There is Hope, Sen. Sanders To Filibuster Obama Tax Deal

[Charleston Chew]

Run time: 01:41 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAboE_ahSa4   Posted on YouTube: December 06, 2010 By YouTube Member: ThinkProgress2 Views on YouTube: 10   Posted on DU: December 06, 2010 By DU Member: Charleston Chew Views on DU: 12349

 

[cutlassmama]

1. He's the only true Liberal and he's an Independent!

[Dinger]

67. Good Point

Is he too old to run for Prez?

[MissDeeds]

110. Exactly what I asked

about 10 minutes ago. He is the embodiment of everything the Dems used to stand for - and he has the courage to stand up to Republicans. Wow. Imagine that.

[mdmc]

90. the only remaining democrat

as in, "thats why I'm a Democrat!"

[mod mom]

94. Why can't there be a party built around what Sen Sanders fights for?

At one time I thought it was called the Democratic Party. :mad:

[EV_Ares]

117. Isn't Bernie a socialist?

[Marnie]

145. Even if he was a martian

I'd still applaud what he is doing.

[greiner3]

171. Some lesser people who post on DU;

Would consider a Socialist a bad thing. Some would have us believe that liberals/progressives are not to be trusted. Some would even go so far as to preach against such forward thinking people. I for one have an open mind, when it comes to believing in people who look out for everyone, not those who grab everything they can and ask why doesn't everybody. To hell with Conservatives and anyone who thinks like they do.

[Moonbat2]

182. Let me see if

I got this right
people who don't agree with you 100% are "lesser people"
yet you have an "open mind"
is that about right? just checkin :shrug:

[Deep13]

175. Yeah, a social democrat.

That's what makes him so great. Workers of the world unite!

[smiley]

126. Kucinich....

Can't forget him either. He still stands for something too.

[PeaceNikki]

2. Wow.

Go, Bernie, go!

[gateley]

3. You've got my support, Bernie. Time to call my Senators - I've

already called my Congressman.

[cyclezealot]

86. Betcha Russell Feingold might well sign on..

How many senators does it take to have a successful filibuster.

[bobburgster]

127. Russell Feingold voted against the dem. ammendent on Saturday....

the one that just kept the middle class tax cut. Don't know what the hell his problem is....maybe pouting because he lost.

[SharonAnn]

157. I think he voted against it because it gave away too much to the GOP.

[PeaceNikki]

176. I think Feingold wants ALL the tax cuts to expire

Which is why he voted that way.

[davidwparker]

141. It takes one to put a Hold on it. n/t

[bobburgster]

125. They're not even acknowledging receiving my e-mails anymore.

That includes the White House.

[Lucinda]

4. Kicking for da Senator

[stillrockin]

5. Thank you, Senator Sanders.

:applause:

[sasha031]

6. Thank you Senator Sanders

I'm calling my senator tomorrow, the other guy is scott brown :-(

[BonnieJW]

115. I just thanked him, but

I couldn't get on the server to make a legislative comment so I had to use the request for assistance selection instead. Go to www.senate.gov and thank him for his courage.

[NorthCarolina]

7. K&R

[24EvelJustin24]

8. Thank you Mr. Sanders!

For doing something that 90% of the spineless cowards in the Democratic party won't do -- FIGHT THE RIGHT!!!

[Rowdyboy]

9. Good luck finding 39 other Democratic senators with the backbone to support him....

Thanks, Bernie for showing them how its done.

[Enthusiast]

106. He doesn't need 39 more Democrats

to have a filibuster. Are there 60 votes to extend tax cuts for the wealthy? I don't think so.

[Rowdyboy]

142. You over-estimate the courage of Senate Democrats...thats a mistake

that I'll never make again. They'll climb over each other to get on the record as supporting tax cuts. The vote won't even be close.

Its "bread and circuses" 21st century style.

[provis99]

158. actually, he does.

You can't have a filibuster with less than 39 supporters, or the opposition will simply end with a vote of cloture.
This filibuster is stillborn.

[slay]

10. Sanders is what all Dems should aspire to be

Filibuster the fucker - make the Republicans vote ONLY on middle class tax cuts. Don't give them a option! Hold press conferences - organize progressives - DO SOMETHING but do NOT give tax cuts to millionaires! Maybe Al Franken and Bernie Sanders can take turns reading the phone book. I will back and support them all the way if they do!

