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Where are the cuts?
Posted by on December 07, 2012

In the negotiations over the fiscal cliff, we have heard a lot from President Obama about raising taxes. We know that the President wants to increase taxes but despite all the talk about a “balanced approach” we have yet to see him propose any real spending cuts.

After three weeks of negotiations President Obama’s opening offer contained $1.6 trillion in tax increases – two times the level on which the President campaigned.  According to media reports, the offer completely ignored the general framework on which talks had centered.

The President’s political allies would have you believe his proposal contains some $400 billion in “spending cuts.”  Unfortunately his plan also contains at the very least $287 billion in new spending.  Moreover, the so-called cuts count previously-enacted savings, “savings” from winding down the war in Afghanistan, and counts as savings interest the country would not be paying because it did not borrow additional money.

That is as good as crediting Georgia $5 billion in budget savings this year because we were not hit by a hurricane.  It is the kind of thinking that got us into this mess and the gimmickry that lets Washington ignore our country’s problems rather than tackling them head on.

We have a spending problem, not a revenue problem.  Historically, revenues are 18 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).  Spending, however, is currently 23 percent of GDP and President Obama’s budget doubles down on this unsustainable path.

Since 1975, federal spending has grown nearly 10 times faster than inflation.  Clearly, both parties have their fingerprints on the national debt but even if President Obama got every tax hike he’s asking for, deficits would average $715 billion during his second term.  Even if the President took 100% of the income of those making $1 million or more, his budget would run a $370 billion deficit this year.

I support the President’s right to advance his views.  His insistence, however, on raising rates is misguided.  The very people says he is targeting – the super wealthy – are the ones that can afford to hire accountants and lawyers to reduce their effective tax rates by taking advantage of loopholes.

As it stands, the President’s definition of wealthy includes as many as 1.7 million individuals whose small business income is reported through their individual income tax filings.  Increasing taxes on these individuals would have the effect of killing jobs.

While I have concerns about Speaker Boehner’s proposal to avert the fiscal cliff, I believe he put forward a thoughtful and serious offer.  Now it is time for the President to do the same. 

Any such offer would most certainly include substantive spending cuts.  That means spending less, not exploiting budget tricks to satisfy phony accounting.
President Obama campaigned on a “balanced approach.”  It is time for him to deliver just that.
Comments
The opinions expressed below are those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent those of this office.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Blaine from statesboro commented on 12/9/2012
    I think all gop should tell them to vote. Then just vote "present" let the tax cut expire. We lose no matter what. If you give In The dems will be praised and if you dont you will be blamed. otherwise people years from now you're going to lose the house is well.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    mal from statesboro commented on 12/9/2012
    We need an opposition party. Do something.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Mike Horner from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    Spending is indeed the problem and it's not just the "Cliff" we have to worry about. The Fed is currently printing money at an alarming rate. They call this "Quantitative Easing" which sounds much more sophisticated than "Printing." The Fed is also buying our own debt and they call this "Monetizing" which again sounds more sophisticated than "Buying." What Country did that in the past and what was the result? Answer: Germany in the 1920s which caused the German Mark to crash wiping out everyone's savings. We are headed in the same direction. In my view, Boehner and Congress should say no to any spending over and above the revenue coming in. Jack, I hope you will sign on to this policy or America is in deep trouble!
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Grady from Sparks commented on 12/9/2012
    Stand firm against the lies and deciet being proposed by the president and his administration. Creating jobs will have more of an effect on the debt than raising taxes.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Jerry from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    Jack, I hope you can keep all our Republicans holding the line and not increasing any tax rates on anyone - rich or poor! Spending cuts must be made. It will be better for us to go over the cliff and let the people see it is really Obama's doing that is causing the problems. Then perhaps we can get some cooperation from Obama and the Dems on working towards a good permanent fix on this horrible economic problem that is destroying our country. Thanks for all that you are doing on holding the line for us and trying to get a real fix to the problem.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Deb from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    The rest of the country has had to learn to live within a budget, it's time the president learns to cut spending!
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Kimberly Durham from BrookletGA commented on 12/9/2012
    The deficit needs to be eliminated immediately. The debt needs to systematically reduced, beginning immediately. Anything else is just digging the already unsustainable hole deeper. I believe that most American citizens would be on board with this if it were handled properly. As ugly as it is, the "fiscal cliff" is the only viable plan on the table. Congress should be ashamed if they can't do any better. But if that's the best you can do, then let it happen. To continue growing the debt is much worse.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Charles from St Simons Island commented on 12/9/2012
    Representative Kingston, I suggest that you do not suggest any solutions - just offer criticism. What are you personally recommending? Can you delineate your concerrns with Mr. Boehner's proposal? You state that "any such offer would most certainly include substantive spening cuts". What are they? Have they been defined? While you state that it is time for the President to offer a "balanced approach", I don't see any balance in your comments. Further, history seems to fly in the face of your argument that raising taxes on the wealthiest will kill jobs. I ask that instead of retreating to the very political negativism that cost the Republican party the presidency, please look to the welfare of our country. Charles Buhman
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Tony from SAvannah commented on 12/9/2012
    Please do not give the SOB (president) a penny in tax increases. Insist on spending cuts now, not in ten years. Do not authorise a penny in the debt limit. Work out a budget that will pay down the deficiet.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Dwain from Townsend commented on 12/9/2012
    It appears that Obama wants to make this country another Russia. Socialism and dictator rule. The Republican Party needs totake astance on spending cuts and less governmental interference on businesses. Also take the unions power away from them and make it a volunteer situation. The unions were a great thing back in the twenties and thirties but they are a big cause of our current fiancial situation. Also, we neede to cut out a lot of the foreign aid and bring a cut back on food stamps and medicaid.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Anne Schlotterbeck from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    I really cannot afford to pay more taxes. Already 1/3 of my paycheck is gone before I e Eric seeit. I am a self supporting teacher, so the salary is not great.i now have to pay my own disability insurance, long and short term, because the school system could no longer afford to pay it. Every year more and more money comes out of my check and the government continues to send it overseas I the form of international good will. I am at the point of thinking that we cannot continue to send aid to starving in Africa,and military concerns in Isreal. We need our money to pay our already existing debt. I was extremely irate with the bailout of the auto industry which I believe has not yet been paid back in full. If I ran my household the way the govt. runs its business, I would be imprisoned for failure to pay debts. Make the deep cuts, keep our money within our shores, and stop trying to make the citizens pay for fiscal folly of our government. Ps... I did not vote for Obama, either time.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Daneil Koch from St Marys commented on 12/9/2012
