Rep. David Obey, a Democrat from Wisconsin, is expressing serious reservations about the U.S. military effort in Afghanistan - just days before President Obama is expected to announce a substantial increase in U.S. troops in the country.
“The problem is that you can have the best policy in the world, but if you don't have the tools to implement it, it isn't worth a beanbag,” Obey said on CNN’s State of the Union, “And I don't think we have the tools in the Pakistani government and I don't think we have the tools in the Afghan government. And until we do, I think much of what we do is a fool's errand.”
Although Obey praised the process the president has used to revamp military strategy in Afghanistan, the Wisconsin Democrat who is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said his differing opinion of the war is caused by consideration of the country’s long term fiscal resources and needs.
“The Pentagon has only one job, and that's to talk about this war and this war only,” Obey told CNN Chief National Correspondent John King, “But [Obama] has, and I have jobs that require us to look at everything else that's tied into it.
“I have to look at the entire federal budget, as chairman of the committee, for instance. I have to see what $400 billion or $500 billion, $600 billion, $700 billion, over a decade, for this effort, will cost us on education, on our efforts to build the entire economy. And - and when you look at it that way, I come to a different conclusion than [Obama] does.”
To fund continuing operations in Afghanistan, Obey has proposed what some observers are calling a “war tax.” The “Share the Sacrifice Act of 2010” would impose a one percent tax increase on most Americans. Obey’s proposal exempts service members who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001 along with families who have lost an immediate relative in either military conflict.
The point of the proposed new tax, Obey told King, is “in this war, we have not had any sense of shared sacrifice. The only people being asked to sacrifice are military families. They've had to go to the well again and again and again. And yet everybody else in society - you know, they're essentially told to go shopping by the previous president.”
“I just think that, if this war is important enough to engage in the long term, it's important enough to pay for,” Obey said Sunday.
Discussing the hundreds of billions of dollars that a possible long term commitment in Afghanistan could cost, Obey also linked funding the war to how President Obama and Democrats have chosen to pay for health care reform, one of the top Democratic policy initiatives in Obama’s first year in office.
“We've been told for a year that we need to pay for every dollar that it's going to cost us to reform our health care system,” Obey told King, “That's about $900 billion over 10 years. If we wind up being committed in Afghanistan for eight to 10 years, that's also going to approach $800 billion to $900 billion. And if we're going to do that, it seems to me that if we're being told we have to pay for health care, we certainly ought to pay for this effort as well.”
From CNN Politics
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2010...it'll be here soon.
Listen if you want to stop throwing money away on a hopeless war...stop. But please, please, please STOP treating us like the parents of irresponsible teenagers.
And for those of us who believe that this war is immoral and should never have been fought in the first place, we're now going to be forced to help subsidize it?
The only problem with this is that it would end up being a middle-class tax, just like most everything else.
I've always felt that George Bush and the Republicans put the brunt of the Afghan war responsibility on the members of the military and their families. Instead of telling the country that we should share in the sacrifice, they told us we should just go shopping and live our lives as if nothing was going on. We as a country should've personally contributed to the cost of this war. Had we been called to do so, we would have never gone to war in Iraq as the public wouldn't have the stomach for the additional cost of that war. Not only did Iraq distract us from the war in Afghanistan, it contributed significantly to the deficits.
If the rightie-tighties want to keep up their insipid wars, then they should be the ones paying for them, not us. We could care less and aren't interested in the partisan rhetoric. Nor do we care what caliber Jesus would have carried. These nuts can fund the wars without the help of the sane people.
Republicans want war let them pay for it!!! For once can US tax Dollars borrowed or not, be spent on Americans and on American soil since we and our great grand children will be re-paying? Why is it ok to send our children into debt to pay for unjustified wars yet cant leave them a legacy of Universal affordable health care/public option? on what universe does that even make a shred of common sense? At least the Obama plan will keep our children and nation healthier as we pay off our debt! Shame on the Republican war mongers!
The “Share the Sacrifice Act of 2010” would impose a one percent tax increase on most Americans.
______________________________________________________
How about a "Share the Pork Act of 2009" where Americans can really get a feel for the purely Democratic Party $1 trillion Stimulus Bill which has been completely ineffective? It was an insult to American taxpayers brought to you by Nancy, Harry, Barry and Joe.
Any real tax burden should be on all of US as it is US and our freedoms and a more stabilized world that are to be gained by these sacrifices. I suggest a .5% Federal sales tax NOT going to the General fund, but specifically for this war fund. Not many will feel an additional half a penny on the dollar. We are all responsible...
Personally I'd just rather we just not have war, with the costs in dollars and the human sacrifices. The profit must be removed from it!
Military expenses are to come out of the budget fool. Keep taxing and you haven't seen a tea party.
Okay, maybe this exactly Taxation without Respresenatation, but a War Tax? Not so sure that our representatives are representing us anymore.
I don't see this happening. The Dem leadership is bought and paid for by the top 1%.
It's kind of bizarre that we just got a stimulus check last year and now there's this proposed a tax increase this year when we're still climbing out of a recession. I agree that maybe in a year or so this might make sense once the economy has recovered.
One question I always have: why is the working class always left holding the bag? The democrats in the Senate have cowered to the wealthy.
On the one hand, a new tax is the last thing the economy needs at the moment. On the other hand, we all know that we need to pay the piper for these wars sooner or later... it's a tough call to make.
But I digress. Cue multiple Republicans screaming about no new taxes and small government, even though they all voted for the guy who started this whole two-front war in the first place – because apparently they all thought it was going to be easy.
Of course he's right – if you are a war supporter then put your hand in your pocket to help support it financially – a 'Support the Troops' bumper sticker is not enough – and everyone knows it. Americans seem to want the best standard of living in the world – until they are actually asked to pay for it.
Mr. Obey is on to something here. In the War on Terrorism, it's the military and thier famalies that have been making the sacrifices for the rest of the country. I served in Iraq, and I saw many good people come up to me and my fellows and say 'Thank You for serving.' One time, me and three fellow soliders had our lunch paid for by a couple we didn't know.
That being said, there are many more people who this war is just a news item to be listened to, till something better comes on the tv or radio. Besides this war tax, maybe there should be rationing like during World War 2. Ration how many times people can go to Starbucks, and the money saved sent to the USO. For the women who have thier hair and nails done every week, ration that to once a month, and take the savings and send to to a group that takes military spouses to get thier hair and nails done.
