Re "Obama's new fiscal strategy: GOP must go first" (Page A10, Dec. 3): I'm so confused.
First, if Bush-era tax cuts are eliminated for just the rich, increased revenue would be $54 billion in 2015 (or 13 percent of the projected $418 billion 2015 budget shortfall). If the tax cuts for the bottom 98 percent of households -- those making under $250,000 a year -- that would bring in $172 billion (or 41.15 percent of the total deficit in 2015). For years, the Bush tax cuts have been excoriated as benefitting the rich. Surely these must be some other tax cuts we are now so worried the middle class will lose?
Second, President Obama and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi say "elections have consequences." Are these the same elections that returned a GOP majority to the House, one of two bodies in the U.S. Constitution responsible for taxing and spending decisions?
Third, the GOP conceded increased taxes from the wealthy in their opening offer, while Obama is seeking no debt limit, billions in new tax revenue -- and spending cuts to be determined at some later point. So why will it be the GOP that forces us over the cliff?
-- Kathleen Beasley, Sacramento
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