Taxes

nytimes.com
March 16, 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/17/opinion/a-republican-talks-sense-on-taxes.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=taxes&st=cse

Summary-
    Some new ideas are emerging from the Republican side in Congress. New proposed bills involve a 5% surtax on income above $1 million, and an amendment to the constitution requiring a balanced budget. It is acknowledged that passing an amendment would be too difficult, but the ideas are still present. One problem, however, is creating wider support from both parties.

Connection-
    Through a brief mention in class of how large just the interest on the federal debt is during a discussion about potentially large issues in the now current race for president, the article connects to class. Both parties seem to be aiming to present a more effective image to the American public, and President Obama is looking for the same thing. If a reasonable budget cutting bill were to pass, people would be fighting for the credit left and right.

Personal Reaction-
    Nothing is going to pass that will significantly change the current budget cuts any time soon. Too much fighting happened over the most recent budget cutting attempts, and any that try to change things now are simply stirring up chaos in Congress, which already moves slowly without pointless attempts like this.