What does Norquist think of GOP opposition to payroll tax cut?

witness23 · Aug 25, 2011

What does Norquist think of GOP opposition to payroll tax cut?
Posted at 11:51 AM ET, 08/22/2011

By Greg Sargent
Link: What does Norquist think of GOP opposition to payroll tax cut? - The Plum Line - The Washington Post

Paging Grover Norquist: Over the weekend, the Associated Press published a much-discussed piece arguing that by the GOP’s own lights, Republican opposition to Obama’s demand for a payroll tax cut extension constitutes support for a tax hike:

News flash: Congressional Republicans want to raise your taxes.

Impossible, right? GOP lawmakers are so virulently anti-tax, surely they will fight to prevent a payroll tax increase on virtually every wage-earner starting Jan. 1, right?

Apparently not.

Many of the same Republicans who fought hammer-and-tong to keep the George W. Bush-era income tax cuts from expiring on schedule are now saying a different “temporary” tax cut should end as planned. (You've got to be kidding me) By their own definition, that amounts to a tax increase.
(*emhasis mine*)

The tax break extension they oppose is sought by President Barack Obama. Unlike proposed changes in the income tax, this policy helps the 46 percent of all Americans who owe no federal income taxes but who pay a “payroll tax” on practically every dime they earn.

There are other differences as well, and Republicans say their stand is consistent with their goal of long-term tax policies that will spur employment and lend greater certainty to the economy.

“It’s always a net positive to let taxpayers keep more of what they earn,” says Rep. Jeb Hensarling, “but not all tax relief is created equal for the purposes of helping to get the economy moving again.”

So according to Hensarling, it would be a “net positive” to let taxpayers keep more of what they earn — which is what a temporary extension of the payroll tax cut would do. Yet Republicans seem to oppose the temporary extension anyway, on the grounds that permanent tax cuts are necessary and better policy.

Which prompted a question from Chuck Schumer spokesman Brian Fallon: “Surely @GroverNorquist wld say that letting President’s payroll tax cut lapse is a violation of ATR pledge, right?”

It’s a fair question. Virtually every Republican in Congress has signed Norquist’s and Americans for Tax Reform’s pledge not to raise taxes. What’s more, even Norquist himself has referred to the refusal to extend temporary tax cuts as a tax hike — and a violation of the pledge. Recall that back when there was some controversy over whether Norquist had let slip that not extending the Bush tax cuts would not violate his pledge, Norquist clarified that failure to extend them absolutely would violate it:

Any failure to extend or make permanent the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003, in whole or in part, would clearly increase taxes on the American people.
In other words, in the eyes of the fearsome Norquist and his Almighty Pledge, even a failure to extend tax cuts temporarily amounts to a tax increase.

I’ve asked a spokesman for Norquist where he stands on GOP opposition to the payroll tax cut extension, and I’ll update you when I get a response.

greg334 · Aug 25, 2011

I would think that many in this country would understand that cutting payroll taxes has nothing to do with the business and everything to do with the employee. Reading some of the comments on both sides of the issue, it makes little sense that people don't see what is going on and why.

While my rep may or may not have signed the Norquist pledge, I won't hold him to it nor do I care because Norquist doesn't represent my views or my desire to end the punitive tax system we have.

witness23 · Aug 25, 2011

greg334 said:
because Norquist doesn't represent my views

He doesn't represent anyone for that matter. Why he has so much influence on the GOP is beyond me.

If he want's to make a difference and thinks he speaks for the people, then run for office you douchebag!

witness23 · Aug 25, 2011

greg334 said:
I would think that many in this country would understand that cutting payroll taxes has nothing to do with the business and everything to do with the employee.

God help us if the American people cannot understand that. Well, that would explain a lot though.

Reading some of the comments on both sides of the issue, it makes little sense that people don't see what is going on and why.

I'm trying my hardest not to think that the GOP is doing whatever they can to make this President look bad, but they are making it more and more difficult everyday. My Lord though, why on Earth would you be against this?

paullud · Aug 25, 2011

It looks like it actually says the exact opposite of what you are saying.

