Do you realize that there are around 200 'Grover-bots' in Congress

[humblebum]

who have signed a pledge to Grover Norquist never to vote for tax increases - EVER?

"Grover Norquist Gives Green Light to Tax Revenue Increase?"

"ANALYSIS | In a Washington Post interview published Wednesday, conservative strategist and tax reform lobbyist Grover Norquist may have given Republican lawmakers the leeway they need to cut a deal in the debt ceiling talks that would be popular with most Americans. He told the Post's editorial board that allowing the Bush tax breaks to expire was not technically a violation of the pledge that an overwhelming majority of Congressional Republicans have signed since taking office -- that of never supporting or voting for a tax increase. But then he said that his powerful tax reform organization would not support such a move. Some see his words as a way out of the debt ceiling impasse, but it may not be so simple."
"'Not continuing a tax cut is not technically a tax increase,' Grover Norquist, leader of the Americans for Tax Reform, said. Asked if it was a violation of the pledge, he stated: 'We wouldn't hold it that way.'"

http://news.yahoo.com/grover-norquist-gives-green-light-tax-revenue-increase-203100661.html

I know many have discussed this before, but it needs to be reemphasized, because for one independent non-politician to have such an influence over a supposedly representative body of civil servants is dangerous to democracy. That should go without saying. The legislative branch is responsible to the PEOPLE first and last. Not to a single individual.

[meegbear]

1. Is there a list out there? I wonder if any repugs didn't sign it ...

and if any Dems did.

[humblebum]

3. There is a list. I am searching for it. nt

[PoliticAverse]

5. The list of signers can be downloaded at their webpage...

here: http://www.atr.org/taxpayer-protection-pledge

Congress signers (pdf): http://s3.amazonaws.com/atrfiles/files/files/070711-federalpledgesigners.pdf

[geardaddy]

7. Here's a list

http://fredericacade.wordpress.com/2010/12/31/list-of-your-states-signers-signed-to-grover-norquist-controversial-americans-for-tax-reform-pledge/

This is a list of office holders on the state level.

[humblebum]

10. Another site:

http://s3.amazonaws.com/atrfiles/files/files/070711-federalpledgesigners.pdf

This really needs to circulated because of the compromising position it puts Congress in, and by association, the ENTIRE democratic process of the country.

[geardaddy]

11. Yeah, I saw that one.

Thanks for posting it.

It looks like the list I posted is of state-level politicians. Even scarier if you ask me.

[meegbear]

14. Thanks everyone for the links!

:hi:

[Frustratedlady]

2. Grover Norquist shouldn't even enter into this debate.

Those clowns aren't going to be reelected if they don't end the tax cut for the wealthy, anyway, so why worry about campaign funds.

He's a twerp.

[MineralMan]

4. Maybe Jane Hamsher advised him to get involved.

:shrug:

[humblebum]

13. That needs to be stated more loudly and more often. nt

[HughBeaumont]

6. That's kind of unrealistic.

The "No New Taxes" Pledge, I mean.

At some time or another, taxes HAVE to be raised - more so on the wealthy and rich than the middle/working/poor, considering how much income we DON'T control. I say income because unfortunately, idle excessive wealth isn't taxed. This country is 14 trillion in debt; more than a portion of that was because of tax cuts and useless occupations of choice, compounded with the interest on Bewsh's spend-o-rama.

Much to NerdQuiff's and Big Business's wishes, this isn't going to go away without a) substantial hiring in America and/or b) raised wages and/or c) raised taxes. There just ain't no other way. You can't have revenue without revenue. You can't have business without business.

"It's the DEMAND, stupid."

[humblebum]

12. The 14th Amendment to the Constitution (Sect. 4&5) makes it very clear that Congress

determines the validity of the national debt, not Grover Norquist.

"4. The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.

5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article."

[Wounded Bear]

8. It never ceases to amaze me......

that people would actually vote for someone who's stated purpose and goal is to destroy the government.

And who runs for a job with the goal of destroying it?

The right wing's ability to live with paradox astounds me at times.

:shrug:

[geardaddy]

9. Here are the Dem signers

KY-06 Ben Chandler
NE-Sen Ben Nelson
NJ-01 Robert Andrews

[humblebum]

15. This really presents a conflict of interest for the members of Congress.

the Legislative branch of government IS the embodiment of the will of the American people - not Grover Norquist, and Congressmen and Senators should be told to renounce signing any pledge that contradicts their primary function.