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Scuba

(53,475 posts)
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 09:27 AM Mar 2013

"Make me do it." President Obama wants you to demand the Progressive Caucus Budget

FDR and Barack have both asked us to demand the policies we want. Well, let's get started ...

This is a White House petition to "consider and promote the Progressive Caucus Budget".

http://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/please-consider-and-promote-progressive-caucus-budget-plan-we-feel-it-most-equitable/10078lWf


If ever there was an issue the White House should be promoting, this is it.


Here's the 2013 Progressive Caucus Budget release from Reps. Keith Ellison and Raúl M. Grijalva ...


http://www.washingtonpost.com/r/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/02/05/Editorial-Opinion/Graphics/Balancing%20Act%20-%20Executive%20Summary.pdf


more coverage ...

Poll: The Most Popular Plan To Avert Looming Budget Cuts Is The Progressive Caucus’

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/02/27/1647221/progressive-sequester-plan-most-popular/

There are several plans floating around to replace the so-called “sequester” spending cuts scheduled to kick in on Friday. Senate Democrats and the Congressional Progressive Caucus have both released their own plans, while House Republicans have not released a new plan, but point to one passed in the last Congress.

According to a new poll commissioned by the Business Insider, the Progressive Caucus’ plan is the most popular of the three:

– Surprisingly, the plan that polled the strongest was the House Progressive Caucus plan. More than half of respondents supported it compared to sequestration and just a fifth of respondents were opposed.

– A plurality of people — 28 percent — believed the House Progressive Caucus Plan would have the least financial impact on them personally. This makes the most sense, as only 14 percent of respondents reported having income over $150,000.


The deficit busting Progressive Caucus People's Budget

http://cpc.grijalva.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=70

Budget of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Fiscal Year 2012

The People’s Budget eliminates the deficit in 10 years, puts Americans back to work and restores our economic competitiveness. The People’s Budget recognizes that in order to compete, our nation needs every American to be productive, and in order to be productive we need to raise our skills to meet modern needs.

Our Budget Eliminates the Deficit and Raises a $31 Billion Surplus In Ten Years
Our budget protects Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and responsibly eliminates the deficit by targeting its main drivers: the Bush Tax Cuts, the wars overseas, and the causes and effects of the recent recession.

Our Budget Puts America Back to Work & Restores America’s Competitiveness
• Trains teachers and restores schools; rebuilds roads and bridges and ensures that users help pay for them
• Invests in job creation, clean energy and broadband infrastructure, housing and R&D programs

Our Budget Creates a Fairer Tax System
• Ends the recently passed upper-income tax cuts and lets Bush-era tax cuts expire at the end of 2012
• Extends tax credits for the middle class, families, and students
• Creates new tax brackets that range from 45% starting at $1 million to 49% for $1 billion or more
• Implements a progressive estate tax
• Eliminates corporate welfare for oil, gas, and coal companies; closes loopholes for multinational corporations
• Enacts a financial crisis responsibility fee and a financial speculation tax on derivatives and foreign exchange

Our Budget Protects Health
• Enacts a health care public option and negotiates prescription payments with pharmaceutical companies
• Prevents any cuts to Medicare physician payments for a decade

Our Budget Safeguards Social Security for the Next 75 Years
• Eliminates the individual Social Security payroll cap to make sure upper income earners pay their fair share
• Increases benefits based on higher contributions on the employee side

Our Budget Brings Our Troops Home
• Responsibly ends our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to leave America more secure both home and abroad
• Cuts defense spending by reducing conventional forces, procurement, and costly R&D programs