[Joanne98]

11. Here's his phone numbers please CALL

PLEASE CALL ...FILLIBUSTER THE BILL

Washington D.C. (map)
332 Dirksen Building
U.S. Senate
Washington,
D.C. 20510
Phone[phone]
Fa 202) 228-0776
Burlington (map)

1 Church St.
2nd Floor
Burlington,
VT 05401
Phone[phone]
Fa 802) 860-6370
Phone[phone]
Brattleboro (map)

36 Chickering Dr,
#103
Brattleboro,
VT 05301
Phone[phone]
Fa 802) 254-9207

St. Johnsbury (map)
51 Depot St,
Suite 201
St. Johnsbury,
VT 05819
Phone[phone]
[phone]
Fa 802) 748-0302

[bongbong]

12. TeaKlowns

I wonder if any of the "anti-deficit" teabaggers will support Sanders' effort? :sarcasm:

[50000feet]

13. Fantastic, Sen. Sanders.

Where, oh where, is any whiff of a similar passion in Obama?

[A wise Man]

99. It seems that Obama..

is affraid of the blackmailing rethugs...and he doesn't give a "F" about the people. "AGAIN HE HAS CAVED IN TO THEM"...SHAMEFUL!!!!

[bobburgster]

128. I believe he does give a "F" about the people.....

and THAT is what makes it 10x more frustrating for me.

[lark]

135. You know that saying, "You're either for us or you're against us"

Obama is not for us and maybe never was. We've been had royally and spent all our time and money on a Repug, someone who does not care about us but will always support the corporatist of both parties.

And all the complaints about Clinton going with the wind, heck, Obama will even go AGAINST the national concensus just to please the farrrrrrrrr right. He's a traitor to his party and even to himself. I will applaud and donate to any Dem. or Independent who vote against this travesty of a sell out.

[lib2DaBone]

14. Bernie Sanders/Grayson 2012...

[NYMdaveNYI]

23. +1 to that.

SANDERS - GRAYSON 2012

[INdemo]

56. Oh wouldn't that be the ticket..WOW!

Can we organize a draft Sanders movement now? !!

[Ganja Ninja]

92. I'm not going to vote for anyone else.

When 2012 rolls around I'll write in Bernie if I have to.

[Steve_I_Am]

103. K&R

[RBInMaine]

15. Bad idea. It is a fair and proper compromise at a time of crisis. Let kids eat. Wrangle over ide-

ology later.

[gkhouston]

16. "A fair and proper compromise" would provide for *all* of the unemployed

for as long as the rich are getting their tax cuts. Not 13 months for some of the unemployed.

[abelenkpe]

51. Why are they tied together?

If extending unemployment was voted on as a single issue would republicans go on record as withholding that from their constituents?

[gkhouston]

53. They already have. n/t

[bobburgster]

130. I agree with you completely. n/t

[florida08]

151. Man I love those Pats :-)

[bobburgster]

154. Ha, yeah...slapped the Jets silly last night.

[aquart]

19. No. It isn't. Are you saying they'll cut food stamps?

This is a deadly precedent. And Maine, by constantly electing those evil women, is responsible.

[Scruffy1]

33. They are two of the worst I've ever seen

[demwing]

20. Yeah right - later......

thats the mantra of those who are content to compromise.

[sirthomas66]

39. It is a horrible compromise, particularly reducing the social security

tax. How will it be replenished?

[russspeakeasy]

70. It won't be...They have theirs..so screw you and yours; find your own way to payour bills.

[ooglymoogly]

82. 0 is systematically pulling the rug from SS.

First it was the theft of the half trillion from SS Retirement funds, to fund his backroom programs, then it was the catfood commission to steal even more and now this.

This president spells death to the elderly and the sick and dying. He is now pitting the folks still working, against the elderly.

He is a flim flam artist and a Trojan horse. He signaled a cave long ago; as he always does; to make sure this happened , just the way he wanted it to. He is a Bu$h-Hoover republican and we have to work our asses off to get a challenger if we are to survive against this brazen and vicious onslaught our hard fought safety nets.

This tax cut is direct theft from the middle and less fortunate classes, they are stealing our lives and placing the debt on our grandchildren. We are moving fast toward a fascistic hopelessness.

[bobburgster]

131. Can you give me more info. on this SS tax being reduced.

I missed that one.

[jtown1123]

149. The Payroll Tax holiday will deplete the funds going into the trust

fund and with a Republican Congress and a president who doesn't care about Social Security, this holiday will be extended indefinitely (like Bush Tax cuts) which will double the SS shortfall thus giving Repubs an opening to cut cut cut.

