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Post by southsidesignmaker on Oct 12, 2010 19:29:02 GMT -6
House GOP's 'Pledge to America' By: CNN Congressional Producer Deirdre Walsh politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/22/house-gops-pledge-to-america/Washington (CNN) - House Republican Leaders will unveil a 21 page "Pledge to America" on Thursday morning. CNN obtained a copy of the document Wednesday, which lays out a "governing agenda" for what Republicans would do if they won control of Congress. The document focuses primarily on issues of jobs and the economy, with a short reference in the "preamble" section referencing the party's position on social issues. In terms of specific proposals, Republicans propose to permanently extend all the tax cuts due to expire at the end of this year, give small businesses a tax deduction equal to 20% of their income, require Congress to review any new federal regulations that add to the deficit. The plan also calls for federal spending to be rolled back to pre stimulus levels, which the GOP says will save $100 billion in the first year. Read the document here (pdf) Several GOP sources had told CNN there were no plans to say much at all about social issues, since the electorate is so heavily focused on jobs and spending. GOP leaders settled on a line that states: "We pledge to honor families, traditional marriage, life, and the private and faith-based organizations that form the core of our American values." This language was a late addition, according to a GOP source, after Rep Mike Pence argued that social issues should be included in this document representing the House GOP agenda. |
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Post by southsidesignmaker on Oct 12, 2010 19:33:51 GMT -6
For many years I have always considered myself a independent while leaning towards the republican side much of the time. After reading all 48 pages (many pictures), I must admit I am stunned at the lack of action with this piece of literature.
Maybe others can comment, my concerns are spending, jobs, medicare, and social security, (in that order). the vagueness in this piece of literature is astounding. I must admit that the republican party on the national level has a long long way to go.
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Post by macrockett on Oct 12, 2010 22:03:48 GMT -6
For many years I have always considered myself a independent while leaning towards the republican side much of the time. After reading all 48 pages (many pictures), I must admit I am stunned at the lack of action with this piece of literature. Maybe others can comment, my concerns are spending, jobs, medicare, and social security, (in that order). the vagueness in this piece of literature is astounding. I must admit that the republican party on the national level has a long long way to go. That doc has been out for several weeks, SSSM. It was never meant to be detailed as to give the Dems specifics to go after. From what I hear, the tea party candidates and the young republicans plan to hold the Reps to a higher standard... we can only hope, as they have been sadly lacking in so many ways. |
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Post by Arch on Oct 13, 2010 0:59:04 GMT -6
Sadly, higher standards are sadly going the way of the Dodo Bird. I have 0 faith in anyone who aligns themselves with a party anymore. Helping carry up 2 packages for some elderly people tonight up 3 flights of stairs was met with amazement and praise that made it seem as though NO ONE ever did that for them before; or it was 30 years since it ever happened. To me, it was nothing short of instinctual. I know these people have been out and about and to witness the bewilderment that someone would actually take 30 seconds and help them was refreshing and frightening at the same time.
