I reported on Wednesday that Republicans in the House had attached a provision to the payroll tax cut extension that would expedite the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. I also reported that Democrats in the Senate had said that they would not pass the bill with that attachment. They believed it amounted to holding the payroll tax cut hostage.
Well, the Senate Democrats decided to give in to the hostage-takers demands. The Senate passed an amazing (please hear the sarcasm) two month extension of the payroll tax cut and kept the attached provision that demands the president make a decision on the pipeline within 60 days. For as long as we the people will get an extension of a 2% tax cut, President Obama must decide whether or not to approve a pipeline that is covered in controversy. I can't believe that the bill passed the Senate Democrats with such a short extension of the tax break. Is it even worth it to us average citizens?
The last firewall between the pipeline becoming a reality is President Obama. Over and over again, the President has promised to veto the bill if brought to him with a pipeline provision. He is the last stand between what he says and what he does. Will he keep his promise to veto or will he approve it for a measly two month tax cut extension? Treehugger.com reported that the president was thinking of giving in to Republican demands, as of yesterday. Although we won't know until he actually gets the bill in front of him, it is an environmentally horrifying prospect.
President Obama already put off this decision until after the election year. He didn't want to have to upset labor unions or environmentalists who are a critical component of his reelection bid. If he signs this bill, he risks upsetting either group of individuals. However, President Obama needs to realize this is about more than his reelection. It's about keeping his word, and it's about protecting our national resources that are put at risk with the proposed pipeline. He needs to ask himself - if he is seriously considering on caving - whether or not a tax cut for two months is worth his presidency. If he signs this bill, not only is he expediting his own downfall, he will also shred any credibility he may now hold with anyone. Two months is not worth it, Mr. President. If you sign it, you will without a doubt become Curly to the House and Senate's Moe and Larry. Stand up and be strong Mr. President. Show us your balls.
Well, the Senate Democrats decided to give in to the hostage-takers demands. The Senate passed an amazing (please hear the sarcasm) two month extension of the payroll tax cut and kept the attached provision that demands the president make a decision on the pipeline within 60 days. For as long as we the people will get an extension of a 2% tax cut, President Obama must decide whether or not to approve a pipeline that is covered in controversy. I can't believe that the bill passed the Senate Democrats with such a short extension of the tax break. Is it even worth it to us average citizens?
The last firewall between the pipeline becoming a reality is President Obama. Over and over again, the President has promised to veto the bill if brought to him with a pipeline provision. He is the last stand between what he says and what he does. Will he keep his promise to veto or will he approve it for a measly two month tax cut extension? Treehugger.com reported that the president was thinking of giving in to Republican demands, as of yesterday. Although we won't know until he actually gets the bill in front of him, it is an environmentally horrifying prospect.
President Obama already put off this decision until after the election year. He didn't want to have to upset labor unions or environmentalists who are a critical component of his reelection bid. If he signs this bill, he risks upsetting either group of individuals. However, President Obama needs to realize this is about more than his reelection. It's about keeping his word, and it's about protecting our national resources that are put at risk with the proposed pipeline. He needs to ask himself - if he is seriously considering on caving - whether or not a tax cut for two months is worth his presidency. If he signs this bill, not only is he expediting his own downfall, he will also shred any credibility he may now hold with anyone. Two months is not worth it, Mr. President. If you sign it, you will without a doubt become Curly to the House and Senate's Moe and Larry. Stand up and be strong Mr. President. Show us your balls.
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