Our Budget’s Bottom Line
• Deficit reduction of $5.6 trillion
• Spending cuts of $1.7 trillion
• Revenue increase of $3.9 trillion
• Public investment $1.7 trillion
58 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
"Make me do it." President Obama wants you to demand the Progressive Caucus Budget (Original Post) Scuba Mar 2013 OP
du rec. nt xchrom Mar 2013 #1
You heard the man Cirque du So-What Mar 2013 #2
You know, I'm getting awfully damn tired of this charade. MadHound Mar 2013 #3
They are playing Good Politician/ Bad Politician and right now rhett o rick Mar 2013 #4
But in truth just like the good cop bad cop game A Simple Game Mar 2013 #19
I feel exactly the same.. whathehell Mar 2013 #7
I'm sick of it, too. On reading the OP, I thought, "What a bunch of crap!"... truth2power Mar 2013 #12
Exactly. AnotherMcIntosh Mar 2013 #28
+1 LWolf Mar 2013 #32
Its OUR fault when Tinkerbell dies. bvar22 Mar 2013 #42
What you said. And I signed it. eom Flying Squirrel Mar 2013 #44
I am too Skittles Mar 2013 #50
And me. magellan Mar 2013 #52
+1000000 nt woo me with science Mar 2013 #56
I like the 'Progressive Caucus People's Budget'... or the 'People's Budget'... nenagh Mar 2013 #5
kick! CrispyQ Mar 2013 #6
Was this already rejected by the HOR by a fairly large majority? rhett o rick Mar 2013 #8
I don't believe it's ever been brought to a vote. (and I was wrong) Scuba Mar 2013 #9
I must have gotten confused, which can happen rhett o rick Mar 2013 #13
"The Progressive Caucus budget was also rejected 84-327, rhett o rick Mar 2013 #20
Thanks for the gentle correction. Scuba Mar 2013 #22
No problem. I am usually on the wrong end of these things. rhett o rick Mar 2013 #26
What do we want? Pragmatic moderate centrism. Fumesucker Mar 2013 #10
Let's just call it denial. nm rhett o rick Mar 2013 #15
k&r Starry Messenger Mar 2013 #11
it should read: make THEM do it bigtree Mar 2013 #14
Isnt it too late? rhett o rick Mar 2013 #24
the politics haven't favored the Progressive Caucus budget from the start bigtree Mar 2013 #30
And I think all four timdog44 Mar 2013 #37
Even Ted Cruz voted against the Ryan Budget. Indyfan53 Mar 2013 #39
Yes I understand. So we have a HOR passed bill and a Senate passed bill. rhett o rick Mar 2013 #41
I thought this was what elections are for. Silly me. BlueStreak Mar 2013 #16
There are elections, and ProSense Mar 2013 #17
re:"Make me do it." President Obama wants you to demand the Progressive Caucus Budget allan01 Mar 2013 #18
I wish I could make them do it, K&R. xtraxritical Mar 2013 #21
So what does he want us to do that we have not already done? Does he want us on the steps of the WH jwirr Mar 2013 #23
Well, you could sign the White House petition! Scuba Mar 2013 #27
That I do when I see them. jwirr Mar 2013 #29
Thank you. Scuba Mar 2013 #33
Absolutely, let's give him something to negotiate with.. HereSince1628 Mar 2013 #25
Sign it, pass it around. redqueen Mar 2013 #31
done...... dhill926 Mar 2013 #34
For some odd reason, you have to have a password??? JDPriestly Mar 2013 #35
Yes, the White House official petitions require a login. You're surprised? Scuba Mar 2013 #36
672 signatures is a miserable response, it tells the White House there is little to no interest 1-Old-Man Mar 2013 #38
And it gets me on the official White House mailing list! xtraxritical Mar 2013 #57
Signed it! Indyfan53 Mar 2013 #40
REC!! Demo_Chris Mar 2013 #43
Kick! I signed this a while ago. Rec! Babel_17 Mar 2013 #45
Thank you. Any distribution is appreciated. Scuba Mar 2013 #46
"We need signatures" "Care to sign?" Babel_17 Mar 2013 #47
K fadedrose Mar 2013 #48
Ok sign the petitiion. But call and write REAL LETTERS. loudsue Mar 2013 #49
Two-thirds of Americans favor it, including most Repubs MannyGoldstein Mar 2013 #51
Done. pacalo Mar 2013 #53
I put my name on it. Blanks Mar 2013 #54
Signing the petition is an easy thing to do, and I recommend it. MineralMan Mar 2013 #55
With all due respect. 99Forever Mar 2013 #58

Cirque du So-What

(25,934 posts)
2. You heard the man
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 09:36 AM
Mar 2013

but don't stop at signing the WH petition. Get on the phone and call your congresscritter - repug or not - and let them know you support this budget.

 

MadHound

(34,179 posts)
3. You know, I'm getting awfully damn tired of this charade.
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 09:55 AM
Mar 2013

Obama has told us to "make him do it", time and again, and while there is a massive response, he, and Congress, go ahead and do whatever the fuck their corporate masters tell them to do, not us. I'm tired of this charade.

