Why Politicians Listen To The Public On Same-Sex Marriage And Immigration But Not The Economy

[xchrom]

http://www.businessinsider.com/why-politicians-are-sensitive-to-public-opinion-on-same-sex-marriage-immigration-and-guns-but-not-on-the-economy-2013-3

***SNIP

Before January’s fiscal cliff deal, for example, at least 60 percent of Americans, in poll after poll, expressed strong support for raising taxes on incomes over $250,000. As you recall, though, the deal locked in the Bush tax cut for everyone earning up to $400,000.

Yes, legislative deals require compromise. But why is it that deals over economic policy almost always compromise away what a majority of Americans want?

Most Americans weren’t particularly concerned about the budget deficit to begin with. They’ve been far more concerned about jobs and wages. Yet maneuvers over the deficit have consistently trumped jobs and wages.

Recent polls show Americans would rather reduce the deficit by raising taxes than by cutting Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, education, and transportation. Yet Congress seems incapable of making that kind of deal.


Read more: http://robertreich.org/post/46544844804#ixzz2OvjZJ2rf

[pipoman]

1. The former 2 don't have negative economic effects on

those who own our politicians...the latter however...

[Autumn]

2. They are not about to piss off big money.

They need campaign money, high dollar jobs for when they leave office. The little people just toss them a few bucks and a vote once every election. So they pretend they just can't get the important stuff done, too much opposition don't ya know. rec to read later.