[bobburgster]

150. Thank you n/t

[Lasher]

85. Not by redeeming trust fund bonds, that's for sure.

If this nightmare sellout gets through Congress, that is. All according to plan: Starve the beast then drown it in a bathtub. That is exactly what's going on right now.

[Enthusiast]

107. This is a key element that

most forget.

[harun]

47. Ideology? Do you really think we can afford a tax cut for the rich right now?

Economically we CANNOT!

[MNBrewer]

64. there's always an excuse

[bowens43]

87. bullshit.

It is a horrible deal and make no mistake, this will make the tax cuts permanent .

It will also enusre that the Democratic party loses the white house in 2012.

[olegramps]

96. Ideology? Tax cuts for the wealthiest are not ideology.

[lark]

136. What planet are you front?

Tax Cuts for the rich is the predominant far right ideology and now it's Obama's too since he has no integrity and has no spine and is willing to gut the economy so the rich get richer and the poor get more poor. He's the worst and I am truly praying for a challenge at the primaries so Dems have someone to actually vote for. You say they couldn't win, well neither could Obama so I might as well have a true Dem to work for than someone who takes money from both sides, talks like a Dem until it's near vote time then 100% caves on any principle he might have claimed to have before then.

[Steve_I_Am]

101. Bullshit! The President is knuckling-under to GOP extortion . . .

He knuckled-under on FISA when he was in the Senate. He knuckled-under in NOT fighting for the Public Option. He knuckled-under in NOT closing GITMO. He knuckled-under in NOT ending Bush's Domestic Surveillance programs. He knuckled-under in NOT attempting to hold Bush and Cheney accountable for their Torture policies. He knuckled-under in NOT nominating a true progressive to the Supreme Court. He knuckled-under in NOT appointing Elizibeth Warren to be the head the new Financial Consumer Protection Agency. He knuckled-under in his very conservative appointments to the "bipartisan" Debt Reduction Commission.

The GOP has Obama's number. When push comes to shove, he can be counted on to knuckle-under to the GOP. What in the world makes ANYONE think that, when this issue comes up, again, in 2012, that the President is NOT going to knuckle-under, again?

[Roy Rolling]

104. That's exactly what Republicans

want you to think---"this is a fair trade". IT IS NOT A FAIR TRADE-OFF. This is hostage-taking and capitulation. The two bills have nothing to do with each other, except as written in the Republican narrative to get what they want. Tax cuts for the top 2% means they will take that money and invest it in China and unemployment will get worse---this is blood money to keep the unemployed unemployed----and unemployable forever.

[wordpix]

139. I'm sure kids could eat" with the $70 billion/yr. we're giving the richies in this deal

That's a lot of food for poor kids.

[bos1]

162. you're right, Obama's keeping his eyes on the prize

as he made clear at the end of the press conference today. Watch it from about 25:00 at
http://www.c-span.org/Watch/Media/2010/12/07/HP/R/41634/President+Obama+News+Conference+on+Tax+Cut+Agreement.aspx
also
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/40554320#40554320

[bowens43]

188. there is NOTHING fair about it. nt

[SkyDaddy7]

17. YEAH take a stand because a political win is more important than...

people struggling to put food on the table or buy their kids holiday presents! IT is all about Liberal Purity nothing else! Woo-Hoo!

[demwing]

21. Its not just about you and your kids

its also about your grandkids, and their kids as well.

This compromise is a compromise of our future, in exchange for a brightly wrapped package under a tree.

[SkyDaddy7]

26. I do not have kids so it is not about me...

I am sitting MY house warm & secure...Yes, I agree we have to cut the deficit but that will take FAR more than just ending the Bush Tax cuts & NO ONE HERE ON DU IS READY TO DO THAT!

[ElsewheresDaughter]

38. "NOBODY HERE ON DU IS READY TO DO THAT"....what is the "that" of which you speak?

[Caretha]

52. Oh please

you aren't even ready to start cutting the deficit if you aren't willing to let the tax cuts expire. And you have the audacity to accuse other DUers that"NO ONE HERE ON DU IS READY TO DO THAT!"

Did you check your brains at the door?

[closeupready]

95. No. YOU aren't serious about cutting the deficit. I am. Take my tax cuts away.

along with ALL of the Bush tax cuts.