The fight started when Norquist was quoted in a Post editorial saying: “Not continuing a tax cut is not technically a tax increase.” Asked if it would violate his pledge, Norquist said: “We wouldn’t hold it that way.”

Posted with my Droid EO Forum App

witness23 · Aug 25, 2011

paullud said:
It looks like it actually says the exact opposite of what you are saying.

What does?

For the record, I didn't say anything, Mr. Sargent wrote the editorial. The only thing I added was that some Republicans, including Mr. Norquist are saying that temporary tax-cuts that are planned to end should end as planned.

The fight started when Norquist was quoted in a Post editorial saying: “Not continuing a tax cut is not technically a tax increase.” Asked if it would violate his pledge, Norquist said: “We wouldn’t hold it that way.”

Do you agree with that statement?

paullud · Aug 25, 2011

witness23 said:
What does?

For the record, I didn't say anything, Mr. Sargent wrote the editorial. The only thing I added was that some Republicans, including Mr. Norquist are saying that temporary tax-cuts that are planned to end should end as planned.

Do you agree with that statement?

No I don't agree with the statement, they are trying to play games with wording and technicalities. I guess we will see how the Republicans end up handling the situation but they are going to do everything in their power to make it look like they saved the day, they can't afford to let Obama have the image of someone who is willing to cut taxes. They need people to think he will tax everything he can and then spend it all on whistles and penny candy.

Posted with my Droid EO Forum App

layoutshooter · Aug 25, 2011

I doubt that Mr. Norquist has ANY sway over everyday voters. As to what sway he may or may not have over a political party? Who cares? Neither of them represent the people in ANY way, shape or form. As for making Obama look bad, he does not need any help from the Republicans on that count. He does that job ALL BY HIMSELF. End of Sked. AR, AR K dit dit.

tbubster · Aug 25, 2011

witness23 said:
He doesn't represent anyone for that matter. Why he has so much influence on the GOP is beyond me.

If he want's to make a difference and thinks he speaks for the people, then run for office you douchebag!

For the same reason that Buffett hods so much Influence over the democrats.You know the guy who is one of the worlds richist people and has been saying tax us more that we rich have enough money that we should be doing our part to help.yet he uses almost every loophole there is to payless in taxes ever year.Lets face it if Buffett really belived he has a duty to pay more in taxes he would not use the loopholes and do what he says is only right.The pics says it all just because you can does not mean you have to!!

layoutshooter · Aug 25, 2011

Gorgie Pprgie Soros too.

tbubster · Aug 25, 2011

What I find funny is how the left seems to have no problem with anyone being rich as long as they support Obama and agenda.Even though they seem to be some of the worst there is.

witness23 · Aug 26, 2011

tbubster said:
For the same reason that Buffett hods so much Influence over the democrats.

Buffett? You my friend are watching way too much Fox News

Buffett isn't going around having political leaders signing pledges.

Focus man, focus.

layoutshooter · Aug 26, 2011

witness23 said:
Buffett? You my friend are watching way too much Fox News

Buffett isn't going around having political leaders signing pledges.

Focus man, focus.

Maybe not, he and Soro's just through money at Dumb-O-Crats.

It is not hard to see that BOTH parties are controlled by big money. There is not one bit of difference between them When the People wake up and finally figure that out, then, and ONLY then, will things change.

The ONLY way to take out the big money is to start voting EVERYONE out. EVERY election, until big money gets the idea that they can no longer rig the elections. THEN MAYBE we can elect a honest government. Which we have not had in my lifetime.

witness23 · Aug 26, 2011

layoutshooter said:
Gorgie Pprgie Soros too.

George Soros

Focus......focus. We are talking about a payroll tax cut that the President and Congress implemented back in December of 2010. Here's an article from the Wall Street Journal to help you out: Obama, GOP Reach Deal on Taxes - WSJ.com

To recap. Those that signed Norquist's pledge , mostly Republicans, argued that they could not vote to let the '01 and '03 Bush tax cuts expire. Why you say? Because they considered it to be a tax increase. Now we have a payroll taxcut that is set to expire and the President would like to extend it, but the GOP is against extending it.

