billvon 3,132 #1 December 5, 2012 Republicans are showing signs of being willing to compromise, effectively "going around" Boehner's hard line. Good for them for being willing to buck their party and work on the problem in a bipartisan fashion. I hope this continues, and that the democrats can compromise as well. ================= REPORT: Several Republican 'Defectors' Sign Letter Endorsing Compromise On The Fiscal Cliff Dec. 5, 2012, 12:46 PM Bloomberg's Heidi Przybyla is reporting that a group of about 40 Republican "defectors" have joined Democrats in calling for a compromise deal to avoid the fiscal cliff. According to Bloomberg, the Republicans joined about 40 Democrats in signing a letter that calls for putting "all options" — including increasing tax rates and cutting entitlement programs — on the table. One of the petition leaders, Representative Mike Simpson of Idaho, says he could accept higher rates for married couples earning more than $500,000 a year, in exchange for an overhaul of spending on entitlements such as Medicare. Separately, Representative Kay Granger of Texas is endorsing Oklahoma Republican Tom Cole’s call to extend all tax cuts for middle-class earners as “just the right thing to do.” . . . For Republicans, the letter represents a significant break from the GOP House leadership's position that any revenue increases will have to come from eliminating tax deductions and loopholes, not increasing marginal tax rates. Even that position has met resistance from more conservative Republicans, who don't want any new revenue included in a deal. Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-OH) told Bloomberg that Boehner could get 218 votes needed to pass a tax increase on the wealthy if about 120 House Democrats agree to entitlement cuts, such as raising the eligibility age for Medicare. The Dow jumped 130 points when reports of the defections surfaced. ===================== http://www.businessinsider.com/gop-defectors-sign-letter-on-compromising-on-the-fiscal-cliff-2012-12 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #2 December 5, 2012 Quote could accept higher rates ....., in exchange for an overhaul of spending on entitlements...... kudos indeed now, let's see if the hard liners on the other side can take a step too ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #3 December 5, 2012 Quotenow, let's see if the hard liners on the other side can take a step too That'll happen at about the same point as the hardliners on the Republican side take a step too.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #4 December 5, 2012 Indeed. Breaking from positions to get something done? of course, I STILL think that eliminating loopholes is a far more effective way of doing it. But that means standing up to the special interests who had the loopholes placed there. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakee 1,610 #5 December 5, 2012 QuoteQuote could accept higher rates ....., in exchange for an overhaul of spending on entitlements...... kudos indeed now, let's see if the hard liners on the other side can take a step too According to Bloomberg, the Republicans joined about 40 Democrats in signing a letter that calls for putting "all options" — including increasing tax rates and cutting entitlement programs — on the table. 40 GOPs and 40 Dems. Which is the 'other' side?Do you want to have an ideagasm? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #6 December 5, 2012 Quote40 GOPs and 40 Dems. Which is the 'other' side? By my math, about 355 other members of the House. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #7 December 6, 2012 QuoteQuotenow, let's see if the hard liners on the other side can take a step too That'll happen at about the same point as the hardliners on the Republican side take a step too. actually good point - I meant to indicate Dems of an analogous bent on the topic of spending reform (particularly entitlements). Billvon answered that well. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #8 December 6, 2012 Quote Quote 40 GOPs and 40 Dems. Which is the 'other' side? By my math, about 355 other members of the House. Yup - one good point, we start to be able to sort out politicians that can work together from the partisan nutbags. Worst case, we get to know who to toss out in 2 years. (i.e., the "hard liners" from both teams) If we're lucky - maybe the Senate member will also show their true colors in the issue too ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
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