    I do not have a problem with the tax increase issue as long as everyone contributes, and it is not heavy to the middle classes. The spending cuts need to be substantial. $400B to $600B from evey area entitlements, defense, unspecified discrestionary over ten years. The approach needs to be fair and balanced on both sides. Large increases in taxes on the middle class or large cuts on the spending is not fair to either. Need clear direction from Congress to set the coarse. Must do what is best for the country and the people. I am in the middle class, but I have parents and children who are below the middle and barely hanging on. Getting it all right now maynot be the best answer, but a good down payment will pay us all GREAT dividends.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Edward Haka from Saint Marys commented on 12/9/2012
    The president is in position to get his tax rate increase whether the republican congress likes it or not. When we go over the "fiscal cliff" the tax rates will increase automatically giving the president his rate increase on the wealthy, and allow the democrats to propose legislation to "save" the middle class by reducing their taxes (something republicans would have to support) thus making the republicans appear to be the bad guys by letting us go over the cliff and the democrats the good guys. The republicans need to support an increase in the tax rate for the wealthy along with the best deal they can get for spending cuts before we reach the cliff. It was poor political maneuvering to get us where we are and I have lost all confidence in Speaker Boehner's ability to lead.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Dave from Baxley commented on 12/9/2012
    If someone receives money from the fedral or state government then they should be required to spend time performing public work, regardless of phsical condition. They should be required to show up at the courthouse or public location, be given a job for the day. Bring their kds if need be, a sitter would be one of the jobs. Many would drop off the plans thereby reducing spending.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Pamela D. Hudson from Patterson, GA commented on 12/9/2012
    There will never be an spending cuts under Obama. His goal is the total destruction of American culture. Until Republicans get it into your heads that Obama HATES Americans, we'll never get anywhere. NEVER give in to this evil man! He needs to be impeached not tolerated.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Bob from St. Simons commented on 12/9/2012
    The Republicans lost, most of that was self-inflicted and predictable. Obama is going to win this fiscal cliff fiasco anyway, so I say - just capitulate, walk away. Printing money from heaven has been going on for a long time and we are all culpable - something bad is going to eventually happen and when it does, the Democrats will own the problem and take the political consequences - fiscal responsibility will return and 'paying the piper' will be very painful for all Americans - God help us all!! Bob M.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Junior and Belle from Ray City, Ga commented on 12/9/2012
    We think Obama wants to destroy this Nation. He won through voter fraud in a lot of States. Not Georgia but a lot of other States. He refuses to open His past records. We are telling this because ev. 1 is saying the same thing, the blacks too.We think it would cut a lot of jobs for the people, if the higher tax was put on the people that can offer jobs. Obama should cut spending in the Gov.This will be really hard for the Repubs to do due to the Dems.. They don't really want to help anyone but themselves. The illegals voted for Obama, but they understand enough to like what the Repubs are trying to do. It looks bleak for the Seniors' too. Thank you and the Republicans that are trying to help 'We The People'...God Bless..
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Steve from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    Jack, the president is the biggest ideologue ever and a hypocrite to boot. Let him take us over the fiscal cliff. After all we're only talking 1.8% cuts to the federal budget. if you guys can't find 1.8% ($60 Billion of a $3.2 TRILLION budget/year) )worth of cuts, you should ALL be fired. I am sick and tired of both sides of the political spectrum arguing about this fiscal mess you all have created. The issue is federal spending is out of control and the president wants to raise taxes on everyone (especially the rich) to continue the spending. However, these tax increases will kill our economy, do nothing to stop the deficits and then where will we be: higher unemployment and more of our children's future spent. STOP THE SPENDING and spur private enterprise! Focus on energy independence. These actions will create jobs and renew confidence in the markets.If the private sector doesn't receive a measure of stability and confidence soon, we will be on a long downward slope.By the way, Merry Christmas to you and your family!
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Hal from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    Sure, there need to be cuts. Quick, fast, and in a hurry. But, can't congress do SOMETHING without delaying the uncertainty facing every businessman aabout the tax situation? Why do you have to wait till the last minute, blame the other guy, and do what could have been done a month ago. It's like a big game of chicken and every working American is waiting to see which way you will swerve.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    David from Valdosta commented on 12/9/2012
    I agree that the problem is that the government is overspending. I also firmly believe that President Obama's intent is to create more revenue in order to finance his entitlement programs. If Obama is allowed to push through his plans, he will leave it in the hands of the next administration to perform the spending cuts...something very unpopular with those who "work the system" to receive government handouts. My opinion is that without meaningful spending cuts there should be no compromise just as Obama announced his "No Compromise on Tax Increases" As for Congressman Boehner and other House leaders, he is out of place and out of control. His move to purge those from House committees who strongly support the conservative principles is indicative of some Republicans willingness to climb into bed with Obama. When will these guys start doing what is best for our country?
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Nolen Cox from Valdosta Ga commented on 12/9/2012
    Congressman Kingston, you have been on the Appropriations Comittee for 20 years and voted for massive spending and earmarks for Georgia and your district. You have voted for every budget i can remember. You understand the spending problem but have done little except "talk" to solve the problem. Elephants dont forget. Please take a stand NOW our nation went over the clift 5 years ago under Bush and has been falling into debt at about 1.2 TRILLION per year. This is forcasted for the next few years. We need to stop the fall the bump coming is not the big issue the debt and spending are the problem.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Bernie from Valdosta commented on 12/9/2012
    Our country cannot afford to cut social security benefits. These benefits have been paid for, and they are necessary for our seniors and disabled folks. Get rid of the Bush tax cuts to high income folks, have them pay their fair share. The is not the Bush administration. Time to fix Bush's policies that put us into the economic problems we have now. Protect the middle class. Have the top richest percent of people in this country pay their fair share of tax. Protect Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid. “An entitlement is a guarantee of access to benefits based on established rights or by legislation. A "right" is itself an entitlement associated with a moral or social principle, such that an "entitlement" is a provision made in accordance with legal framework of a society. Typically, entitlements are laws based on concepts of principle ("rights") which are themselves based in concepts of social equality or enfranchisement.”Yet, most in Congress use the word “Entitlement” with pejorative connotation. e.g. A “ Sense of entitlement”. Congress, there is no “Sense” of entitlement, only the “Fact” we should receive what we “Earned” from what was paid in by the people and their employers. Else, the Government has “Fraud” it’s own people and employers.“ Facts are stubborn things; and what ever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they can not alter the state of facts, and evidence.” – John Adams ( 1770 )
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    John from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    Our leaders put us in this position and now are trying to figure out how to get us out. Isn't this like trying to unring a bell? If the formation of the "cliff" was a good idea at one time, lets let it play through to its end result. There will be lots of lessons learned by everyone and those will be valuable lessons to prepare us for the next elections!