[olegramps]

100. You don't speak for me.

The tax rate on the wealthy is ridiculously low. It should be in the range of 70%. During and after
WWII it was 90% or more. The CEOs are robbing their companies and the only way to get back the money is through taxation and increasing the inheritance tax. If we tax the wealthy 2% who have the majority of the nations wealth at a fair rate we could be out of debt in a few years and provide for programs that would result in 0% unemployment. This compromise would be only the first step in complete destruction of the working class.

[okieinpain]

121. 70% ok I think that's a little excessive. n/t.

[lark]

140. You don't get it

Let me explain - the world is NOT as described by the far reich and their henchman Obama. If the rich paid their share of taxes, if we didn't subsidize companies moving their work forces over-seas, if we actually collected taxes at normal rates on Wall. St. tycoons and oil companies, we would have no deficit. The deficit is the result of the rich paying zilch and Obama is making it worse. Cutting social security is part of his plan to take the middle class money and give it to the rich. I've worked hard all my life, make decent, but not great, money, am 58 years old and looking at the government stealing all MY hard earned money from social security. It's not government money, it's money me and my husband and children paid and are paying still. Pay attention and don't trash the folks here on DU until you understand what's really happening. PS - watching FAUX isn't the answer.

[emilyg]

43. You understand.

[mikehiggins]

31. Where is Sanders' political win?

He is an independent, remember? This is a fight over principle and he seems to be the only one willing to do it.

As to your image of people struggling to put food on the table, etc., etc. why not get a bill that will extend unemployment and lower taxes for working people? Oh, that's right...we'd have to annoy the GOP to do that.

[theaocp]

34. +700 billion n/t

[Name removed]

62. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[avaistheone1]

77. Butt it is okay that over 22,000 Americans will die as a result of not

having access to health care this year alone. It was fine not to give single payer a seat at the table and let those impacted die. That decision was REALITY, and this one is LIBERAL PURITY? What strange, shitty values.

[Demoiselle]

122. Most people on this site were strong supporters of single payer...

or at least a robust, competitive public option. Turned out we were sandbagged by our own leaders on health care as well.
I don't know exactly whose "strange, shitty values" you're talking about.

[bowens43]

88. Attitudes like yours and Obama's are what put us in this mess.

keep giving, keep bowing and scraping to the republicans every time they throw you a bone.......

[Enthusiast]

108. A 'strong stand' and strong leadership

by the president could have resulted in both an extension of unemployment benefits and returning taxes for the wealthy to Clinton era levels. A majority of the American people are in favor of these positions. But, if there is no leadership, no strong words in opposition to the unpopular Republican positions, we will lose. So what happened? Weakness, or perceived weakness, is not an asset in a president.

[kenfrequed]

120. No.

Believe me the cuts will come as the deficit looms and since tax cuts to the wealthy will ADD to the deficit that means the difference will be made up in cuts to social services as long as the republicans are in.

If we give in we are buying a place on the chopping block fueled by a temporary bump in unemployment insurance. They give us another 18 months or whatever is being requested and in return they get to further gut food stamps, head start, healthcare, and federal jobs and job programs all in the name of austerity.

It is a stupid, short term thinking deal.


Politically speaking we should be hanging this around their neck.

[lark]

143. Obama just undercut the entire Democratic party

Pelosi should defy him and vote against this travesty, any decent Senator should defy him and filibuster this travesty. I doubt it will happen. I just feel sorry for Biden because I know he's not for this, but will have to be a shill for it anyway, even though I bet it makes him totally sick. He needs to leave this administration, although he probably feels like he's the only even partially Democratic voice and needs to stay at the table. I said the Colin Powell should leave for integrity sake and say the same about Biden. Can't see much difference in the net results of either of their bosses.

[AlbertCat]

133. YEAH take a stand because a political win is more important than...

Boy, you really bought into the Repug spin. didn't you?

EVERYONE must make some sacrifices to get this economy going. Tax cuts for the rich do nothing. Why should they get off big time so unfortunates can get a little band aid to buy useless Christmas presents?

This paring of two issues is nothing but blackmail.

I know... how about the Dems propose a 2 month tax cut for the rich if 1/3 of military spending is cut?

Or how about the top 2 % gets a $300 tax rebate check in exchange for a minimum required corporate tax of 18%?

Or the wealthy get a year's supply of Girl Scout Cookies if Rupert Murdoch must comply with, and get zero exemptions from media ownership laws and regulations?

[mazzarro]

18. Watch How Hard They Will Come Down On Him and Real Quickly Too!

The whole democratic leadership and especially the WH will come down on him so fast once they have their "comprising" agreement in hand. What they constantly tell us that they could not do to Joe Lieberman and Ben Nelson and Blanche Lincoln, now they will find very effective and heavy handed ways to do to Bernie Sanders. Watch!

