Cracking under and applying

So yesterday the headline hits that in an effort to address the debt ceiling issue that will strike in August, Obama hinted he would be open to talking about cutting things like social security benefits.  This was like blood in the water.  I quickly received emails from Moveon.org and DCCC denouncing the idea.  I quickly added my name to the virtual petition against it.

Ever since the last election where the Republicans regained control of the house through their tireless smear and disinformation efforts Obama has been trying to “compromise” on legislative differences to appease those on the right.  I guess he was trying to show he is willing to attempt to bridge the political chasm between the two parties.  Well I have a simple message for him, knock it the f off.

First Obama caved on letting the Bush tax breaks for the rich expire as scheduled.  It was due to the SCREAMING by Republicans that Obama was RAISING taxes on the American people.  In reality he would have been simply letting what was originally pitched as a short term fix for the post 9/11 downturn expire as they should have. The expiration was restoring the tax rate to the Clinton level era (very prosperous by anyone’s account)  on the American RICH people ($250,000 or more annual income) whom a tax increase would be a small annoyance but far from catastrophic to their bulging pocket books.

Obama caved again during the last budget showdown a couple months ago.  When “compromise” really meant yielding to the Republicans whom threatened to take their ball and go home if Obama/Democrats did not agree to their compromises which focused on cutting infrastructure, education and benefit programs instead of once again targetting the rich whom have enjoyed their lowest taxation rate of the last century for nearly a decade.

So here we are again.  The latest and greatest budget deadline and once again John Boner claiming tax increases on (rich) American people is off the table.  He is sworn to protect that ever growing massive wealth differential that exists in this country no matter what.  Who gives a F if history proves that a strong middle class is the key to economic viability?  As long as Boner and his cronies are getting kickbacks from the lobbyists and the billions they represent, he will do just as he is told.

So the news that Obama is considering another “compromise” this time putting social security benefits on the table as a gambling chip is just another example of caving in.  Obama needs to grow a set and stop being manipulated.

Now I know he is in a difficult position.  He has to roll the dice.  What looks worse, allowing himself to be pushed around by republicans serving their ultra-wealthy backers, or facing the possibility of a government shutdown by saying “Enough is enough, I am not taking this shit anymore”  I would favor the latter, call their bluff.  If Obama actually would allow republicans to gouge benefits for our senior citizens as a tool to “balance” the budget he would severely erode his already fading support. Stop the madness.

Speaking of cracking under pressure, I plan to be applying a lot of pressure this weekend, as in pressure washer.  I have a couple extra vacation days to use.  I am going to use some of them on Monday and Tuesday.  The main project focus for the 4 day period will be pressure washing, lots of pressure washing.  The pool cage/deck and both sheds are in dire need of descuzzifying.

I think running is still off the menu but biking and swimming will be mixed in there I am sure.  Oh yea, the dogs stink and need a bath. They will be so happy when I carry them to the tub, not.