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    James Buchanan from Folkston commented on 12/9/2012
    Spending is the problem... But how does the younger generation inject a dose of reality into the baby boomers who expect to have retirement and medical benefits paid for by taxes on their children and grandchildren? There is no magical government fairy that can provide benefits without the burdens of taxation. Spending is the problem... The military budget has roughly doubled in the past ten years. It is overdue for trimming back to the level of 2001 before the lastest round of foreign wars that are creating the bad will create tomorrows enemies. Spending is the problem... As long as the Federal Reserve bank will create currency for the government to spend, the economy will suffer from inflation and economic distortions that waste resources on bubble industries.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    robert from sav commented on 12/9/2012
    Just go back to the tax rate of clinton day, but take all of the programs, budgets back to that time, military, gov pay, size. because, my pay is the same as then!!!!
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    willie hires from hinesville commented on 12/9/2012
    Continue discussions, under no circumstance break off talking.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Tom from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    Thanks, Jack. I agree with the spending cuts but we should also take another look at the next level down: Government agencies that justify their existence by requiring more and more regulation and reports for American businesses. The environmental area is the worst. No one wants to hurt our environment but the Government's "protection" steps are becoming more and more controlling and expensive.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Jim from Tybee commented on 12/9/2012
    Pres. Obama wants to "rebuild America from the ground up". In order to rebuild something from the ground up first you have to tear it down to the ground. What better way to do that than to destroy the economy. He doesn't care if we go over the "fiscal cliff" he welcomes it. The Republicans in Congress must NOT compromise. If we do go over the "cliff" then the talking points to the media must be that it is Obama's and the Democrats fault. that message must be repeated and repeated just like the Democrats do when they blame the Republicans. It is time to stand up to Pres. and stop letting him get away with his Socialist agenda.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    K from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    If we had taken the bullet on the ridiculous stimulus package, we may have been a little further down the road to recovery by now. All of this is foolishness. Take the jump and lets rebuild. Don't allow the banks and credit card companies to up rates in their desperate grabs. Stop the free cell phones just to name one. They aren't free to us taxpayers. Leave small business alone and squelch Obamacare in its entirety. Upping the tax rates on the rich is not really an issue as it won't make that much of a difference toward paying down the debt. A small increase or no increase is a minor issue. The govt. will still have money to operate then and possibly even more.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    James C Nase from Brunswick commented on 12/9/2012
    Going over the cliff only hurts the people paying the taxes, not the give-me croud. we need to change the tax code to include everyone so any future tax increases will affect everyone. Then maybe the entire country can see what Obama's plans really are, and how wrong they are fro this country. 1. fair tax on income = 25 % 1. reduce the size of IRS 2. increase 2% on over 1 million 2. abolish foreign aid to countries not suporting USA 3. remove tax cuts for Property & 3. enforce laws on entitlements at all levels (fed, Capital gains state & local). SSA. unemployemnt & welfare
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Deborah from Adel commented on 12/9/2012
    Keep your feet firm. Do not give in to Pres.Obama. He is a corrupted man. If any of you give in, next election you be out.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    William Lucas from Adel commented on 12/9/2012
    Stop Attempting to play obama's game, pass bill before in of year extending Bush tax law up to $300K. Place the ball in obama's court. Stop talking about entitlements, you scare the hell of Seniors. Put the pressure on obama. Stop GOP idiots from agreeing with everything obama!!
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Peter Roach from Brunswick commented on 12/9/2012
    In exchange for accepting the Coburn plan for the budget, let the top rate go to 39.6% in exchange for eliminating the Medicare Tax. This is a good test for the administration's intentions. Obviously 37% a floated by the media would be better of course. Peter Roach Brunswick, GA 31520
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Robert Wiggins from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    The cuts are in my already small bank accounts and wallet !!!! I 'm cut to pieces!!!
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Pat from brunswick commented on 12/9/2012
    If Obama can't compromise about spending less - I say - go over the cliff - and then maybe he will know the republicans mean what they say and not keep pushing them around which I think he is doing and it sickens me.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    CJ from St. Marys commented on 12/9/2012
    What did you not learn by the last election. Barack Obama was reelected.......... The majority of American people want the top 2% to pay more in taxes, get less in loopholes. They also want to leave Medicare and Social Security alone............. For a change, listen to the people, not the Republican party line.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    John Banks from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    If you take away the mortgage interest deduction then you will have destroyed the housing industry and the middle class. Represent your constituency and not your party. If you allow the country to go over the fiscal cliff then you are not doing your job. And the blame goes to the GOP.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Richard from Townsend commented on 12/9/2012
    Don't let Obama have control over raising the Debt ceiling. Once that is gone vote present and let the Democrats own their plan. When the economy tanks---They own it!!! Tough medicine but it's time for tough medicine
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Nelson from St Marys commented on 12/9/2012
    Jack, no matter which way you go the main stream media is going to blame the Republicans. My thoughts are if you are going to blamed for it, be guilty of the act. Go over the fiscal cliff. Every time your offices get a call from someone complaining give them the number to the White House.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Harlie from Quitman commented on 12/9/2012
    Appears the only way we will ever get spending under control is buckle up an go over the cliff. Most of the "folks" do not own equites nor have a 401. They have no skin in the game.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Nancy Leggett from Richmond Hill Ga commented on 12/9/2012
    The only way to get spending cuts is to go off the cliff. We all will be hit with taxes anyway so why all the drama. The world will not come to an end but government spending will be slowed down. There is so much waste in government it just makes me sick. Harry Reid is worthless just listening to him makes me ill. I don't know how anyone can sit in a room with him and hear his rambling. To sum it up "NO DEAL". I am not a happy camper right now.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Art from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    We cannot cave again. Hold to the conservative line and demand spending cuts an entitlement reform. Do not take an IOU,they never pay! Over the "cliff" if necessary. Extending unemployment and more stimuli must be non-players. If the Clinton years were so good as Dems claim, just back to his budget and adopt it.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Mary from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    I think we should cut out the "fat" which I am sure there is plenty of. Go line for line! Too much waste in the government.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Jim from St.Marys commented on 12/9/2012
    As far as I can tell , Obama could not balance a quarter on edge without first borrowing the quarter .