Does this mean that I won't sign the petition, or write my Congress folks, no, it is already done. But I have done so knowing full well that no matter how many people respond, Obama and Congress aren't going to pay attention. This is all done for show and PR, and CYA. This way, Obama can say, "Hey, the people didn't make me, so it's not my fault."

It's all a goddamn dog and pony show.

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
4. They are playing Good Politician/ Bad Politician and right now
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 09:58 AM
Mar 2013

we are to feel grateful we dont have the Bad Politician.

A Simple Game

(9,214 posts)
19. But in truth just like the good cop bad cop game
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:46 AM
Mar 2013

there is no difference between the good politician and the bad politician.

They are on the same team.

truth2power

(8,219 posts)
12. I'm sick of it, too. On reading the OP, I thought, "What a bunch of crap!"...
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:19 AM
Mar 2013

Every time I read that phrase, "Make me do it", I think about getting hired for a job, and whenever the boss gives me a task to do, I say, 'Make me do it'. What juvenile claptrap!

Dog and pony show, indeed.



bvar22

(39,909 posts)
42. Its OUR fault when Tinkerbell dies.
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 01:22 PM
Mar 2013

It is OUR fault because WE didn't clap loud enough.


This is WORSE than a "Dog & Pony Show".
At a Dog & Pony Show, at least there is some entertainment value,
and you don't get blamed when the Pony dies.



You will know them by their WORKS,
not by their rhetoric, promises, or excuses.
[font size=5 color=green]Solidarity99![/font][font size=2 color=green]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------[/center]

Skittles

(153,160 posts)
50. I am too
Sun Mar 24, 2013, 01:28 AM
Mar 2013

demainding us to tell him to do his job? THAT'S WHY WE VOTED FOR HIM. It's like he's telling us he is center-right but if we scream loud enough perhaps he will CONSIDER tossing us a bone.

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
8. Was this already rejected by the HOR by a fairly large majority?
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:10 AM
Mar 2013

I have already written my freshman Congress-critter and chastised him for voting side by side with the repukes.

Help me out here. I looked but couldnt find the thread.



 

Scuba

(53,475 posts)
9. I don't believe it's ever been brought to a vote. (and I was wrong)
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:12 AM
Mar 2013

Last edited Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:53 AM - Edit history (1)

corrected in post 20 below. Thanks Rhett o Rick.

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
20. "The Progressive Caucus budget was also rejected 84-327,
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:47 AM
Mar 2013

but it managed to pick up a few more votes compared to last year. Most Democrats voted against this bill, just as they did last year when it was rejected 78-346."

http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/289325-house-rejects-dem-budget-plans-gop-slams-obamas-missing-budget

Was the CPC budget proposal the same as the "Back to Work" budget?

"http://downwithtyranny.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-back-to-work-budget-didnt-pass.html"

If I am crazy, break it too me gently.

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
26. No problem. I am usually on the wrong end of these things.
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:58 AM
Mar 2013


ps: As I stated above, I have already chastised my Congress-Critter and I believe he is fairly progressive. But he is a freshman. Rep Kilmer from WA.

bigtree

(85,996 posts)
14. it should read: make THEM do it
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:22 AM
Mar 2013

. . . the president can only propose a budget and he'll be loath to submit something that his Democratic majority in the Senate will need to make a big public fuss about.

Anyway, the Senate already passed a budget document last night . . . it was a compromise bill with 4 Democrats voting against it.


Roll Call Politics ‏@rollcallpols 4h
Senate passes budget by 50-49 vote. Dems Baucus, Begich, Hagan, Pryor vote against. #votearama

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
24. Isnt it too late?
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:56 AM
Mar 2013

The HOR passed the Ryan budget

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022546279

And the Senate passed a budget. I dont think the CPC budget is a compromise between the two.

bigtree

(85,996 posts)
30. the politics haven't favored the Progressive Caucus budget from the start
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 11:05 AM
Mar 2013

. . . not with the republican House.

That doesn't mean supporting their effort isn't worthwhile. There's going to be a need for reconciling the two different bills which will ultimately shape any actual budget law. In that process, many of these components might become relevant to someone's votes, but it's a pretty hostile environment as you can see by the 4 Democratic defections in the Senate which are definitely not progressive votes.

timdog44

(1,388 posts)
37. And I think all four
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 12:13 PM
Mar 2013

are up for election next cycle (if in fact there is even a cycle anymore). A proof positive reason for term limits so representatives can vote in good conscience without fear of supposed repercussion. I know I am giving the benefit of the doubt as to voting in good conscience.