Since the military is fighting to protect the US, it might be nice if ALL the US supported them.
The threat of a tax is a back door approach to cut and run. We don't need a redistribution of income to become a socialist/welfare state like Obummie care. What we need is national security. Of course, Obummie and his administration could not protect/secure a nail driven in a tree.
More war.....an expanded war.....an unending war....how is Obama different from Bush? He isn't.
Whatever President Obama does, he is going to be critized by 50 percent of the population. According to a CNN poll, 50 percent are for sending more troops, 49 percent are against the idea of sending more troops. Whatever he chooses, we Americans have to get behind his idea. We should have focused only on Afganistan in the first place in 2001, came up with a logical war strategy, and a way to pay for the war, so it did not add to our debt. Now almost 8 and 1/2 years has gone by without any strategy, and no offense to President Bush or anything, but he had enough time to come up with a strategy in a period of over 8 years. Lets get the job done this time; we have to get behind President Obama with this, and every other isse. It is the only way, the future for me and every other child will be guarenteed. Thank you.
What a horrible situation we're in! The bozo Bush got us into this stupid financial crisis and war with no way to pay for it, and now the Democrats have to come in and clean up the mess and look like the bad guys. It's good that taxes will be raised. Especially on those who benefited off of the housing boom. They should get taxed extra heavily!!!
Don't you Obummie nuts see a pattern? Anytime the dem's want to do something they raise taxes. Oh I forgot, most that voted for Obummie don't pay taxes anyway.
WE are taxed enough, and with unemployment as bad as it is, people out of work. I say get out of Afganistan and Pakisatan and bring our troops home and quit policing the world. We have hungry people in the U.S. Why doesnt the government help them and the native Americans fisrt. Tahnk You.
I think Health Care is a better way to spend it.
Of course the conservative goons will continue to cry about Health Care, yet are fine with footing this worthless war.
i would not pay a red cent for this useless war. Maybe Obama should start listening to the people and not his blind advisors.
Tax those profiting from the wars we have been waging – THE INDUSTRIAL MILITARY COMPLEX and THE CONTRACTORS!
A war tax is a great proposal. There are many people who support this war who do not contribute or sacrifice. Most hardly understand it.
If they have to pay for it they will educate themselves and far fewer would support it. Bin Laden is not in Afganistan. Sadam Hussein is gone too.
We owe these country's some rebuilding and some school building considering our destruction of their infrastructure, livelyhoods and lives lost.
Please pay for continued war if you support it. It will only create more terrorists by continuing with a military approach.
No Democrat ever has to explain wanting to impose yet another tax–it's always the same explanation: Fundamentally, Democrats don't believe in private wealth. They do believe that anything you think is yours is theirs for the taking.
Unfortunately, latter-day Republicans, the neo-cons, seem to have adopted the same philosophy, the only difference is that instead of taxing money away from people, they simply inflate the money supply, thereby transferring real wealth away from individuals and into government.
Supporting your president means hoping his ideas succeed even if you do not agree with them. I am afraid though that we have become too divided to even do that. I hate to pick on people, but the GOP decided to walk out on the job two times so far. During the climate change debate, still are; during the healthcare vote, still are. We Missourians HATE it when people walk out on their jobs, no matter who they are. Senator Kit Bond, you walked out of the climate change debate, and voted "no" to debate the healthcare bill. You are lucky that you are not running for re-election; you would lose big time. Again, senator, we Missourians absolutely HATE people with a passion who walk out on their jobs, no matter if they are Dem or Repub. Please can everyone put aside their good for NOTHING partisan politics, and at least agree to disagree?
It is time for all Americans to support the war. The cost of this war is unbelievable both in loss of life and financial obligations. The last administration tried to pay for guns and butter and here we are deep in debt. Our country is whirling from this depression which was brought on in part by the costs of the war.
Not all of us have family members who have made untold sacrifices for this war. If we continue to send in troops then those left at home have to be willing to sacrifice as well. We cannot continue to financial support the war unless we make changes in how we pay for it.
War tax proposal: ---------------–
Directly Taxed – From your pay Check.
Indirectly Taxed – Job Loss; No affordable Healthcare; Drop in the Value of your homes; No funds for Schools; Shut Down of Industries; Economy goes down the drain.
This is Called Double Taxation.
Is there a way that we can let the Govt. suck our blood?
The DemaTaxs need to be reeled in. The Obama admin is the biggest tax and spend bunch in the history of govt. We can't survive Obama spending. Come on 2010 and 2012..
This moron is concerned about fiscal resources now?! He authored the $1T Stimulus package, which has nothing but create more gov't jobs and paid off his Duhmocratic cronies. What a buffoon! I look forward to how many other Duhmocrats suddenly become "fiscally responsible" (LOLF!) as we get closer to the 2010 elections. Of course, the public will be sucked in again so they can keep their jobs for another 2 years. Just like clockwork in this country.
Totally agree. Show me the money. Everyone in this country should be emotionally, and financially vested in the war effort just like in wars past. Share the sacrifice and lets finish what they started.
Let's hope that this tax is NOT going to be imposed on the military and their families.....after all aren't they already sacrificing more than any one else in this nation.
Instead of applying a war tax on everyone they should be taxing the superficial and elite items such as Plastic Surgery, Botox, Lip Implants, Butt Implants, Breast Implants, Face Lifts, etc.
The industry of the superficial is well funded and outrageously expensive and will do a great deal in helping fund any war or social program.
I would rather pay a war tax (which I am not in favor of doing) that may or may not make me more secure, than pay a tax to fund another person's health outcomes (such as type two diabetes) that are most often based on personal health choices.
If its so important that we share the sacrifice, why not tax all Americans the 1% and quit trying to split the Country??? Because in the end its still all about the politics and votes. Sickening.
Obey is right on the issue of paying for the ongoing wars. Bush kept the wars off budget and never lifted a finger to pay for them. Rather, Bush pushed the payment for the wars down the road so that our grandchildren will pay for them. It is interesting that the Republicans are accusing President Obama of saddling our grandchildren with debt but they were silent during the Bush years when Bush doubled the national debt. Republican Congressmen and the non-thinking Republican party members who support them have nothing to offer except excuses for their failure to govern. They accept no responsibility for the economic meltdown, their flawed war policy, their userpation of citizens rights, their violation of the the Constitution and criminal and civil, and other failings too numerous to mention.