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    deanna wagoner from valdosta ga commented on 12/9/2012
    If one looks at the federal spending and budgeting more as a personal budgeting activity, one would not try to pay off all the credit cards at once but set up a plan for decreasing the debt slowly and methodically. At the same time one would cut out all frills. No more parties, no more travel expenses no more new clothes - everything becomes "make do". In terms of the federal budget, one could simply cut out all the parties, seminars, travel by federal employees to any place. Cut out the motor pools and tell people to catch the bus or ride the subway at their own expense. What did it cost to send the head of the Federal Reserve to a "meeting" in Aspen? Was that necessary. The GSA has disgraced itself completely and the people involved should be forced to repay the money. The only portion of the Federal Budget that would be exempt from this austerity would have to be the White House, but even there, things could be cut back. Has anyone figured out how much money is spent on sheer nonsense. At this time of holiday parties, they should be disallowed at all levels of government. How many charge cards are being used improperly to pay for personal purchases. Perhaps federal employees should not have "government "credit cards. I think you understand. Cut out the nonsense and see what money is needed to cover the real expenditures. Cut out the fraud that is practiced against Social Security disability and Medicare claims. Sell all property (real and otherwise) that is not used. When one gets down to eating grits and turnip greens and walking to work and feeling better about the whole thing, one will see the absolute idiocy of spending vasts of money on things that make one unhealthy and unwealthy.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Art from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    The title of this blog "Where are the cuts?" is part of our problem. "Cuts" is an ugly word -- every government-dependent person takes is an affront to their particular goodie. In the meantime, Democratic/Socialist wordsmiths have attached mellifluous words to their ugly concepts: spending becomes "investment;" those successful in a free business environment become "the rich" who must pay "a little bit more to pay their fair share." Reckless tax increases become "balanced." Speaker Boehner, acting from his apparently genetic tendency toward weakness and surrender, pre-emptively offers HIS OWN soak-the-rich tax increases based on limiting income tax. Obama does the predictable thing and says, "Way to go, John, I see your $800B and raise you with my increased rates on THE RICH to $1.6T. And just to be fair, let's forget about controlling the Budget or limiting my ability to BORROW. My recommendation: 1. Rise up against the president HOUSE LEADERSHIP! They do not understand they have the Constitutional power to control spending. 2. Demand, as a condition of ANY further rupture of the DEBT LIMIT, a Budget, passed by both Houses and signed by Obama. That budget should be for no greater than 18% GDP and should be BALANCED. 3. FINALLY, after that, pass some flat tax increase that would go entirely to National Debt Reduction. By the way, since Boehner caved on the last Debt Limit Showdown in August 2011, the National Debt has RISEN by almost $2,400,000,000,000! What will you all do when our poor credit increases the INTEREST to half of Government Revenue?
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Larry from Brunswick commented on 12/9/2012
    Let's preface this first with It is COUNTRY FIRST AND ALWAYS FIRST, POLITICS LAST and YOUR POLITICAL FUTURE ISN'T EVEN IN THE RUNNING! and second I, a registered Republican, voted for you in the last election. Now having said that it is my advice to you and the rest of the House and Senate to put up Simpson Bowles recommendations up for an up or down vote with no amendments. Stop the stupid childish gamesmanship. Go on Google and watch the CBS Face the Nation program that aired today, 12/9/12, and listen to what they are saying! You can not just just kick this can down the road, that is unless you really don't give a damn about the country!!!! 2014 is coming and let me tell you and the rest of the folks and lobbyist out there this country is really going to be mad as hell and they ain't going to take it any longer if you and the rest of the politicians that WE sent to D.C. can't get this done you are going to be history in 2014. It's really a shame that the only response I'm going to get from this is a staffers canned reply and not your personal reply too. By the way you want to really do something that will really benefit one part of the entitlements program and make the Democrats happy as part of the negotiations? REMOVE the SSI tax cap completely. Think about that and PLEASE don't even say that you are against that because it is raising taxes!!! Remember it is COUNTRY FIRST AND ALWAYS FIRST AND ALWAYS FIRST, POLITICS LAST and YOUR POLITICAL FUTURE ISN'T EVEN IN THE RUNNING! You do the right thing for the COUNTRY and you'll get reelected BUT if you don't and the country goes to hell in a hand basket 2014 won't come fast enough for all the of those up for reelection.......
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Ralph from Hahira commented on 12/9/2012
    Sorry sir, this is more of a rant than a comment. Please take our discuss for how our nation is operating to Washington, DC and not let the left wing socialist in DC deter your efforts. You are 110% right and it is ashamed that the American people that voted the idiot into office cannot see the direction he is taking our country. Everyone is AFRAID to say anything against our President and his Socialist regime for fear of being accused of being a racist. Anybody that raises that issue should without hesitation be told to shut up and sit down or provide evidence that the one speaking is a racist.. Want to cut spending, take care of our seniors, widows and veterans and cut all other benefits - period, at least until we recover from our nations debt which devalues our dollar in the world, and slowly phase back in some of the handout where seriously needed over time. Lazy healthy people have received so many different FREE handouts for decades that they feel it is their right to do nothing and let their government take care of them. They will even succumb to violence and rioting in order to keep the FREE stuff coming - a national disgrace. We are #7 in the world when we used to be #1 - another national disgrace. We can get back to being #1 IF leaders will make the right financial decisions when enacting laws and be man or woman enough to stand up to the world and not be a coward when confronting other nation leaders. Iran should have already been strategically bombed to reverse their nuclear program - talking to radicals is like trying to talk to a drunkard, nothing is rational or logical. The only thing a drunkard understands is nothing until it is too late and he wakes up incarcerated and realizes what a fool he has been. The governments of the world do not necessarily see us as weak (but many do), but mainly the citizens of the world see us as weak and that is why common citizens like Al-quida ban together to strike at us.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Richard Johns from Darien commented on 12/9/2012
    Implement the following: Eliminate Federal Pensions: Government employees can save with 401K plans just like the taxpayers who support them. Push Minimum Fedral Retirement age to 68: They can retire when the taxpayer retires. Eliminate "Cadillac" Health care for Federal Employees: They can pay for cosmetic surgery on their own. Implement Zero-based Budgeting: This will eliminate end of year waste. Implement Performance reviews for all Federall employees: Get a reasonable amount of performance, and get rid of the Federal Free Ride. Run the government more like a business: All of the above are the core minimum for that.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Kathleen Reeves from Lakeland commented on 12/9/2012
    Representative Kingston, All of the people I know with incomes over $250,000 have no problem with paying additional taxes, or closing some of those loopholes you talk about. If spending is to be cut, it should not be done on the backs of seniors, disabled, and the poor. If people are defrauding the system, that should, indeed, be corrected. People like myself have paid into the Social Security system our entire lives - I don't feel it is an "entitlement" program. FDR did a great job with his programs to employ people to repair our infrastructure. It got the country back on its feet. If you must cut spending, how about targeting things like your lifetime salary. When I stopped working, I had to live on Social Security. People like yourself who serve our country in Congress get their salary even after they leave that workplace. Is that fair?
