A “People’s Tax Cut”
Not only is this a populist idea that could bring the Democrats back to life — it’s already a soundbite. For a party that’s long on ideas and short on ways to communicate those same ideas to John Q. Public, this could be a Godsend.
The People’s Tax Cut would mean making the Bush tax cuts permanent for everybody EXCEPT the richest three percent of the population.
This article — based on a column by Robert Reich — says:
“Letting the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthiest 3 percent of Americans expire should be a political no-brainer for Democrats. But Republicans, once again, have proved more adept at framing tax policy. Democrats should beat them at their own game by proposing a ‘People's Tax Cut’ and then let Republicans explain why they’re against it.”
Here’s a link to the Robert Reich column.
In addition to keeping the Bush tax cuts for the bottom 97%, Reich also proposes abolishing payroll taxes on the first $20,000 of a person’s income, AND applying the payroll tax to incomes over $250,000.
I think it’s great. The plan itself is excellent, and it gives the Democrats a few powerful slogans that reach right out, grab the listener by the collar and scream “Listen!”
What say you?
Labels: payroll taxes, people’s tax cut, Robert Reich
posted by Tom Harper @ 4:44 PM
17 Comments:
I totally agree, it is a great idea. But they need to hurry up and start pushing the idea.
Unfortunately Republicans are the master of the simple phrase spin, All they have to do is call it a Tax hike and throw in a few "Tax and Spend!" accusations and people will fall in line.
In my experience anytime you have to diagram something like financial figures - you lose people and leave them gullible for a phrase like "Tax Hike!"
The Republicans know it too, that's why they have a good chance of getting the public on there side.
In the end only the few enlightened contributors to this blog who read it will know the real truth
Erik
Why yes I'm cynical why do you ask?
I agree with the idea and also with the thought, the reps will turn it into the "death tax" ad nauseum. They are already saying regulations on banks are a bank bailout. I have to say when they get a message they stick to it. We dems are crap at messaging because we think the people are smarter than they are. It's sad really but it gets back to the whole dumbing down discussions that many bloggers talk about.
The Part of NO, must be abolished. How I haven't a clue.lol
You know this Robert Reich is a brilliant dude. The way he's attacked by the thugs, he must be a threat to them, which makes me like him all the more.
Well why not really screw with their thinking and call this "Tax Enhancements for the 97%". If we keep changing the nominclature often enough they'll be so confused they'll get behind what needs to be done.
The Democrats back to life?
I'm afraid I'm going to have to report you to your local DEA agent. Someone's gotten into the wacky tobaccy.
Please NOTE: I won't be having any computer access for the next day and a half or so. I hope you'll keep commenting; I just won't be able to publish them until late tomorrow.
We'll be here when you get back.
Reich has advanced these measures before, but the appealing name for them is new. He's absolutely right, as usual.
Obama and Dems in Congress had better do something fast, because their half measures to turn the economy around aren't working.
Just watching and listening to Democrats this year, it's almost as if they've forgotten more than they ever knew about getting the upper hand politically and then using it to their advantage.
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It’s doing well.
He says Prophets are going through the roof
"People's Tax Cut"?? Sounds vaguely communistic to me. I like it.
It's a brilliant idea and the administration should run with it. I have to agree, though, that "the People's..." sounds red. Well, pinkish.
S.W. that's hard to do when the media is controled by republicans. Ever notice that when a republican sneezes it gets national headlines but Dems working on major legislation gets nothing unless it's some republican talking point saying how it will fail.
Demeur, I can't argue with what you say. I think we're both making a valid point.
That top 3% of earners gives more to congressional campaigns than the bottom 97%, so guess who'll come out smelling like roses?
If the Dems just call it "Tax Breaks For YOU" or "Tax Cuts For YOU" (and when the 3% who won't get a tax cut bellyache about it, call them on it publicly and in a major way...) would that work?
"Staying on message" is indeed an area where the GOP has us lefties aced. We need better leadership if we're going to beat these suckers.
I just read something very similar at Jerry Critter's blog, and I love the idea. Count me in!
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