Although Obey is right about paying for the Afghanistan/Pakistan war, the current economic condition (caused mainly by Republicans) precludes a tax increase at this time.
I believe we need to do one of two things: give the military what they need to win the war or pull the troops out. MIddle-road tactics and playing politics never worked before and will never work. Does Korea or Vietnam ring a bell? They were lost because the President refused to listen to the military commanders or decided to play middle-road politics. We do not need to do a war tax because I know some of the tax would go onto the middle class, who do not need any more taxes. If we go this middle road, we will definitely lose the war and thousands of our soldiers as well. It is time to stop the bloodshead. We need to make a decision now and give the military what they need to win the war or pull our troops out, not leave our troops in harm's way and play politics.
When is enough on taxes. I am already working for over five months to pay taxes now.
Learn how to balance a budget and stop making more money and raising taxes.
Vote them all out next election.
Like Obey, I've been saying this country has lacked a sense of self-sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan for years. The World War II generation sacrificed a lot for the wars in Europe and Japan and we've sacrificed nothing. The only exception are those who have kids, parents and other family members over there right now.
I mean, it's easy to put bumper stickers on your car or tell everyone and their mom that you "support the troops." But until you have a personal stake in it's success or failure, these gestures are meaningless.
While I don't like the idea of a "war tax," I think it's about dang time the American people be held accountable for the realities of waging war. If anything, it'll show who's really willing to support the troops and who is nothing but talk.
So, the democratic party has decided on ONE issue for which we in the U.S. need to pay as we go: defending the nation and supporting the troops. Pay as we go on health care reform? Nooooo. Future generations will pick up the tab. How about the stimulus package (all those shovel ready jobs don't you know)? Nooooo. Corporate welfare? Nah. The republicans have been no better on spending in recent years, but this backhanded attempt to defund the military by using the specter of the IRS to turn public opinion against them is ridiculous. Let me guess, this tax is only on "the rich". You know, those evil rich that already pay the lion's share of taxes, and employ people
Obey's comments just show how badly our leaders in Washington are detached from reality. I'm actually a little insulted by his comments(and I even have family serving in Afghanistan and Iraq). They (congress) have no idea what their purpose is. Newsflash, dingbat, EVERY single program you enact in Washington is funded by taxpayers. When congress spends money, no matter what it is for, and regardless of whether it is through debt or increased tax revenue, IT IS ALL PAID FOR BY TAXPAYERS!!! ALWAYS!!! We very well may need to spend more on the war, but Obey and the rest need to know that we the taxpayers already pay for everything this country does, whether it be expanding health coverage or going to war. Spare me the "shared sacrifice" garbage, especially since "taxpayer" doesn't even come close to equating to "U.S. citizen." Taxpayers share plenty in the sacrifice. Congress and the government as a whole is who should be sharing in the sacrifice by slashing its spending and eliminating wasteful and unnecessary feel good programs.
I have never ever seen a tax the demo's didn't like and they are always coming up with new ways to tax people. spend and tax is all they know how to do besides blame Bush.
This has to be the biggest bunch of insanity I've ever heard. Congress howls when a tax is proposed to fund health care or domestic needs yet now they are suggesting a citizen tax to fund another senseless, decades long war. These politicians live in an alternate reality, they are completely out of touch with Main St.
NO NO NO AND NO. NO Share the Sacrifice Act. Enough is enough, I for one cannot afford anymore taxes. Stop this right now, you politicans are out of hand. If you politicans want this war, or any other...i.e. Iraq, to continue, then pay for it yourselves....the American people are taxed beyond the grave now, and the majority cannot afford anymore. Try bringing our troops home where they belong. I really hope this is the straw that breaks the camels back, and all of the American citizens revolt. You politicans, both Dems and Repubs are just disgusting, and don't even jump on the band wagon you Conservatives, you are the worst of all....you do the same thing, only put God's name to it....NO NO NO AND NO. NO Share the Sacrifice Act.
Obey – you idiot. The Afgan war is the only right war.
Way to make the dems look like weak/tax & spend liberals.
If you are going to oppose the war then protest it, don't tax it. You coward!
Like it or not, we will pay for this war – regardless if you agree or disagree with the policy. But, unlike the Bush years, finally someone is willing to take the expenses out of the closet. Shared responsibility is not to go shopping in NYC after 9/11. While I oppose the tax increase directly, either way, the government will get its pound of flesh, so lets be honest about it.
I agree with this guy. The best way to kill any government program is to propose how to pay for it, which indubitably requires raising taxes. Start expecting the American public to personally sacrifice and suddenly all these advocates and bumper sticker patriots disappear.
Slap a 5% war tax on all consumer goods, and I guarantee we'll declare victory after a couple weeks and come home.
Very post-post-modern. Paying bills as you accumulate them.
Could be a great philosophy class. Let's see if it actually happens.
Especially that part about everyone paying the costs for war. My country is pulling out of Af because so few others are willing to help (I mean really help with the fighting as opposed to standing aside in their perfect $600 uniforms), and we have made no secret of this for a couple of years.
Our military budgets come out of current accounts, and it is odd that one country just keeps creating money for war as if there were no consequences. One of the consequences is that you will be left standing alone, unless you start paying your debt.
Could be one heck of a growing-up party. Germany had one, and so did France. Britain had one too, kind of, until the rest of the world proved that Sterling wasn't worth the paper it was printed on.
Gosh, I hate it when I agree with a democrat.
We need the BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT and we need it NOW!
I think it's a great idea! Let's bring back the draft, too, and with NO deferrments! Let the Young Republicans go first....they can serve where their cowardly fathers didn't!
This is Bull. A new tax, on top of higher tax hikes already. Also on top of other higher cost on proposed Climate change bills, and the health care bill they are pushing for.
They say this only affects the rich, but they are wrong. This will effect everyone. It comes out of all of our pockets.
The government gets enough of our money, they need to learn how to spend it wisely.
I think we should increase the tax rate of Congressmen and Senators to 75% and remove 10% of thier future pension distributions for each year that the war continues. Maybe force them to liquidate thier accumulated wealth if more money is needed.
I am not interested in continuing a war in afganistan unless there is a plan to get osama bin laden.