Jeez! I do not have any more hope for these weakling DINOs we have as leaders. DLC has done us in real good!!!!!!

[Segami]

22. If anyone tries to come down on Sen. Sanders for exposing this deal as a sham,

then they should be called out themselves as nothing more than shills for the rich, regardless if they are Dems ( so they claim ).

[Enthusiast]

112. Plus one! nt

[Enthusiast]

111. "DLC has done us in real good!!!!!!"

Yeah, without our key principles the party becomes nothing but Republican-lite. We all know what these key principles are.

[laughingliberal]

24. I saw that on Ed. I've never seen Sanders that upset. nt

[sabrina 1]

25. Why are there not more people like him in our government?

I hope he can get enough people to join him in doing this.

Thank YOU Bernie, a lone Senator standing up for the people. I guess one is better than none.

[provis99]

159. why? Because Vermont ain't America. Unfortunately.

[Joe Bacon]

27. Kick for Senator Superman!

And send a message to President Super Chicken!

[timefortherevolution]

28. Ten years ago, few Americans had ever heard of Bernie...

despite the fact that he was one of a handful fighting the Bush regime.


He might just get somewhere with Americans if he pulls this one off.

[harun]

He gets little media coverage, they don't cover awesome.

Run time: 01:41 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAboE_ahSa4   Posted on YouTube: December 06, 2010 By YouTube Member: ThinkProgress2 Views on YouTube: 10   Posted on DU: December 07, 2010 By DU Member: harun Views on DU: 12349

 

[Ghost of Tom Joad]

29. maybe Finegold will join him

[pnwmom]

44. Dream on. Feingold voted against cloture for the unemployment

tax extension amendment on Saturday.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

30. A democratic socialist!!!

[totodeinhere]

32. I salute Sen. Sanders for his stand. But unfortunately you and I both know he will not succeed.

He will not get the 40 votes he needs in the Senate to block this so-called compromise.

[pnwmom]

45. And he will do this how? n/t

[harun]

48. It is important though because he will make a vote happen to end his filibuster.

We will get names of the Dem weasels who vote to end it.

[Guilded Lilly]

35. Hear his voice! n/t

[Scruffy1]

36. Pray for Bernie-he's our last hope.

[cheapdate]

37. Stand up! n/t

[Shining Jack]

40. K&R

[bc3000]

41. Thanks Bernie!

[grumgrum]

42. KR

[leeroysphitz]

46. Run Bernie run.

[tpsbmam]

49. The people's senator. Thank you, Bernie!! KR/nt

[Imajika]

50. He won't have the votes to block cloture in the Senate...

The deal is done.

[James48]

54. YYYEEEE HHHHAAAWW!

GO BERNIE GO!

YOU TELL "EM!

[suede1]

55. Thank you for doing the right thing!

[BenzoDia]

57. Kudos to Mr. Sanders for sticking to his guns.

But he'll fail anyways.

edit:
Abbreviated.

[wutangfan85]

58. Great to see! Now look for Obama to

pressure Bernie Sanders the way he did Dennis Kucinich during the "Health Care Debate"

[humbled_opinion]

59. Well if nothing else..

It makes for good political theater.... LOL... Obama caved its as simple as that and Sen Sanders is spot on the CONS will use this to jab everything that Democrats try to do.... Any Democrat that votes for this has lost all credibility and it really doesn't matter what we think here it is their credibility on a whole host of issues that will sink. Its terrible politics....

Next up we will start hearing how much of a better president Bush was then Obama is....

[lark]

147. They're basically the same

same policies, same practices. No Dems in that group.

[JBoy]

60. That was as pissed as Bernie gets. Great to see.

[Name removed]

61. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[disillusioned73]

63. I proudly stand with Senator Sanders..

the ridiculousness of this boggles the mind. 2 f*ck'n years??? What a joke, I mean seriously - who will take any campaign promises seriously again?? I can see the ads now hammering Prez. Obama in regards to the deficit and he essentially gives them more ammo... pathetic

[Goldstein1984]

65. Sanders for President 2012

[bertman]

66. No wonder Bernie's an Independent. Who would want to be in the party of

Political Cowards. I hope like hell he filibusters this POS bill to it's death.

REC.

[Dinger]

68. K & R For Bernie!

:patriot:

[russspeakeasy]

69. Thanks Bernie..You are one of our last hopes.

As far as I am concerned, Obama is out. I for one, will not
defend him, will not support him, and will certainly not
contribute to any cause he is involved in.