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Brad from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    Stand firm, Jack, in a negotiation framework that reforms taxing and spending. Re frame the discussion to one that considers the limited role that the Fed and State governments play with in the Constitution.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Jerry Archer from Tybee Island commented on 12/9/2012
    I still feel none of you are committing to close all the loop holes and wasted spending...dig deeper, I 'm willing to hurt to turn this country around.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Dean Vanderbilt from Decatur commented on 12/9/2012
    I believe a truly balanced approach will be needed to include some tax increases and certainly spending reductions. Your approach is a good one. I am involved in the No Labels movement which will require a bipartisan approach based on facts not political positions. Please join us in supporting such an effort. Thank you for your thoughtful ideas.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    David Ellis from Stone Mountain commented on 12/9/2012
    Every Republican Senator should vote present and let the President and the Democrats get what they want. That way they will own the mess they are making and can't blame the Republicans.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Phil Fleming from Prattville Alabma commented on 12/9/2012
    There's No Bipartisanship Whatsoever. Forget Republicans Vs. Democrats. It's The "Haves" Vs The "Have NOTS" Politicians ARE NOT Elected By Voters. They Are Elected By Contributors and These Contributors Expect Something In Return. There is Always A Quid Pro Quo. I'm The Rank And File. I Don't Count. Americans Are Trapped in A System Which Brings Out The Worst In Them.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    dewey from douglas,ga. commented on 12/9/2012
    need the estate tax exemption to be reduced to 4million & 39% tax rate across bd on income & estates
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Helene from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    The GOP needs to stop publicly negotiating with itself. It also needs to start using the media more effectively; if the press will not publish GOP comments, the party needs to create paid ads on the Internet and during popular tv shows. The ads should state that (1) the GOP is NOT the party of the rich (2) increasing taxes will NOT help the middle class, but hurt it (3) increasing revenue without cutting government waste is a recipe for simply growing the government (4) include some examples of wasteful gov't spending the GOP is proposing to cut (5) note that Obama ONLY wants to discuss increasing gov't spending. For gosh sake, can't the GOP find a decent set of media advisors? Instead, the party is getting painted into a corner as "the bad guys" by a political party that has opposed any sort of budget for years, has class and racial warfare as its only platform, and is hellbent on dragging the USA into socialism.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Debbie from Atlanta commented on 12/9/2012
    Jack, You mentioned tax loopholes and you are correct...the wealthy will find ways to offset their increase. If Obama wants to be "fair to all", he needs to begin with revamping the IRS. Eliminating the loopholes would make the wealthy pay their fair share. Where is Herman when we need him?!?
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Ron from Adel commented on 12/9/2012
    Jack, trying to reason with this President reminds me of an old Alabama saying, "If you are in a piss fight with a skunk, you are going to lose." The general puplic(the 47%) could care less.. If they really cared they would have never reelected him. It is like the bald headed TV mouth piece of the Democracts said, " 80% of the Democratic is polilically ignorant.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    David from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    Hi Jack, I am hoping that you and all conservatives in Congress stand by your principles. If President Obama refuses to accept a balanced approach in the "negotiations", then let him and his cronies take the country over the so-called cliff and own the consequences. We will survive, but please do not give in to his arrogant bullying. David
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Charles from Jesup commented on 12/9/2012
    Jack, The House let Obama virtually gut the house with his czars and now he wants the purse strings. You are going to have to make a stand some time somewhere why not now? Let it go over the cliff. Necessity is the mother of invention, so if the necessity become great enough some one may go to work and do their jobs.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Sally from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    Not at all happy with the Speaker of the House. Stop giving in to the demands of the Obama White House. The President does not compromise ever. The House has the purse strings legally. We have 3 Equal Branches of Government. One Branch has no power over the other. Please stand your ground so that this President doesn't take a mile when he is only given an inch! Don't give in to him ...no matter what!