Here's a novel idea Obey: How about you guys CUT something else to keep this war going? Congress under Bush didn't do it so I guess that makes it OK for you guys to just keep spending and taxing? Guess what brain trust, this country is still deep in a recession, the recent sales numbers about the black Friday weekend are not exactly positive and the economy, no matter how many different government stooges try to tell us otherwise, is NOT recovering. We the people of America are unemployed, running out of money and PISSED... at YOU. QUIT the wars, QUIT the spending! Get this country back on track before another sucker punch knocks us ALL out for the count.
Use the stimulas money, it is being given away for no reason but political payback.
Another typical Democrat. Never met a tax he didn't like. If it really is a fool's errand, Comrade Obey, why don't we just bring all of the troops home. Then your president can go on a world tour apologizing for American imperialism or something similar. Now, that's change you can believe in.
Even with so many idiotic Republicans, its no wonder why so many people still support GOP. Dems are obsessed with taxes.
I see everyday that my hard eraned tax dollars are given to lazy people in forms of food stamps, welfare etc.. No, these people are not unable to work, they don't want to work. I am seeing them for years, even when economy was great.
I am on verge of loosing my Dems loyalty. Its sad to say that Palin seems very bright now to me when taxes are concerned.
NO!!! Not one red cent for this war NOTHING. Get our soldiers out of there NOW. I don't understand something we bomb the hell out of Pakistan with unmanned drones, we have satalites that can read license plates, we spend trillions on these little toys lets start putting them to good use. Evacuate our troops and keep an eye on Afghanastan and when we see a threat or spot Bin-laden or Omar send in a drone and kill them, whats the problem?
We're being told to "go shopping" by this President too. Don't single out the last administration, this one hasn't asked any one to make sacrifices either.
The U.S. does not need to be in Afghanistan and we certainly don't need a "War Tax". Bring our G.I.s home now. Frankly, only Congress may declare War on an invader; It slips me when thus a war has been Declared !
just another far left loon trying to bilk more money out of the american public for their ill-gotten social programs. lets vote this idiot out of office and into the unemployment line!!
Right on Obey! Finally someone talking straight.
Which part of NO NEW TAXES do you DUMocRATS not understand?
Thanks to OBOZO's record defecits, we'll be in a hole for many decades.
Don't my taxes already go to support any battle the President deems necessary to enter? Will there be a new 1% tax for every battle that a President sends the military to? Is it only long-term battles? Who determines the length of time appropriate for another tax to fund a war? Let's hope there aren't many conflicts that we engage in. If the cost is 1% per conflict, plus the cost of funding healthcare, plus the taxes we already pay, there's not going to be much money left to help spur the economy along.
Thank you Senator Obey!
Another windbag in Congress who's paid to sit around and dream up idiotic policies. Why don't you actually roll up your sleeves and work on balancing the budget instead of coming up with these gimmicky schemes?
I actually agree with this guy. During WWI and WWII, EVERYONE was made to feel as though they were a part of the war effort. Everyone was told by the commander-in-cheif that they had to do their part to support our soldiers. They were told they must SACRIFICE. But during his so-called "War on Terror" (snicker), not one time did Bush ever suggest that any civilian not connected to the military should be sacrificing anything. As a matter of fact, he encouraged us to splurge financially in order to stimulate the economy in order to give it the false appearance of fiscal health and robustness. It's refreshing to hear someone in D.C. (especially a democrat) actually preaching common sense. If we are going to fight wars, we have to pay for them. Of course it would be just a lot cheaper to just STOP LETTING TERRORISTS (MUSLIMS) INTO OUR COUNTRY!
Obey is right but 8 years into this war is not the time to decide how to pay for it. If we have fought a war for 8 years and not won yet then it is time to get out. In 8 years we either could not win or wasted our time there and as such it is time to bring our boys home.
We have the ability to strike there in Afghanistan at anytime so make the country aware that should it become necessary for us to strike at a group within their country for causing harm to Americans any place on this earth, we will do it without warning. We will not say we are going to bomb in 72 hours giving them time to move. Just do it. But for this war, bring our boys home. If we find ourselves in the position where we have to go to war again then we should do this tax up front.
Since congress is screwing up the country let everyone in congress gove up there pay until it is paid for. There are 234 congress millionaire it look like they need to sacrifice.
Now they want a war tax? Time to impeach Obama, what happened to his promise to pull out the troops? LIAR !!! How about this, STOP GIVING OUR MONEY TO OTHER COUNTRIES !!!! Idiots.
Thank you Representative Obey!
Since congress proposes to continue the war and are deciding to raise taxes to fund it maybe they should fund it with each of their $148,000 + a year salaries.
Just the begining. The US is broke. We do not have any cash. Living from folks paychecks to folks paychecks. Out of credit with our owner, China. In 5 years, the 57% of us (in 5 years that will probly be less than 50%) that pay taxes will be looking at least 8% more in taxes. Yes, that includes all you rah rah libs. Course, it is Bush's fault.
pwm come on obey why did you not listen to your father in may berry he said you can not tax floyd gober and gomer to death if you cut out the waste you can give all the people in may berry health care and save 500 soilderns from dyeing vietnam veteran
Great idea! Tax the people for a war they have been and still are against! I don't care what you conservatives out there say, but all reliable polls show that most Americans are agains both wars the country is waging. I say rather tax the companies who are investing in Iraq, the oil countries who get contracts, the construction firms who are making millions.
Actually, I think only Republican taxpayers and should pay the war tax .. after all, they wanted the war, let THEM pay for it.
The same way they don't want to pay for abortions, I don't want to pay for the mistakes of the last republican administration.
What's good for the goose ...
This sounds like a very reasonable plan. It introduces a very concrete consequence of funding this war on people that normally only consider it in a very vague sense.
The War Tax is a great idea, but with this caveat. All veterans who have served in combat (and spouses of those who have died in combat) in any war or police action engaged in by the US should be exempt from the War Tax, as well as those who have served or are actively serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
This is crap. Tax, tax, tax that's all these idiots can say. See you at the polls in 2010 and 2012. It's time to take our country back.
There's JUST ONE PROBLEM. Most of us don't want the share in the sacrifice AT ALL. In fact, we should not be there. We need term limits in congress!!!! NO MORE RULING CLASS!!!!!
"The only people being asked to sacrifice are military families. They've had to go to the well again and again and again. And yet everybody else in society – you know, they're essentially told to go shopping by the previous president.”
Touche' Obey!!!