Indyfan53

(473 posts)
39. Even Ted Cruz voted against the Ryan Budget.
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 12:15 PM
Mar 2013

It was shot down by a huge majority in the senate, including republicans like Ted Cruz.

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
41. Yes I understand. So we have a HOR passed bill and a Senate passed bill.
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 12:33 PM
Mar 2013

They will need to be reconciled. Reconciled between mediocre and horrible.

ProSense

(116,464 posts)
17. There are elections, and
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:35 AM
Mar 2013

"I thought this was what elections are for. Silly me."

...then the people who pressure members of Congress sometimes get what they want.

Senate budget plan to include Keystone XL approval: lawmaker
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022553362

WTF: Senate votes to "repeal or reduce the estate tax"?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022554062

Most Senate Dems Join GOP Push To Repeal Obamacare Tax
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022551863

I guess in an ideal world, voting would be enough. Take the issue of Keystone: Clearly, there are enough votes to pass the Senate bill. Should environmental activists simply sit around until it passes?



allan01

(1,950 posts)
18. re:"Make me do it." President Obama wants you to demand the Progressive Caucus Budget
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:42 AM
Mar 2013
do it already sir .Don't jump on me. This post is just my opinion, which I am entitled to. Thanks.

jwirr

(39,215 posts)
23. So what does he want us to do that we have not already done? Does he want us on the steps of the WH
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:55 AM
Mar 2013

everytime there is a bill we want passed. Times have changed - most of us cannot afford the trip and we cannot afford to leave our jobs that long.

HereSince1628

(36,063 posts)
25. Absolutely, let's give him something to negotiate with..
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 10:58 AM
Mar 2013

He can't reach a compromise if he doesn't have anything to concede.

We can really help him out, by getting behind this, by providing him an opportunity to show he's willing to deal.

JDPriestly

(57,936 posts)
35. For some odd reason, you have to have a password???
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 11:32 AM
Mar 2013

That definitely limits the number of people willing to sign the petition. I'm not "signing up" and getting my name on yet another e-mail list. I am on too many of them already.

Babel_17

(5,400 posts)
45. Kick! I signed this a while ago. Rec!
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 08:16 PM
Mar 2013

I understand and agree with the reasons for feeling disillusioned but that doesn't me we give up. We just yell louder.

Seriously, let's K&R in as many threads as needed till every forum members sees the opportunity in this petition.

At a minimum, this gets us heard.

Babel_17

(5,400 posts)
47. "We need signatures" "Care to sign?"
Sat Mar 23, 2013, 09:54 PM
Mar 2013

I don't favor pestering people or pleading with them but imo this petition reflects what we are as a party and there's nothing wrong with making people aware of it.

loudsue

(14,087 posts)
49. Ok sign the petitiion. But call and write REAL LETTERS.
Sun Mar 24, 2013, 12:10 AM
Mar 2013

Not just to a couple of senators, but to every one of your state's representatives and both senators. They give weight to those.

 

MannyGoldstein

(34,589 posts)
51. Two-thirds of Americans favor it, including most Repubs
Sun Mar 24, 2013, 01:39 AM
Mar 2013

But that's still too crazy Liberal for our elected Democrats.

How fucked is that?

Toss them out on their asses!

MineralMan

(146,288 posts)
55. Signing the petition is an easy thing to do, and I recommend it.
Sun Mar 24, 2013, 11:03 AM
Mar 2013

However, it is not the President who passes budgets. It is Congress. After you sign this petition, sign a letter to your two Senators and your congressional representative. Then, call your local Democratic organization and ask what you can do to help get Democrats elected to Congress and your state legislature. Then do what they suggest.

We have an election in 2014. We can take control of Congress. Congress sets the budget and does many other things. It's how this country works. If we work, we can change the Congress.

What do you say?

99Forever

(14,524 posts)
58. With all due respect.
Sun Mar 24, 2013, 11:46 AM
Mar 2013

Do you have any idea of how many letters I (and no doubt countless others) have written and sent to, President Obama, Senator Klobuchar, Senator Franken, and even Rep Batshit Crazylady, only to be shined on and basically ignored?

Doesn't mean I'll stop, but damn, it really is an exercise in futility.

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