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    john from lake park commented on 12/9/2012
    the us economy will colapse under the currency bubble of the us dollar. the dollar has lost over 60% since obama took office and current hidden inflation is about 5% per month. lack of access to capital and the inflation will reck havock in the next 2 years. the cliff is just a distraction! tax increase 50 % of the us working population pay no taxes but the Republicans let the media co-op oboma story line as well as the media and thereby paint a unrealistic picture.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    William from St Marys GA commented on 12/9/2012
    The President claims that he has a mandate to tax the so-called rich higher. Well in my thinking he calls those with incomes over $250,000 the so-called rich. $250,000 is a good income but far from being rich. To live comfortably it takes that amount to do so. It appears that he is determined to accomplish this and has no intention of doing any negotiating on it. Well he did have the good fortune of being reelected to the office of President but to me he does not have a mandate to "Be my way or the highway". There were many who voted to oppose his reelection and if he is to be the President of all of the citizens of these United States he should at least consider the wishes of those who opposed him in the election and do some barganing on ways to cut spending and raising taxes on anyone. Rep. Ryan's list of cuts in spending was a very good list and should be considered. We need to cut back on spending and stop borrowing money from foreign countries to pay for things that can be cut off or at least reduced. Also stop giving money to countries that hate our guts. This administration has really insulted and thrown our good friends the Israelies under the bus. They are really the only true friends we have the the near East. Please keep on supporting the right to own firearms. This has been a privilege from the very beginning of our country. We don't want to arm ourselves with bazookas and high tec arms just small guns and rifles for personal protection. Keep on doing a great job and keeping us informed.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Mary from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    I am resigned to the fact that "the rich" will be the scapegoats for years of overspending and the vast majority of Americans will applaud. How sad that this country has come to disdain those among us who have achieved monetary success. Even accepting this as inevitable as more and more Republican congressmen begin to abandon their supposed convictions, how can they possibly believe that giving in to the president and the Democrats now will allow them to get spending concessions next year? Are you kidding me? The Dems have no intention of meaningful spending cuts either next year or anytime thereafter. The Republicans absolutely must make any concessions on tax revenue increases contingent on spending cuts now. If the Republicans fall for empty promises of future compromise, they can count me as a former supporter.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Jackie Rice from Savannah, GA commented on 12/9/2012
    I am so mad with all of this, the fact that our country has been put in this mess. I respect that making a decision on how to fix this is difficult but something needs to be done soon. I agree with some of the comments stated above in letting the President have his way so he and the Democrats will own it when it does not work but, as an employee of a small business and that small business being a medical office I fear the outcome of the Presidents plan, but he should not have put our country in this mess.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Kirk from Black Creek commented on 12/9/2012
    The "fiscal cliff" has been created by congress past and present. Congress of which you are an elected member has both a duty and obligation to the people of America to solve the problems it has created. The founding fathers did not anticipate this government would take the turns it has taken. Taxation was the very cause of the American Revolution. The authority to take from one to give to another breeds cronyism. Where in the constitution is it written that the Federal Government will direct and control all of our business and personal lives? As Jefferson simply said during his life, "I think we have more government than we need." Obama was re-elected because he offered the poor and illegal aliens free entitlements. The entitlement programs have grown to more than we need or can afford as a country, yet the largest health care bill was passed into law. With every layer there is more administration, and administration has costs as added expense either through taxation or consultants. The most qualified man to replace the president in my opinion did not do so because the poor and the illegals felt his election would mean trouble for them and their entitlements. Running a business requires some tough and unpopular decisions be made, but no business including the United States Government can survive indefinitely through deficit spending. Make the tough decisions required and cut spending dramatically. The largest expense on the fedreal ledger is entitlements. Why have they grown so large? It may be because it buys votes. American workers need to be allowed to compete fairly in global manufacturing. We make dismal vehicles in fuel efficiency. Peugeot made 10 cars averaging over 64 MPG running on diesel. I tried to buy one only to be told they do not meet the US pollution and safety regulations, so I drive one with less than one third of that mileage. Think of the implications that decision has caused in lost employment and increases in the trade deficit for oil. Our tax system is unbearablely complicated. It takes a CPA just to make a filing. Why must it be that way? Surely a simpler system could achieve the same goals. It will take some unpopular decisions but our government must be put into order with a balanced budget. Lead, follow, or get out of the way.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    billy from valdosta commented on 12/9/2012
    cut some spending Mr. Kingston. How about that $1,000,000 pool at moody AFB or that $250,000 bridge for a walking trail at grassy pond.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Wayne Rhodes from Brunswick commented on 12/9/2012
    About the Fiscal Cliff, the Solution to your problem is easy, just satisfy everyone. There are three major parts for your Proposal. First is that you can ask for a 25% Tax on the (Rich that makes $250,00 and up). Second is that there will not be any Tax Dedutions on the (Rich), except for the basics to run a business. Third is a game changer to say that anyone earning over $250,000 and up will have to have a Govt. Credit Card. In this Credit Card it will be preloaded with another 25% of the Rich's net profit. Then the Rich will have to buy products and services within 60 days or the unspent money will go to the Fed. Govt. This Credit Card will be reloaded every Tax Quarter (3 months). The Credit Card will not be used for getting money, giving raises, bonuses, gifts, charity and etc. This is like giving a carrot to the Democrates which would love to have another Continuous Stimulus Package for the Country,which this is, about another $500 Billion every year. The are made to spend money on themselves to grow richer and help America grow richer. Everyone wants this and taxes will not go up, but down. The Rich stays Rich, only paying 25% Fed. Taxes and everyone is happy. I hope you understand what I am saying? Rich people need to spend the money and not sit on it, money needs to circulate to the poor and back to the rich. Either spend the money and help America or you will get Taxed by the Fed. Govt. Be an American and HELP.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Slightly Rusted from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    With a gun to our collective heads put there by the president of the "Great" United States of America, and that is the heads of the taxpayers, we have nothing left to do but try to make life as miserable as we can. I do not have the position to vote in congress, nor do I feel that anyone in congress truly cares what happens as long as the they get their outrageous salary and benefits and the hell with the rest of us. Do what ever you want, you certainly are not interested in what I have to say
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Harold from Blackshear, Ga. commented on 12/9/2012
    Don't cave in on this budget proposal. Let the economy go over this "cliff" and force the public to realize the stupidity of those that are in Charge of this County's Spending Programs.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    edward from stockbridge commented on 12/9/2012
    this cliff will never happen the more important matter is you are letting a muslin man run this country without doing anything about his birth certificate what is going on ? are you being silenced by the mogan peirpoint carneige rothchilds we all know they control monetary policy and are running this country along with certain global leaders to turn this country over i demand as well as the people and the petitioners of succession be given the utmost attention i personally never in my life time thought that this country would come to this however as i watch and see that none of you care about the people's will the more i am for this petition now we talking about invading iran and we know about the drones over the usa and they are not paying a licencing fee in public air space and they are in the foul of our privacy as they test their 10 camera multi angle surveillance of the public shame on the congress and the military industrial complex i pray the good HEAVENLY FATHER YAHAVA will forgive all of you for your neglect of our HEAVENLY FATHER'S inspired constitution
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Bob from Savannah commented on 12/9/2012
    Aside from the primary budget problems that seem widely discussed, not much has been said with regard to foreign aide reductions, or preferably eliminations. We are broke, living on borrowed monney, only to give it away. Now Sir, I call that absolute insanity and poor leadership. End all foreign aid until we are solvent. That would save billions up front.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Shery Hancock from Lake Park commented on 12/9/2012
    I feel that Obama is playing the chicken game with the republicans. We should demand spending curs be passed FIRST before any talk of tax hikes on ANY bracket be considered. He has not had a serious proposal in 4 years. He has carried on with the 2009 budget and the 800 Billion stimulus every year since. The democrats do not want a change, really. They want to say the republicans are refusing to budge, but it is the republicans who HAVE passed budgets int he House, only to be shot down in the Senate. The republicans MUST let the public understand the game the democrats play every year. They don't want a new budget, because it would necessarily be less than what they are spending now.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Greg from Midway commented on 12/9/2012
    We do have a spending problem more than a lack of revenue. The Democrats are crystal clear that they want tax increases for the highest earning 2 percent of Americans. That can only slow the economy and won’t put much of a dent in our federal budget deficit. The Republicans are receptive to some revenue enhancements, but only by discontinuing tax loopholes for the wealthy. That wouldn’t do much good, either. There absolutely must be significant spending cuts and many of them for any real progress to be made. Both sides have been taunting each other in recent days to be specific about the spending cuts they want included in the package. And both sides refuse to name any. Why? Because they’re afraid of us, we the people. Politicians read the polls, it’s no secret that Social Security and Medicare are two very prevalent programs, and the elected official who dares to suggest cuts to these benefits will be committing political suicide. It’s the math that tells us there’s not a lot that can be done about the deficit without some adjustments to these programs. In fiscal 2011, Medicare and Medicaid combined to contain about 21 percent of the federal budget. Social Security accounted for another 20 percent. Defense, the most fundamental and necessary part of the budget, included another 20 percent. How do you balance an extremely overstressed budget when approximately 60 percent is considered off limits? It seems like the real problem is that the American people have not been advised of all the facts to clearly realize the significant seriousness Government spending is so out of control and has been for decades, constantly running up the tab, and now the bill is overdue. Congress works for us, folks, the federal debt is our debt. It can’t be ignored any longer. Perhaps we should go over the fiscal cliff to shock us into reality. Maybe a tax increase and intransigent spending cuts, coupled with a new recession, will oblige us to stop pointing fingers and identify ourselves as the root cause of this problem. Then maybe we’ll call our elected officials in Washington, D.C., tell them to make the tough decisions necessary to deal with our debt, and that we’re willing to suck it up to make the sacrifices necessary to get our nation out of this mess.