The bottom line is there should be no more New taxes until the 530 members of congress go beyond a 2-3 day work week and stop flying privately chartered flights to and from there home states on the tax payers dime . I mean we already pay for the private g-3 luxury jets to shuttle them everywhere, along with paying for the fuel , upkeep, and flight crews. Then of course they get a car service to take them to the Hill , which we pay for I'm sure .... I mean if the airports are so covenent and hassle free why arent congress flying commerical on their own dime ... That would free up millions right there .... O no but they want to tax us , and tax us , and tax us ....
Can someone tell me why the U.S. Americans are the ones having to pay the tax? Since we have been in both Iraq and Afghanistan over our scheduled time frames and because these countries cannot development their own military security so that ours can leave, shouldn't the U.S. be charging Iraq and Afghanistrans for our military services, not its citizens. Haven't we given enough.
If the Republicans and the rich want this war, let them pay for it...tax them...
Why don't we pay for this war the same way we did (are) paying for the that useless waste of time and life called the Iraq war?
We can hide the costs away from the general budget and just pretend the oil will pay for it.
I didn't want the Iraq war... it was needless, a waste, and unjustified. We should have sent 140k troops to Afghanistan on Sep 12, 2001. Every neocon and congressperson who voted for the Iraq war should pay for the Afghan war.
Are all of the elected people in Washington completely disconnected from reality? All we need is the proposed war tax. Tax, tax, tax, is the only thing that Congress is thinking about. Why not save the $65BILLION + that we are currently sending down a rat hole, bring our troops home and the world just might be a much safer place. At least give it a try.
I agree. We need to start paying our way nand the Republicans need to stand up and put their money where their mouth is....
all my support to David Obey. I will send him money for his 2010 campaign even though I live in Massachusetts.
I agree with everything CongressPerson said on John King's state of the union.
Support our troops. Pay the 1% surcharge on your income tax.
I also agree with his exemptions for men and women who have served in these 2 miss-managed wars.
Congratulations to CNN for reporting and following this story.
No shared sacrifice? This country hasn't "shared sacrifice" in any conflict since WW 2 and never will again until a terrorist pops a nuclear bomb on us.
I would point out our military is the best in the world and it's an all volunteer force. They know about sacrifice, not like these elitist, mush-mouthed politicians who think they know what's best for the masses.
Finally, PLEASE quit running against President Bush. He lost. He went home. You complain about him urging consumers to shop to stimulate the economy, what two years ago? Did he fork out billions so people could buy golf carts and new gas guzzlers? Did he shovele billions of tax dollars into rat holes with no accountability? No that was your guy.
How about this: we leave Afghanistan AND Iraq and quit spending money on that part of the world and bring our troops home. Next, burn these stupid health care and cap and trade bills and throw everyone out of Congress and start over. Oh yeah, and Obama can take a hike, too. He is as incompetent as the last president.
Why would I be forced to pay for a war I don't believe in?
I have already commented on this article, but doubt very much if CNN will print it...BUT...just want to say something I forgot: Rep. Obey you can put this Act where the sun doesn't shine.
Obey, be prepared to be voted out of office. No more war money
This is what I've been saying all along! If we want it, we have to pay for it (no matter what "it" is). If we don't want to pay for it, then we can't have it. Thank you Rep. David Obey!
I agree 100%. We need shared sacrifice and this war needs paid for.
We need to make every attempt to get Bin Laden and make him pay for his dastardly deeds. It's a shame that the troops did not get the support they asked for when they had him cornered in Tora Bora. It's a bigger shame that Bush & Cheney lied about their failure. The only good news is that 8 dark years of those 2 in office are over.
Oh look a new tax ! But dont worry when the stimulus bill, and health care bill, and cap and trade bill all come due , You wont even notice the new tax.
preston kathy obey you sound to me like your trying to be just like your friends in the gop tax the people so i000 soilders will die and the numbers will not mean a nothing to you
Forget any campaign promises. Dems = higher taxes; outrageous and uncontrolled spending; socialistic command over every aspect of your previously free life; noxious stench of corruption; incredibly weak defense; and moral decay. They are now explicitly promoting such policies.
Any reason why these incompetents should remain in Washington??
I agree completely with Obey's basic premise. Nobody likes more taxes, but requiring us to pay for the war now will force the American public to be responsible for its action in Afghanistan and the world. We can't go around starting wars and not paying for them.
That said, I support Obama in his decision to pursue continued conflict in Afghanistan. We must finish what we started. And if Republicans say no to the tax, I hope that demonstrates how irresponsible, politically motivated, and one-sided they are.
Nobody in history has won in Afghanistan due to its tenacity. Now that Al Queda moved the bulk of its operations to Pakistan, I see no reason for us to be there. Why spill more American blood? Wars need to be fought in totality. When we as a nation decide to go to war, the cause needs to be so great as to expect sacrifice from all walks of life. On the homefront, civilians need to be willing to sacrifice comfort and convenience for the greater cause. When no such cause exists, we should not fight period. It is a sin for American and foreign lives to be sacrified for half-measures. In short, in terrms of war it should be all or nothing with the cause great enoguh for us to be willing to pay the price, ie a draft and heavy taxation.
Iran appears to be moving ahead with their construction of 9 more Uranium refinery plants.
Apparently the Iranian Ayatollahs, Mullahs and Islamic Clerics are literally begging Israel and America to destroy all of Iran's Nuclear facility's.
Israel and America should oblige Iran and if the British, France and Germany want some payback for the Islamic led massacres upon civilians in their country's, they should each directly take parts in that mission.
I support the Swiss people that have banned Islamic minarets which they felt represent the growth of an ideology and a legal system – Sharia law – which they determined was totally incompatible with Swiss democracy.
I support the Australian people that are permanently deporting all Muslims that preach, extol and work to enable the ideology and Islamic legal system known as Sharia law from their country.
I urge all Western Country's to follow the leads by Switzerland and Australia to enact the same or similar laws against Islam enacting Sharia law in their own country's.
Obey is absolutely correct.
We say we support the military and they do a great and yet WE HAVE MADE THEM ACCEPT THE ENTIRE SACRIFICES OF THE USELESS CONFLICT IN IRAQ WHEN WE SHOULD HAVE STAYED IN AFGHANISTAN AND FINISHED THE JOB THERE 8 YEARS AGO.
But we had an idiot as president and a moronic congress that invaded Iraq which had nothing to do with the terrorists that took down the World Trade Center.
