Will Durst: Trickle-up economics

[dtotire]

Will Durst: Trickle-up economics

KALWNews.org

By [e-mail] (KALW News)


This past year hasn’t brought much good news about our economy. The nation’s unemployment rate is still at 9.1%, going down only half a percentage point since 2010. The USDA reports that 50 million Americans continue to struggle to put enough food on the table each day. And locally it doesn’t look much better – California’s unemployment hovers around 12%. Here in San Francisco, the list of families waiting to get into shelters is at it’s highest point since November 2009.

But it seems that not even this dire snapshot of our economy can bring Republicans and Democrats together to devise and carry out a plan. President Obama recently unveiled his Jobs Act, and within days Republicans started taking it apart. That’s the beef local political comedian Will Durst has with our nation’s leaders, especially when it comes to the term “class warfare.” Here is his “report” from the frontlines.

* * *

WILL DURST: Hey guys, Will Durst here with a few thoughts on President Obama’s call to raise taxes on the rich and the predictable Republican response. Class warfare! An oldie but a goodie, and about as unexpected as finding green grapes in a fruit salad. Why is it always a war with these guys? The culture war, war on Christmas, then they accuse Democrats of being emotionally unequipped to go to war. Well, which is it?

When taxes are raised on the rich, oh sure – that’s class warfare. But when libraries are closed and national parks left to rot so rich people can have more money, that’s trickle-down economics. What Barack should do is rename his efforts to balance the playing field with trickle-up economics. That would at least confuse them (not that they need more confusion) – “You know what, you’re right! It is a class war you started it and your side winning.”

more:
http://blog.sfgate.com/kalw/2011/09/26/will-durst-trickle-up-economics/

[bengalherder]

1. I love Will Durst.

I saw him twice in the 80's. His comedy was very political and during the Reagan years many just didn't 'get' him...or want to. My ex introduced me to his humor. He actually thanked my ex and I once after a show when we went up to say hi, because we were the only ones laughing in some parts of his act. He's been on the side of the good guys for awhile now. Good to see he's still working.

[Bloke 32]

2. Republicans are your War Party.

Which is to say, as long as they and theirs don't have to fight.