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    ed from stockbridge commented on 12/9/2012
    relax people there is no cliff it's all brought to our attention courtesy of the democratic and republican parties it's a distraction from the real issuses this country is run by the morgan's peirpoint's rothchilds carneige's and about 1/2 dozen other names who own this countries largest business and the 5 major banks that committed mortgage fraud and nothing of substances was done to them to effect their bottom line like this economy has effect all of us i have been out of work 1 year this coming jan 2013 and have not been able to replace that 60,000 a year job it's just not there and i will be 59 the 16th of this month also the fed res in which is a privet banking entity and not a fed entity there is so much more that goes into this i hope and wish all or some of you would put together a meeting of the minds so that we could file our constitutional grievances with our congressman and senators i convinced that all was done by design since 1912 they knew they could not do it overnight however it has happened and the fore mention names of families descendants are the benificaries
  • 12/09/12 08/31/10 False
    Amy from St. Marys commented on 12/9/2012
    Raise taxes on the wealthy, institute the "Robin Hood Tax" on Wall Street. Bring back Glass-Steagall, and lift the cap on Social Security contributions so that millionaires pay the same percentage the rest of us do. We need a robust middle class; the tax revenue from corporations and the wealthy is at close to an all-time low -- hence, our problems just get worse and worse. If we were a family around the dinner table, with budgetary woes, we would look to increase revenue, not stop buying the groceries. Bernie Sanders is my hero, and always speaks for the common man -- he has a great Youtube channel, if anyone cares to watch. There are two types of Republicans the last thirty years; millionaires and suckers...
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Patricia from Jessee commented on 12/10/2012
    Please, do not give in to his terrible devastating plan. My insurance just went up by 13%, and I do not need a tax increase.
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Jerry Welsh from Savannah commented on 12/10/2012
    Everyone I know lives within a budget. Stand firm, do not give another inch, continue the talks and lets see just how much this president will blame those that want a balanced budget, the right to work and free enterprise. May God bless you and all of America for we will never overcome this without him.
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Ronnie from Valdosta commented on 12/10/2012
    Why not bring up the Fair Tax Legislation that is already out there that could potentially take care of all of this bickering? Everyone would pay their fair share including those that receive untaxed or under the table income. You are a sponsor, why not dust HR 25 off and do something with it?
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    David from Valdosta commented on 12/10/2012
    Vote present? Are you kidding me? Let the Dems do what they want? This is crazy. No matter what happens the press is going to blame the GOP so fight like hell against Socialism, never give in. The GOP could not even be in Congress and the press would blame them for Obama's failures.
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    JEAN from ST SIMONS ISLAND commented on 12/10/2012
    Ron Paul KNOWS whereby He speaks! " Let those who have ears, hear...."! Keep up the "Good Work", Jack! Stand firm on what you know to be TRUE! Merry Christmas!
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Angela from St. Marys commented on 12/10/2012
    Thanks for the information Jack! There are several places to trim down government spending without putting more pressure on small business. These people won't just let employees go to stay a float as they have already done that. They will close down and many will be forced into bankruptcy.
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Todd from Black Creek commented on 12/10/2012
    Jack you have to find common ground with the Dems. so things can go forward.Obama is just one man we the people put you all up there because we think you can make things happen. I have worked my butt off since I was 16 and now at 45 years old I look around and see the Govt handing out houses,food,money and now cell phones.CUTS are real easy,first stop giving and make people work, by this I don't mean give them a govt job which the tax payers have to pay for. If they get govt housing,food ,moneyor cell phones they can pick up trash or something to pay back what they get. Some might say that this is too hard on the less fortunate but so is the fact that they are the ones having more kids because the more they have the more they get from the govt.If they cant feed themselves then limit them to the number of children they can have,starting now.The nonpaying tax population is growing faster than the tax paying population it is not hard to figure out what needs to be done,so what if some people get mad the rest of us are tired of carrying them.
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    bri from Camden commented on 12/10/2012
    Does it really matter if we go over this hypothetical fiscal cliff, everything thats being "done" isnt helping anyone its only drawing the divide of this country more and more. Seeing as the military is being cut but the president is building his own task force, which I'm sure they arnt working at the same rate as our military, i can garuntee that they are GS- god knows what and gettting paid more than i am , yet i havnt been home for christmas in 6 years due to saving his lets say career shall we. this whole thing is stupid, lets go back to our original colonies and start this country all over again. because from what i can tell hitting the reset button sounds like the only idea thats going to work. i have to hit the reset button on my life with nightmares and medication and a cane at the ripe age of the 28 thanks for everything you have done for me (joking)
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Betty from Savannah commented on 12/10/2012
    We need to cut spending and not spend any more stimulus money that we don't have. The ceiling on F.I.C.A tax could be raised, get rid of the Zars, close tax loopholes and either stop or reduce money that we send to other nations who don't like us.