Obey is short for Obama. I mean, it must be. Only Obama would do this crap.
The Dems have now crossed the line and are way out of touch with Americans on all sides. The Democrats, historically the party of tax and spend politics, now wish to become the tax and die party – with the dying being done by our own American troops.
I have a sure fire way to end both the Iraq War and the Afghan War and get all the troops home in 6 months -- Reinstitue the Draft and do not permit education deferments – everyone goes in. When we start drafting the sons and daughters of politicians, celebs, union members, and big business, there will be such an uproar that will end this conflict over night.
But a War Tax -– even the dems are not stupid enough to do that - or it will be one and done for Obama and the GOP will control Congress
I see no sense in being forced to pay for a war that the general population is against. Most were and are against the war in Iraq, and most were and are against the war in Afghanistan. The solution is not more taxes, but bring our troops home! I'm so sick of public officials putting the lives of our brave men and women on the line for foolish wars that we have no business fighting. Now they wish to tax us for their foolishness, I say HOGWASH!
Tax us for better care for our Veterans and currently serving troops, tax us so families of those who died can be better cared for, these taxes would be ok and I would rejoice at paying them, but taxes so that even more can die???? HELL NO THIS WILL NOT FLOAT!
Tax me to pay Judges for murder trials against those who have caused the deaths and bloodshed of so many of our brave men and women, I'll pay that tax and jump for joy while forking it over!
I think we should have a war tax also. My war tax would only be accessed against those who want to fight the war. Those who don't think this war is essential or warranted or moral would not have to pay a penny to keep it going.
Yes yes!! And congress as well as the president who got us into the war should pay an additional 10% of their income to pay for the war that the majority of americans do not want but has been escallated anyway. Also another 10% should be taxed to congress to pay for the banker "bailout" which the majority of america did not want but was passed anyway...this despite a 300:1 ratio of emails and calls against. And since congress gets a "special" healthcare system apart from the nightmare they're trying to foist on the american people of which they will be exempt...let's tack on another 10%. That totals 30%...that doen't begin to pay for the damage congress is causing to the average american's pocketbook and their constitutional freedoms. Great idea Mr Obey...you should pay for your mistakes and they are the misakes of congress and the president....not the american people.
They can create the war tax AFTER they figure out a strategy. I'm done with the 'my government wanted to be impulsive and only think about it for a split second before acting' wars. The future looks bleak enough as it is.
For those who hate the tax idea, think about all the spending Bush did on Iraq and Afghanistan. Think about how many billions that were spent irresponsibly and how many companies committed fraud against the government yet went unpunished for their crimes, even though they stole millions of dollars from you.
America, this is the punishment for you allowing your representatives to jump the gun, and for not holding people accountable for their actions when they were caught red handed. You learn as a kid.... if you're irresponsible, you have do deal with the consequences of your actions.
They can create the war tax AFTER they figure out a strategy. I'm done with the 'my government wanted to be impulsive and only think about it for a split second before acting' wars. The future looks bleak enough as it is.
For those who hate the tax idea, think about all the spending Bush did on Iraq and Afghanistan. Think about how many billions that were spent irresponsibly and how many companies committed fraud against the government yet went unpunished for their crimes, even though they stole millions of dollars from you.
America, this is the punishment for you allowing your representatives to jump the gun, and for not holding people accountable for their actions when they were caught red handed. You learn as a kid.... if you're irresponsible, you have to deal with the consequences of your actions.
So bag Obamacare and use that money to pay for the War.
Obama's healthcare "reform" will be MUCH more costly than a ten year war, and will do massive long term damage to our country.
PERIOD.
Why not initiate a War Bond program? Just like was done in WWII
Does it occur to anyone else that the major duty of this or any other administration is the defense of this country. Not cash for Clunkers, Not bailouts. Not owning car companies. Not being a nanny state to care for people from cradle to grave. If these maroons in DC would get out of our wallets, there would not be a need to add ANOTHER tax to the already oppresive attitude they posses. I think it is interesting that the current administration is looking at the American public to offset OBlunder's desire to simply vote "Present". If they don't raise enough tax money and the war fails, it has nothing to do with the Grovelor-in-Chief being totally inept as CIC, it has everything to do with he didn't have enough money to do what he needed to do and if anyone is to blame for the shortcoming it is going to be the citizens of the country. Great dodge, huh. He needs to be known as "The Teflon President II" right after 'ole Billy Clinton.
Rep. David Obey, a Democrat from Wisconsin, is expressing serious reservations about the U.S. military effort in Afghanistan..."...And I don't think we have the tools in the Pakistani government and I don't think we have the tools in the Afghan government. And until we do, I think much of what we do is a fool's errand.”
Great idea Mr. Obey. If you don't believe in a war or have "serious reservations" about it obviously you should concentrate your efforts on passing a new tax INSTEAD of trying to pass legislation to END the war. How do these unintelligent, zero-logic individuals get elected? Oh yeah...we elect them. Well people can we please start un-electing them immediately?!? We need to clean house and start over. These guys have completely lost touch with both reality and their own God given intelligence. My third grader could out thinks these special-interest representing fools.
the people who started this war are the first in all of human history to do so without raising taxes to fund it. Why? because they knew their supporters liked shedding brown people blood, but not enough to pay for it. There should have been a tax from the start.
Tax and spend. Spend and tax. Always the creative solution offered up by democrats.
This guy is out of his mind!!!! No way this 80+ couple is going to pay a "war tax"! Been there – done that over and over! Support our troops – BRING THEM HOME – ALL OF THEM!
I believe that we pay too much of our hard earned money in taxes as it is now. Our government should be held to a balanced budget and that doesn't mean to balance it by raising taxes, but by controlling spending such as welfare and other aid to those who refuse to work, limiting how we help other countries can be done by putting the cost of a partnership on that particular country, and staying out of the healthcare program that Obama wants to give to all of those who voted for him. If our government can't manage with common sense then it's time to get another group (as in a third party) who believes in treating the working class people with better respect than they are receving from Obama.
Although conservative, I would support a 1% tax on all individuals to pay for the war. However, I know that would not be the plan. The tax would probably resemble a 1% tax starting at individuals making 30,000 or more and the percentage would increase as the income went higher.
A shared sense of sacrifice would be to start with is that everybody ,including the washington congressmen and women and the president and their families have the very identical universal health care coverage that they feel American families should have. What better way to set the example and lead this country .
