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[maxrandb]

for increased taxes on the wealthy?

We all hear how intransient the Teabaggers are, stomping their feet and holding their breath until they turn blue to get what they want. Where are the 80,000 progressives marching on Washington?

Where are the progressives threatening to "primary" or "take-out" the next Democrat who approves one more dollar in spending cuts to programs that beenfit the Poor and Middle Class, that does not include TWO MORE DOLLARS IN INCREASED REVENUE FROM THE TOP?.

Are they all too busy marching on the statehouse in WI?

Is American Idol really that good?

Do they believe that "gentle reminders" are all it takes?

Just once, I would like to see a group of Progressive House members, or Senators stand firm and say; Holding the debt ceiling hostage?, or Threatening to shutdown the government?...well, "Two can play that game"

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1. How would that work?

Would Democrats say "If you don't raise the debt ceiling, we're going to tax the rich!" What leverage would they have in such a scenario? I fail to see what Democrats could hold hostage, it seems like teabaggers would just respond by holding their breath until they get their way.

[maxrandb]

2. Sometimes, you have to be prepared to call their bluff

Simply put, the Teabaggers are going to froth at the mouth demanding spending cuts to social programs and entitlements in exchange for voting to raise the debt ceiling.

If you are a tough negotiator, what you would do in that case is say; "Eff that! We've cut all we're going to cut, and if there is not a bill that sets the tax rates on the wealthy back to pre-Clinton rates, then WE WILL NOT VOTE TO RAISE THE DEBT CEILING!"

Maybe a strong position like that would cause people to flood the streets in support.

One thing is sure...this "death by a thousands cuts" to a party that couldn't find "Fiscal Responsibility" if you tattooed it on David Kock's a$$ is NOT WORKING!

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3. But don't the teabaggers already NOT want to raise the debt ceiling?

So, would that really be a bargaining chip?

[maxrandb]

5. My point is

I don't give a "flip" about what the Teabaggers want.

But...this would definitely be a good difining moment about the differences in the two parties. Instead of the "frame" being, "those evil Progressives won't cut anything", if would shift to "Teabag Republicans are willing to bring financial ruin on America to keep tax cuts for the wealthy. Tax cuts, BTW, that 78% of the American people favor ending, over cuts to Education, Medicare, Medicaide, Social Security, etc"!!!

It's time to play offense for a change.

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6. But how can you hold hostage something the opposition wants to get rid of?

The teabaggers have been consistent, if not entirely foolish. They're opposed to taxes and they're opposed to spending that's for the public good. You're not going to trip them up by ensuring the federal budget for discretionary programs is going to shrink.

[sadbear]

4. We're not terrorists.