The embarassing part is acknowledging to my half witted
relatives that they were right and I was wrong.

He a spineless non-committed politician who has had one
objective; "How do I look"?

I don't want to mention him again, but I probably will, 

[mr_smith007]

72. I am in the same boat.

In the primaries in 2008, my wife was on me like crazy to vote for Hillary. She kept saying that Hillary is tough and can stand up to the bullying of the movement conservatives and that Obama just wanted everyone to get along, a pipe dream in Washington. I couldn't do it though since I had images of Rubin, Summers, Dick Morris, Glass-Steagall repeal, non-dischargable student loans, etc. in my head everytime I said the word Clinton. Alas, she may have been right...Obama has no spine. The tax cuts had no business being renewed, we just lost 3.7 trillion in revenue to rebuild this country and I have to admit to my wife that she was right, Obama just extended the economic policies of George W. Bush.

[mr_smith007]

71. Bernie Sanders is all we've got left.

The cuts have got to expire. If they expire, we get 3.7 trillion over the next 10 years which will shore up SS until 2075, totally fund a public option and true Universal health care and still have a trillion left over for infrastructure, education and a host of other programs.

I'm absolutely stunned and heartbroken at Obama's collapse in the face of this. We have the majority in the House and Senate and the Presidency and 70% of the Amercian people (according to the recent ABC poll) to let the cuts expire for the wealthy...and yet Obama still caves. This is a nightmare, just like Clinton in 1995, went from center to right for the rest of his presidency.

Who can we field to run against Obama in the 2012 primary? Because unless Obama is playing political chess that I cannot decipher, I see nothing but a DLC Democrat that is nothing but a Republican in Democratic clothing.

[rhett o rick]

73. Sen Sanders is America's Senator. Democrats take a lesson. nm

[democracy1st]

74. K & R

[2QT2BSTR8]

75. Thank you, Senator Sanders for being the lone voice of reason.

[and-justice-for-all]

76. He exploded on the Senate floor...

it was smashing!!

[avaistheone1]

78. Now that is how to manage the bully pulpit.

Senator Sanders kicks ass and takes names.

:kick:

[Barbara2423]

79. Democrats need to teach the president a lesson and fight against

this deal. That is the only way they can get back into power.

[grumgrum]

80. k&R

[tomm2thumbs]

81. Go Sanders!!!!!

[Quixote1818]

83. Sanders should run for president. He is a true FDR liberal. nt

[mr_smith007]

134. Unfortunately we have a very short-sighted public.

It is going to take another Depression to get the someone like FDR. We very well may get this now that disinflation is entrenched and deflation is a real possibility. Once deflation kicks in, it might not be checkmate, but it will surely be check. We will see outstanding loans become more onerous which will sap consumer spending leading to layoffs, less spending, more deflation and the cycle will be a self-consuming beast. As Krugman intimated in a recent blog post, look at 2015 to be our year of reckoning and a demand for true FDR liberal to save this country.

[earcandle]

84. That 700 billion is what we usually use to provide capital loans and grants for building

infrastructure and jobs.  we need that revenue to get out of
the hole.
that cut is killing us since Bush took office.... it is what
ate our surplus.

lets be patient... give aid to unemployed for the next two
months if you know anyone on it. 

[quaker bill]

89. Good for him

But if it is really a deal, the fillibuster will not last long. He should get used to the form as there will be a number of opportunities over the next two years, perhaps some where he can find 41 to back him up.

[Stoic]

91. Sorry to say, but filibusters only work for Repukes and Blue Dogs

The Dem leadership finds a way of working around the Progressives every time. Watch and see.

[Enthusiast]

114. No, wrong!

The filibuster doesn't work for Repukes. "The threat" of a filibuster worked for Repukes and blue dogs. They didn't even have to actually filibuster. Fucking beyond sad.

[pam4water]

93. Go Bernie!

[Can of Whoop-ass]

97. Suck it, Pugs!

It shouldn't be hard to get California's Senators Boxer and Feinstein on-board with this kind of action. FIGHT THE RIGHT!

[olegramps]

98. This is nothing more than blackmail.

You either give our billionaires more millions or we will starve the poor and desperate. This is the Republicans "Modest Proposal." Obama is a fucking nightmare. I hate to admit that I supported him for the party's nomination.