Typical Congress, authorize the Pentagon to go on fools errands and then tax citizens to pay for it. Screw that! This Congress, correction, this goverment has not been for the citizens of the US since 1913 and the passage of both the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Income Tax Act. Since then, this Country's leadership has been about money, greed, and power. Even the premise of the Civil War had more dignity and honor than today.
No health care for fellow Americans is what requires paying for because the GOP has conjured up the images of minorities without jobs and worse immigrants getting free health care (when the jobless actually already had Medicaid) and millions feed from taxpayer trough in emregency rooms. The people are sheep and they've been manipulated against health care reform and thus we are actually beginnning to now ruin the reform that's coming out.
I have an idea to solve all the budget shortages...figure out the deficit and divide it by the number of politicians and tax them each equally. That way, even big business can't afford to buy them either.
How is this a "shared sacrifice" when it targets, if not discriminates, a selected group? We are fighting this war because Congress and its diplomacy efforts FAILED, yet no member of Congress is targeted in any part of this burden. As with the healthcare bill, Congress also excludes itself. Congress has refuse to accept any responsibility for the failed Community re-Investment Act and the lack of oversight that destroyed the Housing Market. Congress is setting laws in place to repair the damge IT has caused yet expects everyone else, mainly the Middle Class, to take the burden on its shoulders. It's time Congress be held accountable for its miserable efforts!
and on a follow up..if politicains were personally responsable for deficits, maybe there would be less of them (politicians or deficits...less of both would be better)
Obey is a Marxist, extremist and socialist.
quite frankly he may be Wisoconsin's twin for Obama.
taxes all of DC is for that.
The Republicans is so worried how to pay for Health Care but i guess its never mind how to pay for a war we been in for 8 years and have not accomplish anything but debt. One question for the republicans how are we going to pay for this continious war?
Before Congress raises taxes to pay for Afghanistan, they should agree to forgo all earmarks for the duration of the Afghan campaign.
A change of pace from the Dem tradition of imposing taxes to further the cause of "social justice."
Just more money in the gov's hands. "[M]ost Americans" translates as "the lion's share coming from whites." As usual. Screw it.
he would rather give more entitlements to moochers and failures rather than give our brave servicemen and women the tools they need to protect his unworthy ass.
Well, we may not have "tools" in the Pakistani government – but we certainly have plenty of them in the U.S. government.
This tax proposal is ridiculous.
If Bush had not given away the surplus he had from Clinton and had not gone into Iraq, the way in Afghanistan would be over now and the cost would have been covered.
Just like the economy, energy, immigration and health care president Obama has to clean up the messes of bush and the Republicans.
Just want others to not forget how all our troubles started which was when the Supremer Court selected Bush in 2000. Lest we forget and give the Republicans another shot at it in 2010/2012.
All that being said we all need to do our part in this or any war.
A shared sacrifice? Does that mean that those of us who have already sacrificed by actually fighting the battle instead of just debating it will be exempt from this new tax? Instead, how about reducing congressional pay and pensions, plus free medical care, pork, and unlimited trips everywhere to help pay for the war?
If it was a cause for the "arts", you can bet Mr. Obey would find the pork barrel funding like he did with the grotesque Tarp bill that this party hack President signed earlier this year! Here's an idea: why don't we put the word out world-wide to terrorists that the U.S. can't afford a war right now so they should just keep things quiet for awhile? What a jerk!
The hollywood elite that supported obama will be more than happy to pay more for a war tax. They won't mind that at all.
Love the idea by Rep. Obey, there is no sense of sacrifice by 99% of americans. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are an every day concern and sacrifice for less than 1% of the US population. If these wars are to continue, lets ensure everyone feels some burden.
As a former Marine who served until 2004 I can say that this notion of "share the sacrifice" is ridiculous. What it should be called is "share the fiscal irresponsibility of the US government". I can't wait until these Democratic tools are voted out of power (no I'm not republican).
Its not a matter of sacrifice, I think most of us would have no issue paying a lil extra for a war of necessity considering what military families sacrifice, problem is neither of these wars are necessary and the majority of Americans dont support them. Especially in a time of economic hardship, we shouldnt have to shoulder the burden of paying for their civil war and building up their country while ours falls apart. Enough is enough, I'm so tired of Obamas goons who do nothing but try to invent new taxes everyday.
I assume Obey wanted to make a point–which I think he has done very well. However, I think a War Tax is something that should be looked at...if we are going to continue to engage in this war, then we should make sure we pay for them and not our children and grandchildren whom have no say what we decide to pursue.
Obey is a complete moron. We elected Obama and a democratic Congress to get us OUT of the wars tht Bush got us into. We did not elect democrats in order to prolong the war or share any sacrafice. It's idiots like Obey who will ensure democratic defeat in 2010 and 2012.
We should consider a specific "war" tax just as soon as we consider a specific tax for all the other "optional" government activities like bailouts...
Another tax when I'm already stretched to my financial limit? No thanks.
Why do Democrats solve every problem by TAXATION!?
I think his logic is correct. No one thought out how the Iraq and Afganistan wars would be paid for in advance, how the financial firms' bailout would be paid for and yet the most basic of human needs- that being health care- is being required to pay for itself over the long term. What is wrong with us? I think if most Americans have to pay a war tax, they won't take for granted the cost of war and sacrifice and perhaps won't support that as the first course of action like the previous administration did. Not many can afford the 1% tax increase, myself included, so it certainly may help us put things in perspective and decide what our true priorities are. We can't pay for everything and taking care of our own tax-paying citizens with health care coverage seems like a more heroic and patriotic act than fighting any foreign war. I bet we lose more people in this country from lack of health care coverage and treatment than we did on 9/11. We have to take care of our own- both citizens and military soldiers who need to be brought home.
You don't expect us to take this guy seriously? He votes to waste 800 billion on a phony stimulus package, and now we’re supposed to be concerned about a measly 30 billion a year for the war? Sounds like a bargain “blue light special" to me.
How about you tax the politicians that vote for the war, especially since it's not a critical war? The American people are not the ones who vote for the war, if voting for the war even happens. 40% of their income sounds right considering they already live better lives than the people they represent.
While are we paying the price that benefit so few... Stop the bleeding and bring our troops home Now...