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Post by EagleDad on Oct 13, 2010 5:59:23 GMT -6
the vagueness in this piece of literature is astounding. Thanks for the link SSDM, I appreciate the chance to read this document in person, I think everyone should. I did not experience the vagueness that you did, I thought that: - Permanently canceling the tax hikes - Freezing Federal Govt hiring at current net levels - Repealing Obamacare - Permanently ending TARP - Returning to pre stimulus budget levels - Ending Government control of Freddie/Fannie - Repealing the small business 1099 expense reporting requirements All seemed quite concrete concepts to me. While they might not be actions that people agree with they are well defined. Yes this document is not to the level of legislation, but I think this document was structured so normal everyday people (our citizenry) would actually read it, in contrast to the healthcare reform bill that was delivered in 1,990 pages with 24 hours of lead time. I haven't seen an alternative document with this level of specifics yet from the other party in our current 2-party system. Do you have a link to one? |
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Post by macrockett on Oct 13, 2010 7:25:02 GMT -6
Sadly, higher standards are sadly going the way of the Dodo Bird. I have 0 faith in anyone who aligns themselves with a party anymore. Helping carry up 2 packages for some elderly people tonight up 3 flights of stairs was met with amazement and praise that made it seem as though NO ONE ever did that for them before; or it was 30 years since it ever happened. To me, it was nothing short of instinctual. I know these people have been out and about and to witness the bewilderment that someone would actually take 30 seconds and help them was refreshing and frightening at the same time. I agree with you Arch, but unfortunately change won't happen in a vacuum. People, voters, need to get out and get active and demand change, not business as usual. You can look at this school district as a perfect example. How little people do to educate themselves about what's going on here right under their noses. The never ending election of board members who maintain the status quo for the unions and on and on. If people aren't willing to get involved here, what does that tell us about municipal, state and federal government? |
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Post by macrockett on Oct 13, 2010 7:37:23 GMT -6
the vagueness in this piece of literature is astounding. Thanks for the link SSDM, I appreciate the chance to read this document in person, I think everyone should. I did not experience the vagueness that you did, I thought that: - Permanently canceling the tax hikes - Freezing Federal Govt hiring at current net levels - Repealing Obamacare - Permanently ending TARP - Returning to pre stimulus budget levels - Ending Government control of Freddie/Fannie - Repealing the small business 1099 expense reporting requirements All seemed quite concrete concepts to me. While they might not be actions that people agree with they are well defined. Yes this document is not to the level of legislation, but I think this document was structured so normal everyday people (our citizenry) would actually read it, in contrast to the healthcare reform bill that was delivered in 1,990 pages with 24 hours of lead time. I haven't seen an alternative document with this level of specifics yet from the other party in our current 2-party system. Do you have a link to one? Good points ED. Imo though until we get this country off the crack of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and welfare, as currently structured we will continue down the same path. None of these programs is actuarially sound especially when the assumptions are set in stone and never modified to keep revenues and benefits in line with each other. On a larger scale these programs give to many people a false sense of security rather than relying on their own intelligence and resources to take care of themselves. |
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Post by EagleDad on Oct 13, 2010 8:08:11 GMT -6
I haven't seen an alternative document with this level of specifics yet from the other party in our current 2-party system. Do you have a link to one? I looked around a little and I did find a document with what might be the second party's views/agenda, but it's from 1848, so it's probably not it: www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1848/communist-manifesto/ch01.htm  Sorry, couldn't resist, how bourgeoisie of me. ;D |
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Post by macrockett on Oct 13, 2010 8:49:42 GMT -6
Ouch!
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Post by EagleDad on Oct 13, 2010 8:55:48 GMT -6
I did also find this pledge: "And I can make a firm pledge. Under my plan, no family making less than $250,000 a year will see any form of tax increase, not your income tax, not your payroll tax, not your capital gains taxes, not any of your taxes."
-Sept 12, 2008. Presidential Candidate Barack Obama
As it stands, right now, my family will see a tax increase of approximate $8,000 dollars in federal income taxes next year, and we are in that exact definition. A man is as good as his word, and if that man (or party) does not stand behind that word then thank God we live in a country where the electorate can take action to remediate it. |
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Post by southsidesignmaker on Oct 13, 2010 9:04:51 GMT -6
EagleDad, is it safe to assume your net income has been the same year after year.
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Post by southsidesignmaker on Oct 13, 2010 9:21:42 GMT -6
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Post by Arch on Oct 13, 2010 10:06:54 GMT -6
There must have been in fine print *excludes property taxes
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Post by EagleDad on Oct 13, 2010 10:38:10 GMT -6
EagleDad, is it safe to assume your net income has been the same year after year. My income has been increasing and will again next year, but my statement of owing $8K additional in income tax is for the same amount of income, one scenario with the new taxes that will be added Jan 1, 2011, one without. I was comparing 2011 taxes to 2011 taxes at the same level, not across years. Fact is I will pay $8K in additional taxes for the same income. Our leadership has chosen to do nothing and allow widescale tax increases to automatically go into effect Jan 1 via inaction, instead choosing to go home and focus on their own mid-term re-elections. I personally plan to factor that into how I will vote in November. |
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Post by doctorwho on Oct 13, 2010 21:27:26 GMT -6
There must have been in fine print *excludes property taxes it.s not fine print- it's a wink and a nod from the Pelosi Gang... |
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