Krugman: McConnell 'engaging in outright extortion' on taxes

[Newsjock]

Source: New York Times

“Nice middle class you got here,” said Mitch McConnell, the Senate minority leader. “It would be a shame if something happened to it.”

O.K., he didn’t actually say that. But he might as well have, because that’s what the current confrontation over taxes amounts to. Mr. McConnell, who was self-righteously denouncing the budget deficit just the other day, now wants to blow that deficit up with big tax cuts for the rich. But he doesn’t have the votes. So he’s trying to get what he wants by pointing a gun at the heads of middle-class families, threatening to force a jump in their taxes unless he gets paid off with hugely expensive tax breaks for the wealthy.

Most discussion of the tax fight focuses either on the economics or on the politics — both of which suggest that Democrats should hang tough, for their own sakes as well as that of the country. But there’s an even bigger issue here — namely, the question of what constitutes acceptable behavior in American political life. Politics ain’t beanbag, but there’s a difference between playing hardball and engaging in outright extortion, which is what Mr. McConnell is now doing. And if he succeeds, it will set a disastrous precedent.

... It’s time for Democrats to take a stand, and say no to G.O.P. blackmail.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/17/opinion/17krugman.html?_r=1&ref=paulkrugman

[DontTreadOnMe]

1. Krugamn says it loud in print

but the White House doesn't know how to respond to McConnell.

The Repugs tee it up for Obama, and he doesn't even take a swing.

[msongs]

2. meanwhile the blue dog dems are going repub as fast as they can drink tea lol nt

[Rosa Luxemburg]

3. McConell is the enemy of the people

he wants to privatize our services. He wants ot get rid of social security, Medicare, libraries, public schools, fire departments.