[amyrose2712]

102. K&R!

[Enthusiast]

105. K&R! Why wouldn't all progressive

senators plan to filibuster? Consider the harm we suffered from just the merest threat of a Republican filibuster. This is why we have the damn filibuster. Do it!

[gibby2433]

109. This is why the Repukes are brilliant bastards

They know if any Democrats filibuster this "compromise" they can stand back and say, "Hey, look, your beloved Dems are filibustering an extension to UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS!" They've somehow put the Democratic Congress in a lose-lose situation. I'm so ready to turn my back on this party forever :(

[EnviroBat]

113. God bless you Sen Sanders.

Do these assholes really believe that extending unemployment 13 months will convince the corporate masters to suddenly start creating jobs in the U.S. again? They've got the unemployment thing held hostage to to this extension of tax breaks for the cock-sucking rich bastards who do nothing with wealth but hoard it. there has to be an end to this republican lunacy once and for all! These people need to go away.

[Jefferson23]

116. At the very least it will be part of the historical record now that Sanders

will challenge a Democratic president who claimed an alleged "fight he put up" must end with such a shameful and
disgraceful give away to the wealthy.

Offensive that Obama could even muster the gall to refer to his conduct as a fight with the Republicans. The spin
they were fortunate to get what they did is also repugnant at best.

[handmade34]

118. ...

:bounce:

[raouldukelives]

119. I still have some hope left for Bernie!

[TBF]

123. Rec for Senator Sanders! nt

[bobburgster]

124. He's a good man!

He does not let "the ways of Washington" get in the way of his principles.

[wakemewhenitsover]

129. Yeah!

:headbang: :yourock:

[geardaddy]

132. Tell it, Sen. Sanders!

I know one of my DFL senators probably won't side with Sanders (Klobuchar), but I'm hoping my other DFL senator (Franken) does.

[VeryConfused]

137. The Democrats need to show they are behind he working man

The best way to do that is tax the rich. This is a great issue to take a stand

[wordpix]

138. Yeah, Bernie, GO! And run for president in 2012, too.

[Marnie]

144. Go Bernie

It is past time for the liberal Democrats in Congress to go rogue on Obama who has become the RepoTalibans Facilitator in Chief to the Tea Baggers.

Throwing away 700B buckolas it stupid beyond belief.
Continuing wars we can't pay for in a hundred years is stupid beyond belief.

The President is the Chief Executive, if Congress can't pass unemployment as a stand alone bill, then the WH can direct funds to do that, as Chief Executive.

[defendandprotect]

146. k/r

[no limit]

148. I hate to say it since I like Sanders but he will cave

just as he did on the healthcare bill.

[KansDem]

152. Right on, Sen. Sanders! Filibuster until the fucking tax cuts expire!

Problem solved!!!

:woohoo:

[florida08]

153. I love Bernie

but worry about him. He's almost 70 and he can't fight them alone in the Senate, but I read that retiring republican George Voinovich will also vote against them.

"The American people should know that a lot of the reduction of their taxes is borrowed money from China," he said, according to the Post. "You've got to pay for it. You've got to pay for it. You've got to pay for it."

Reid held 2 votes for tax cuts..one was to limit them to under 250K and the second was a cool million. Both votes only got 53 yeas.
No republicans of course and SOME democrats joining with them. http://www.examiner.com/democrat-in-las-vegas/senators-reid-and-ensign-split-on-tax-cuts-for-the-rich

The vote was 53-36. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tom Harkin (D-IA) Lieberman and Feingold voted with the GOP on the second. That vote was 53-37, and reflected progressives' unease with redefining the middle class at the $1,000,000 income threshold. http://gapersblock.com/mechanics/2010/12/04/durbin-votes-with-gop-on-extending-bush-cuts-for-up-to-1-million/

[ProudDad]

155. Unfortunately, too late...

Since the Dem "leadership" and Obama were too timid to bring the bush government starvation program up MUCH earlier it's now too damn late...

They've succumbed to the inevitable republican blackmail and have no time to wriggle free...

If they'd taken this on early in the year (or LAST YEAR!) they could have used the issue to create a grassroots movement to get some of our money back from the rich fucks who've robbed us blind for the last 35+ years

And by showing some spine in a Populist cause, probably held the House in November...

But since the Dems are a loose collection of "liberals" to blue-dog-libertarian-republicans (non-Republicans) and have NO ORGANIZING PRINCIPLES, they they are as incapable of governing as the republicans; who have strong unifying "principles" but unfortunately theirs are the principles of a vampire sucking the blood of the Commons...