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Joe from Valdosta commented on 12/10/2012
    I feel there must be compromise and we need statesmen who will put the needs of the country above party loyalty and special interest. I am not opposed to raising taxes on the wealthy Americans who have a team of lawyers that keep them from paying their fair share. I offer a compromise to you instead of $250,000 make it $350,000. I don't agree with the word entitlement to social security. Worker pay in for 40 or 50 years and we paid for medicare, so how is that an entitlement. We earned that money. I do think we need to raise the ceiling on the maximum salary where social security is paid. Or eliminate it altogether. That would increase revenue with out harming the benefits of retirees. I live on Social Security and I can't make it on that small income. In the 1960s there was little talk about retirement we counted on social security. Faulty thinking yes but we knew of no other way. Listen and compromise and get us off this cliff.
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Jack from Savannah commented on 12/10/2012
    Not as concerned about going over the "Cliff" (I hate that term) as setting in motion plans for significant debt reduction in the near term. Stand firm on reining in the cost of entitlements!
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Chip from Saint Simons Island, GA commented on 12/10/2012
    The House of Representatives should pass a plan containing spending cuts and revenue sources (closed tax loopholes, elimination or phase-outs of selected tax deductions, increased tax rates (that's right), Medicare and S.S. reductions, military spending reductions, nothing being sacred), or just go with Simpson-Bowles. Send it to the Senate, where it will be DOA. Then, let the Dem's take us over the cliff. I'm ready.
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Ann Holtzclaw from Savannah commented on 12/10/2012
    Where were all you people (non-spenders) when Reagan was president and TRIPLED the deficit and raised taxes ELEVEN TIMES? QUOTE, Dick Cheney, "Deficits Don't matter." Where were you when GW Bush DOUBLED the deficit with TWO wars and a multi-BILLION dollar prescription give away to Drug Companies for Medicare prescription coverage,NOT paid for? The TAX CUTS given by the Bush Administration and now about to expire coupled with the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression have driven this country into the worst debt since that depression. TOP Tax rates during Eisenhower (r) were 90%! Look at the facts. There have been 15 recessions since the GD, ELEVEN were during republican administrations. FOUR were during democratic administrations. Do the math. Which party is better for the economy?
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Jeanne from Savannah commented on 12/10/2012
    So much has been said already that I am going to ask you to listen to voices of reason, Like Charles from St. Simons, Daniel Koch from St. Mary's. Bernie from Valdosta, Richard Johns from Darien Kathleen Reeves from Lakeland and Dean Vanderbilt from Decatur. Please do not listen to the radicals that want us to go over that fiscal cliff. That would be devastating and is not necessary to reduce the deficit. Compromise from both sides is in order. And congress should lead by example - no raises in pay until the debt is under control, health care premiums and benefits that are more in line with average Americans, contribute to social Security and your own 401K and IRA instead of salary for life. And abide by the reasonable demands of NoLabels.org.
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Christie RIopelle from Fort Stewart commented on 12/10/2012
    The last time Boehner was caught in a tight spot he essentially kicked the can down the road, with the supercomittee idea and this time he has purged fiscal conservatives from his comittee, alienating the Tea Party and common sense conservatives, wth? Raising taxes without spending cuts will do nothing and either way your party is blamed for the problems. Anything you send to the Sentate will be shot down too. The ideas you guys have proposed are good ones, just look at Rand Paul, but you guys cant save this Titanic, let her go down.
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Beth Durst from Ludowici commented on 12/10/2012
    Somewhere among our elected officials in Washington there have to be enough who are as sick of the nonsense going on and take a stand to represent the people who have sent them there in the first place. I find it extremely hard to believe that there are that many stupid people in the United States that really think our elected offficials are truly representing their constituents! If every Senator and Congress person would vote on issues according to how and what their constituents want, there would be a halt put to this "let the fur fly with the hide" careless spending.
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Jeri from Byron commented on 12/10/2012
    When Pres. Geo W Bush entered office the first 4 years he ran up a $5 Trillion debt. When he left office in 2008, he left an $11 Trillion debt. Pres. Obama's first term added another $5 Trillion to total $16 Trillion debt. Rather than blame Presidents, Congress needs to fix the budget by raising $1.25 Trillion in revenue per year. Two unpaid wars plus the mortgage foreclosure bubble along with Congress not penalizing manufacturing for leaving the U.S. and creating high unemployment have caused the $16 Trillion debt. Therefore rather than decrease earned benefits, I suggest that Congress issue 10 year Infrastructure bonds and put people back to work. Additionally anyone disabled that smokes or has evidence of drug use should not be allowed to collect disability payments. Manufacturers that have left the country should be levied a manufacturing tax that will be decreased over a period of 10 years as they relocate 5 percent of their business back into the country per year until they reach 50 percent based int the United States. The country needs JOBS. Raise the taxation dollar limit on Social Security not the age limit. Merge the Affordable Care Act to become Medicare Advantage plans at age 65 and eliminate Original Medicare for those who are now under 50 years of age. In short, get this unemployment monkey off the backs of America by creating JOBS and an Affordable Education Act. There are so many ways to get back on track rather than each party blame the other.
  • 12/10/12 08/31/10 False
    Marion from Savannah commented on 12/10/2012
    Jack, how much are you willing to give up?? Would you give up your lifetime salary?? You promised not to be a lifetime politician; do you remember?? Would you be willing to cut your salary by half of what you currently receive?? I’m sick of the haggling that both the dems and reps do in the name of “the people”. Why do our leaders in Washington always expect “the people” to keep giving, and giving?? The social security, military retirement, private employment retirement, and Medicare I receive from my husband are not ENTITLEMENTS!!!! My 35 year old daughter is developmentally disabled and is on a state waiver. Her health care is covered by Georgia Medicaid; this is not an ENTITLEMENT. My husband paid into each of these for many years; they are BENEFITS!! The ENTITLEMENTS that are handed out go to the 60% of youth that voted for Obama. The dems have trained them well; these ENTITLEMENTS are generational. Are you willing to rain in ENTITLEMENTS to these folks?? If not, don’t ask “the people” to pay any more of our hard earned money to fix Washington’s mess. It’s time to get down to ‘BRASS TACKS’ in Washington!
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