Just a little request for everyone from President Obama....

[Playinghardball]

My2K here: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57555935/white-house-my2k-twitter-hashtag-enters-fiscal-cliff-debate/

[freshwest]

1. Yes, make them follow through with the progressive agenda.

[vi5]

2. So the tax cuts are the most important thing?

Not telling them to take Social Security off the table because it doesn't impact the deficit?
Not telling them to take Medicare and Medicaid off the table?
Not telling them to cut defense spending?
Not telling them to expand and strengthen the social safety net?

Just the tax cuts. Got it.

And for the record, yes, I know $2k for a middle or low income family is a lot and I'm not dismissing that. I'm just finding it very frustrating that what's being fought over the loudest are tax cuts.

It's just incredibly disheartening how far right the debate has shifted.

[godai]

3. Think of it as Obama Stimulus III.

That's what the tax cut extension amounts to. That money will be SPENT.

Also, I don't think low income people face major federal tax increases but they're all hit hard by state and sales taxes.

[vi5]

4. Again, I'm not saying it's not important.

But it's depressing how that is the focus and the fixation even among Democrats. I know it's a stimulus in it's own way, but all of this is a short term fix and we need to strengthen all of those other areas. So the fact that the line in the sand is being drawn all around tax cuts but the other stuff is at the most innocuous not being taken off the table is depressing to me. It's not where I would expect or want a Democratic Senate and a Democratic president to be focusing their energies, and it points up just how much our side has gotten suckered into fighting and debating on Republican terms.

[godai]

5. Agree...most negotiations are behind the scenes.

I'd recommend Woodward's book about the debt ceiling to get a feel for what goes on.

[cilla4progress]

6. Just called my congressional reps

Going to the hashtag thingy, too.

By the way: I have 2 Dem Senators (both women! WA state. Lucky me, I know!). I have a new Repub HR Rep., due to redistricting. HIS SITE won't allow me to log a comment, since I'm not in his new district. Creep. I called anyway and logged a complaint on the tech part of his site. I said, we just elected him, even though he doesn't start serving till next year, seems we should be able to be in touch with him about our views!

Shyeah ...

[former-republican]

7. obsession