Times Reading Log

"Let’s Not Make a Deal"

This was my first time reading Paul Krugman's column.  Prior to reading, I had preconceptions that it would be over my head, given its highly political nature.  Then I read the first paragraph and it was educating, entertaining, and understandable.

A criticism of George W. Bush and his "temporary" tax cuts for the rich, Krugar says,

 "And so here we are, with 2010 almost over and nothing resolved."

Krugar tells Democrats to "just say no" to Republicans when when demand that the Bush cuts be extended and have the needs of the middle calss ignored.  Letting the Bush cuts expire is the least of all evils he said.

Krugar refers to Republicans as successful blackmailers. :) They belive that President Obama, wouldn’t dare preside over a broad tax increase while the economy is this depressed.

Krugar infers that if Obama gives into their ploys for "temporary" tax cuts now, that he will respond the same way to their blackmail down the road. 

"The only way to cut spending enough to pay for the Bush tax cuts in the long run would be to dismantle large parts of Social Security and Medicare."

So let me get this straight...Republicans want to take from the injured and elderly to give tax cuts to the rich?

The country would be better off with all around higher taxes than to cut from these programs, I believe. 

The column is written to advocate Obama to take a stand and for Democrats to raise their voices.