Now....I'm not sure what George Soros or Warren Buffet have to do with this article or more importantly, pictures of fat guys washing cars, but if you enjoy that kind of thing, who am I to judge

greg334 · Aug 26, 2011

End of Sked. AR, AR K dit dit.

What?

You having flash back issues, maybe need to check into a spa for a week and relax.

Many who seem to hang on Buffet's words at the same time are right leaning seem to forget that he pledged to give some of his money to the UN. Makes me wonder...

layoutshooter · Aug 26, 2011

greg334 said:
End of Sked. AR, AR K dit dit.

What?

You having flash back issues, maybe need to check into a spa for a week and relax.

Many who seem to hang on Buffet's words at the same time are right leaning seem to forget that he pledged to give some of his money to the UN. Makes me wonder...

LOL!! NO, not "flash backs" That is just some old radio sign off stuff. Sort of an "extended period". I do need a 34 reset. Hoping for a Monday dispatch so I can get one in.

layoutshooter · Aug 26, 2011

witness23 said:
George Soros

Focus......focus. We are talking about a payroll tax cut that the President and Congress implemented back in December of 2010. Here's an article from the Wall Street Journal to help you out: Obama, GOP Reach Deal on Taxes - WSJ.com

To recap. Those that signed Norquist's pledge , mostly Republicans, argued that they could not vote to let the '01 and '03 Bush tax cuts expire. Why you say? Because they considered it to be a tax increase. Now we have a payroll taxcut that is set to expire and the President would like to extend it, but the GOP is against extending it.

Now....I'm not sure what George Soros or Warren Buffet have to do with this article or more importantly, pictures of fat guys washing cars, but if you enjoy that kind of thing, who am I to judge

Influence is influence.The super rich control BOTH parties, somehow I think you either believe that is so only with the ReBumLiCans. At least, that is all you seem to post on.

I think ALL payroll taxes should be down away with along with Social Security. Medicare and Medicaid need to be phased OUT and Obama Care killed. Get my drift? Get the government OUT OF OUR LIVES.

How do you do that? Get rid of ALL of the super rich influence people.

tbubster · Aug 26, 2011

witness23 said:
Buffett? You my friend are watching way too much Fox News

Buffett isn't going around having political leaders signing pledges.

Focus man, focus.

Buffet may not of signed a pledge,however the unbeatable one is using him as if he had.You see buffett is running around saying the same as OBAMA is saying,at the same time his actions are the exact oppiste of what he claims to be for.You see what better way to show how wrong the republicans are when one of the riches people in the world sides with democrats.How can they pull this off well that easy they know the sheep will buy it with out doing their own research on buffett.

you dont like FOX NEWS HERE IS SOME CNN FOR YOU.

Buffett to host fundraiser for Obama - Aug. 25, 2011

OR if you dont like that how about the Huffington Post

Buffett Serves Obama $28,500 Plate Fundraising Dinner

That one not good enough for you either well how about MSNBC this one has to do with clinton though.

Warren Buffett helps put on Clinton fundraiser - politics - Decision '08 - Hillary Clinton News - msnbc.com

You see Buffett has much more influence then a few of you would like to admitt.I will say it again its funny how some seem to have no problem with they rich like buffett,yet see the Koch brothers as the evil rich that will bring this country down.

GREG
While my rep may or may not have signed the Norquist pledge, I won't hold him to it nor do I care because Norquist doesn't represent my views or my desire to end the punitive tax system we have.

Maybe with all of your proclaimed RIGHTEOUS INDGNATION at the way the govenment is today.You owe it to yourself to learn more about WHO AND WHAT it is that GROVER NORQUIST is and stands for.Many of the thing that YOU CLAIM to be wrong with government NORQUIST also finds wrong with government.

The biggest thing with NORQUIST that the left leaning media refuses to say is he is in fact against raising taxes on all levels of income not just the rich.Also he is much more LIBERTARION then many even relize.