Isn't enough that taxpayers have had to bail out companies that clearly stole money from investors while becoming even more richer that, we have to pay for a war I never agreed too.
The war wasn't just wrong it was illegal. There will never be a logical reason to legitimately have a pre-emptive attack on a legitimate government regardless of your beliefs.
I am tired of the government screwing up and the taxpayer paying for it.
I realize the government things we have unlimited resources but, since they've created the highest unemployment since the seventies maybe it's time these genius come up with a way to end the war instead of continuing it.
Right on !.... all those wing nuts who want to fight wars but not pay for them.... need to be called to the line. No tax increase to pay for the war.. NO WAR!!..... the days of adding to the national deficit to pay for dumb wars needs to be over... good luck in making it happen!
Isn't the military what I pay for in my regular taxes? I went to Saudi Arabia for Desert Storm in 1990-91 and did my part when I was still in the military. Why should I have to pay an extra tax for the war? Make better uses of the taxes that we already pay. Cut out your pork and maybe take some fiscal responsibility. Perhaps you will have to cut some programs that we already fund (foreign aid perhaps). Quit looking at me to rob so you can spend more money. The congress only seems to try to fund special items for their own states so they can blow their horn and be reelected.
Wait a minute! Aren't we going to tax those who make above $250,000.00 to pay for health care? Now, we are going to add another tax on those higher earners to pay for troops for Afghanistan? THAT idea should be laughed at, not seriously discussed!
EXCUSE me... but NATIONAL DEFENSE is one of the FEW things actually called up for our Central Govt to PAY FOR with our tax money. All this other social garbage and funding of entitlements, benefits, etc etc etc is NOT.
If they don't want to increase the deficit – THEN CUT SPENDING on the non-essentials – like PELOSI'S $10M planes (for which she STOLE the Troops money to pay for that was desperately needed for training, supplies, etc).
Cut the Healthcare mess, cut the social benefits, cut the politician's salaries, cut the pork going to the States (like the $300M used to BUY Louisianna's Senator's vote for HC). CUT IT ALL OUT. But the Govt PAYS for NATIONAL DEFENSE. You did not see the Republicans saying they wanted to tax liberal organizations etc to pay for the war when they were in office did you? Geezzzzz [eyes rolling]
I really like this idea. If we are going to continue to support this idiotic war, let all of us, including those who support this war, pay for it outside the regular budget process. Let's see where the hawks are then. No more hiding behind our soldiers. Stand up front and say that if you support the war, we will all pay for it.
How will republicans complain about this now? They complain about the deficit but would never dare to cut military spending...oh yeah except if its a democratic president.
As a democrat I wonder why we don't hear about just cutting the budget instead of paying for it...this talk of more taxes is just going to rile up republicans.
Lets stop these false wars...we spend more than the rest of the world combined on military spending
Obey and this war tax makes sense
With all these taxes being thrown around, will anyone have any money left after this administration?
Another wimpy pacifist Liberal that goes from pushing the "right war" to "maybe we should surrender" mode. Is he so sure that the war on Terror no longer exists, that he's willing to gamble?
With the Democrats any reason for a new tax or tax hike is good enough. Does anybody think the Democrats are champing at the bit to fund the war in Afghanistan. Don't be silly for that they would just print some more money. But if they use the war as a reason to raise taxes they'll have some extra money to spend on other things, and spend it they will. You can be sure that for every dollar they collect in a new or increased tax they will spend 3 to 5 more dollars. 10.2% UNEMPLOYMENT, and more corrupt spending and debt than in the entire history of the world. Aren't Obama and the Democrats doing a crack up job?
Shared sacrifice! What shared sacrifice Rep. David Obey had to share for this???
Also any veteran after 2001 should be exempt. All of them in one way shape or form support the war effort. Instead of a tax increase on already struggling American's how about our politicians dip into their deep pockets, give up some extravagant benefits, and maybe sell a house or two....this way they can make some sort of real sacrifice to this nation...or how about a real contribution that has been lacking for a long time now.
You make the sacrifice Mr. Obey, along with your other cronies.
A top Democrat explains how he will soon be out of work like so many other AMericans.
They should put the bulk of the responsibility on oil companies because they have benefited from the security we have provided. Paying for a war with deficit spending is moronic.
I agree with Obey. Had Bush/Cheney not taken their eye off of the prize and got Osama when he was within sight we would have the money for this. But reality is that war is a cost. It costs $$ and it costs blood. Both have to be weighed carefully. Thanks to Bush we have few choices and taxing for the war is one of them.
Someone should tell this idiot that do not need another tax at the moment. I haven't worked in almost a year and don't need more taxes.
How about taxing the 47% of Americans who pay no federal tax? Oh that's right, they're mostly minorities, therefore Democratic voters. It's about time EVERYONE contributed something, rather than taxing more and more those who actually work for a living.
I thought Bush was the war president........now it turns out that Obama has a taste for blood also......beefing it up in Afghanistan, a place where no foreign power has ever come out successfully......putting another 30,000 troops in harms way.....is this the change you voted for?????
Feel betrayed????
I'm for it! Just make the tax progressive so thte rich who benefit the most will pay the largeer share. Start the draft with no exemptions so that they will also share in the dying!
When you talk about sacrifice in Congress, you talk about everyone but yourselves. When you are ready to sacrifice your son or daughter to the cause, then talk about a tax. I am a vietnam veteran and I made that sacrifice and I promise you I will not be taxed by you to fund a war you all so deliberately ensure your family is not in. When your son and daughter is ready to defend their freedoms that you so willingly allow everone else to do, only then you can you talk to the American people about doing their fair share.
This idiot proposes new tax for Afghanistan? Do we really know what is going on there? Do we really care?
If we suspect them to help Taliban – carpet bombing will help. And then – take our soldiers out of there. NO NEW TAXES!
There they go again! I thought we were already paying taxes that were paying for the war(s). Its just out of control government looking to reach further into our pockets. The White House got us into this mess, let them pay for it out of their pockets!
In my opinion, there is only one way to get government back on track. Break the hold of the special interests groups and the only way to do that is to put congressional term limits in place. No more career politicians! New blood every two terms will end the back room power brokers that put their own pocket books and personal interests above the American society.
Leave it to liberals to propose a special tax to fund one of the few Constitutionally-legitimate areas of federal spending.
When (if ever) will Democrats stop their vicious thirst for more and more taxes? Answer: When we vote them out of office! Wake up America!!