't even buy a tank of gas.

By: f kimbrough

f kimbrough — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:31:19 +0000

and so ends the dictatorship of bush/cheney...thank god

By: stephen

stephen — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:29:39 +0000

It's funny seeing just how clueless the Congressional Democrats are. Of all the proposals Obama put forward to jump start the economy, ithe only one that can potentially help the economy and create long term viable jobs IS the tax breaks to businesses. One can argue that $3,000 is simply not large enough, which I agree. I think instead of just $3,000, Obama should simply suspend all corporate and capital gains taxes for one year. That way you put money directly into the hands of businesses to update their equipments, retain that employee who otherwise may be laid off, etc. That's how you jump start the economy. The rest of the stuff, including building "roads to nowhere" or create government sponsored "green jobs" (whatever that may be) are ineffective with at best temporary effects. Yet, business tax break is the only thing these Democrats oppose. What a bunch of baffoons. God help us.

By: stephen

stephen — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:28:21 +0000

It's funny seeing just how clueless the Congressional Democrats are. Of all the proposals Obama put forward to jump start the economy, it only one that can potentially help the economy and create long term viable jobs IS the tax breaks to businesses. One can argue that $3,000 is simply not large enough, which I agree. I think instead of just $3,000, Obama should simply suspend all corporate and capital gains taxes for one year. That one you put money directly into the hands of businesses to update their equipments, retain that employee who otherwise may be laid off, etc. That's how you jump start the economy. The rest of the stuff, including building "roads to nowhere" or create government sponsored "green jobs" (whatever that may be) are ineffective with at best temporary effects. Yet, business tax break is the only thing these Democrats oppose. What a bunch of baffoons. God help us.

By: Dee, Huntsville, Al.

Dee, Huntsville, Al. — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:27:05 +0000

We do not need in-house fighting AMERICA need all of US working together. We the people together we stand and divided we fall, let put AMERICA first, she has been last for eight years. Greed did this only thinking of self anything goes. So lets get this together , thank God AMERICA has a thinking (1/20/09) President . Come on Democrats show the world how it is done without GREED. P.S. Republicans also, it is called team work for country.

By: legal in nc

legal in nc — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:26:33 +0000

pg - are you that closed minded that your chosen one cannot be questioned????

What is it, afraid that he really doesn't have all the answers like he promised you Obamo-aid drinkers.

And by the way,,, so will the rest of us remember in 2012 if Barack doesn't deliver on what he promised .

By: legal in nc

legal in nc — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:25:56 +0000

pg - are you that closed minded that your chosen one cannot be questioned????

What is it, afraid that he really doesn't have all the answers like he promised you Obamo-aid drinkers.

And by the way,,, so will the rest of us remember in 2012 if Barack doesn't deliver on what he promised .

By: HF from PA

HF from PA — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:24:51 +0000

Mike H: You are right...Dems are like herding cats they will infight and argue...however I prefer that to the goose-stepping Repubs that fall into line like sheep and get us into the situation we find ourselves in. It may be a messy way to govern but the end result HAS to be better than we have gotten over the past 8 years

By: arc, Lugano CH

arc, Lugano CH — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:22:25 +0000

MikeH January 8th, 2009 3:01 pm ET
And so begins the in-fighting and petty squabbling that defines the Democratic party.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As opposed to Republicans who followed their leader blindly as he waged an illegal war, murdered women and children, and imprisoned & tortured innocent civilians. That's a true Conservative 'Patriot'. Bravo. But to you and your kind Iraqi women and children aren't human beings, are they Mike? You’re a Conservative ‘Patriot’ too.

By: liz

liz — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:19:35 +0000

Nice to see the senators, that have ZERO experience in the business world, telling us what will and won't work. If we could get a handle on corporate taxes (currently the 2nd highest in the industrialized world), you'd see enough money come back onshore that we wouldn't need this stimulus business. Why do you think offshore accounts exist? Because Uncle Sam doesn't want a piece of the pie, he wants ALL of it. Nice to see Obama embracing trickle down economics. If the gov't would let that concept work and quit screwing with it, we'd see a whole different economic landscape.

By: Once you vote Black

Once you vote Black — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:18:55 +0000

This is not petty squabbling, this is scrubbing ideas for the best plan. It’s called intellectual discord. You might not recognize it because it has been missing for about 8 years.

By: Arkay, MI

Arkay, MI — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:18:42 +0000

MikeH January 8th, 2009 3:01 pm ET

And so begins the in-fighting and petty squabbling that defines the Democratic party.

What you term as 'in-fighting and perry squabling' can be called diagreements and discussions, something thorougly missing with the Republican presidents and Republican controlled congress in 2001-2006. All this is fine as long as they have a good plan at the end.

By: SOUTHERN HOTTIE

SOUTHERN HOTTIE — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:17:40 +0000

As long Congress takes action then it's all good.

If they fail us again, well, then, we'll just have to vote these old,
do-nothings out of office when their terms are up for re-election.

By: WIlly Brown

WIlly Brown — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:16:42 +0000

John Kerry wants another "Big Dig" he can bring home so nitwits will keep voting botox big hair back into office.

By: Homer

Homer — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:16:12 +0000

Mike H, you are obiously a sour grapes republican. What I see in this piece is just honest discussion between people of the big economic issues. We need discussion and a lot of it. This is something the Bush administration never did because they were to self centered and narrow minded.