And we're stuck in the middle, some of us foolishly trying to create a humane world from a corrupt system...

Like Bernie...

[florida08]

160. sadly that would be my assessment as well

We have failed to own the message from the beginning. Thom Hartmann today explained what he saw as Obama's strategy. With far left liberals..apparently that's us.. and the tea people on the right both seen as the fringe..Obama's campaign managers are advising him to stick to the middle, in an effort to show he's the most reasonable man in D.C.

A risky decision if true but apparently they believe votes from centrist america elects presidents. The reason is the shellacking democrats just took and Obama's approval rating is at 47% which is high for midterm election president.

If this is the strategy then the shellacking will come in 2012 when the economy and the american people are far worse off than they are now as these tax cuts will only increase borrowing/printing press from Ben and pushing to cut social programs from the goppers along with subpoenas that Issa is itching to start handing out next year. Obama forgot how they spent plenty of taxpayer money investigating Clinton in his last term.

I truly believe no democrat can escape the republican torture machinery. If he thinks he's getting heat from the left he ain't seen nuttin yet..imho

[lib_wit_it]

156. Sanders in 2012! If our leader is going to be called a socialist anyway, why not get the benefits of

a real one?!

[bos1]

161. Obama just made a great speech answering his critics at the end of the press conference

The room was silenced by his passion and intensity. Watch it from about 25:00 at
http://www.c-span.org/Watch/Media/2010/12/07/HP/R/41634/President+Obama+News+Conference+on+Tax+Cut+Agreement.aspx
also
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/40554320#40554320

[fascisthunter]

163. Speeches mean nothing

especially now and from him.

[bos1]

164. yes they do , words have meaning, and you might want to listen before flushing the future down the

toilet of your cynicism

[fascisthunter]

165. he's the one flushing our fucking future down the drain

get a grip on reality...

[bos1]

167. the president spoke about reality and what he's doing in the long run for progressive ideals that

cynics and hotheads would destroy with their wild-eyed, pie-in-the-sky fantasies. It's you who need to get a grip

[ProudDad]

184. Obama is self-limited

and his (and our) worst enemy as a result...

Face it...

[bos1]

186. LOL. Obama is our worst enemy? Not Palin, Gingrich, the GOP in general? We know where u stand. nt

[ProudDad]

187. Obviously not...

[bowens43]

190. you believe him?

His entire campaign was one long string of lies. We know that now. Nothing that he says matters.

[ProudDad]

183. What a wonderful idea

crap on the folks who want the best for all of We the People...

And make backroom deals with the Orangeman and mcconnell...

Passion?

All talk and no walk...

[bowens43]

189. except that all of his answers were bullshit.

they were silenced by his inability to understand what he has done. They were silenced by his attempt to defend the indefensible.

[GreenTea]

166. I have always loved Berrie Sanders-But when it comes down to it he won't Filibuster-Here's why

For a single Independent to go up against the president, and his administration, the wealthy, to go up against and do something both parties will not do.....takes humongous gigantic balls - Sanders has the balls and is a passionate social progressive, a liberal - Sanders has scruples, intelligence and compassion and I hope he would do it....

But I think when his anger subsides a bit he will think twice and decide one single Independent going up alone against the bullshit systematic power structure in this instance isn't worth it.

Again I wish he would - This deficit raising, no jobs producing, 10 year tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% is obscene and should be allowed to EXPIRE!

On the other hand it's asking an awful lot of one Senator.

[ProudDad]

185. It only takes one Senator...

The timid Dems have made sure of that...

You GO, Bernie!

[katty]

168. go Bernie, called Pelosi and senators

[Scurrilous]

169. Save us Bernie!! n/t

[ZombieHorde]

170. What will happen to those on unemployment?

Are they the sacrificial lamb?

[Name removed]

172. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[pleah]

173. K&R

[Jeffersons Ghost]

174. K&R

[thomhartmann]

177. contribute to bernie!

It might be a good idea for the guys and gals here to consider sending Bernie a check. We ought to support those who support us. Just saying....

[defendandprotect]

178. Our future is now in the hands of independent Sen. Bernie Sanders -- love to him!!!

Amazing!!

Bernie Sanders is more of a Democrat than any of our Democrats these days!!

I'd be thrilled if he ran for president!!

[madmax]

179. K & R Go Bernie!

[crotchety]

180. So?

Does this make us Dems the "party of no" now?

[Moonbat2]

181. Sanders/Pelosi 2012

Who's with me on this?? Lets make it happen