Monday, April 25, 2011

The Issue is Jobs, Not Deficit Reduction | The Nation




The Issue is Jobs, Not Deficit Reduction | The Nation


"Republicans never cared about deficit reduction when George Bush was president. And, for the most part, they don't care now -- as evidenced by broad GOP support for House Budget Committee chair Paul Ryan's plan to keep the budget out of balance until 2040 while clearing the way to begin streaming federal Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid dollars into the coffers of Wall Street speculators and insurance-industry profiteers.

But Republican leaders do care about controlling the debate. When the country is focused on an overblown debate about debts and deficits, that forecloses discussion about the serious economic and social challenges facing the nation. It also forecloses discussion about holding bankers and CEOs accountable for irresponsible and illegal practices that have done far more harm to the nation's fiscal stability than retirees and the children of low-income families who need a little health care.

President Obama's decision to mimic GOP talking points when it comes to fiscal matters has done more damage to his poll numbers -- and Democratic political prospects -- than anything said or done by an almostly hopelessly inept Republican team.

And one Democratic congressman is calling the president out on the issue." See Full Article | The Nation

Learn more about | John Nichols

Additional Local Article from The Chippewa Herald
Experts skeptical state is truly broke
"The governor has repeated the message time and again, from his Inauguration Day speech to a “fireside chat” to discuss his proposal to limit collective bargaining for most public employees. It is usually followed by calls for budget cuts."

"Trouble is, many experts say Wisconsin isn’t really broke."

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