Everywhere I turn, I see optimism that Republicans will negotiate in good faith. I hate to be a wet blanket, but the Republican Party has a long history of playing Lucy, while Democrats play Charlie Brown. For example, remember that Chuck “snake in the” Grassley (R-IA) bragged about how he delayed ObamaCare long enough for Republicans to mount a propaganda blitz by pretending to negotiate with Democrats. It especially concerns me that Paul “Lyin’” Ryan is now the point man for negations to head off the fiscal speed-bump, improperly called a cliff.
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) has tapped Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and two other senior Republicans for key roles as he prepares for negotiations on the fiscal cliff with the White House and Democratic leaders.
The Speaker is adding Ryan and Reps. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and Dave Camp (R-Mich.) to his daily management meetings “in preparation for the fiscal cliff talks,” Boehner spokesman Michael Steel said. Those meetings already include the top four members of the House Republican leadership team.
Ryan, the recently defeated GOP vice presidential nominee, is continuing as chairman of the House Budget Committee while Upton leads the Energy and Commerce Committee and Camp heads the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee…
Inserted from <The Hill>
Ed Schultz covered this story with Bill Pascrell and Robert Reich.
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Putting Paul Ryan in charge of so-called fiscal-cliff negotiations is the equivalent of putting the fox in charge of guarding the hen house. Robert Reich is spot-on. Ryan represents privatizing Social Security and Medicare and gutting Medicaid.
I would like nothing better than to be told “I told you so” by those who are optimistic about Republicans’ intent. However, until then, holding the line against Republicans’ attempts to hold America hostage is imperative.
8 Responses to “Lyin’ Ryan and the Fiscal Cliff”
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Well TC– I sure won't say 'I told you so " lol– I am more pessimistic as well– Never Trust anybody who says –'Trust me' a — so when all the screaming is over and papers signed- I will be relieved –but most likely surprised– You cannot negotiate in good faith with Sociopaths– only a fool expects honor from them–
Well said, Phyllis.
Robert Reich — "… and the Republicans seem not to have remembered who won the election …" — Wasn't it McConnell who, after the results of the election were announced, said Mr Obama did not have a mandate from the American people and should resign? Yet here we are with Mr Obama clearly having a popular vote majority of over half a million voters.
As proof that Boehner, and the Republican/Teabaggers, are not going to play ball, he brought in LYIN' Ryan who campaigned on cuts to, or more appropriately total remodelling of, Medicare, Medicaid, and SS along with closing some loop holes, which of course were never articulated.
This is not Monty Hall's "Let's Make a Deal"! This is the US Congress where representatives are expected to do the people's business, not their own, and the election confirmed that. I like the tone of Nancy Pelosi's reply to a question — the "hell no" tough on Republicans. I did not like Bill Pascrell as he seemed to be doing some double speak. Is he a DINO?
The Republican's have proven over and over again that they have no honour — they do not keep promises. They speak for the convenience of today knowing that they have their fingers crossed behind their collective backs, changing their minds at their will. Mr Obama and the Democrats must stand firm for the people.
You understand this perfectly.
As Lynn said "The Republican's have proven over and over again that they have no honour — they do not keep promises. They speak for the convenience of today knowing that they have their fingers crossed behind their collective backs, changing their minds at their will. Mr Obama and the Democrats must stand firm for the people." – absolutely and utterly right – is has driven me frantic over the last few years, when experienced Democratic politicians (who I really would have thought would have known better) have swallowed the Repuglicons incessant lies! Be Firm, President Obama and ALL the Democrats!
Amen, Pat!
My head is still spinning over this one.
Lyin' Ryan, the wonky one on the fiscal committee!
Don't they understand he was rejected by the populace along with Mittens?
That's why it's indicative that they do not care.