Anybody Doubt the Tea Partiers in the House Want a Bad Economy?

The House GOP’s refusal to pass the extension of the payroll tax cut and unemployment insurance that the Senate passed overwhelmingly isn’t just silly, it’s hurting the economy right now, this very minute.

70% of our economy is consumer spending, this is the week before Christmas (kind of a significant week for consumer spending!), and Americans faced with an increase in their tax bill (typically about $1,000) or a cut-off in their unemployment benefits are probably going to spend less this season.

With the surprise and disappointment of the weekend, they might be returning stuff today, rather than buying more.

Those conservatives in the House sure are revolting, in more ways than one.

 

No Free Rolls If You Drive a Rolls

The Republicans are being difficult (what else is new?) about extending the payroll tax cut set to expire at the end of this year.

They want to pay for it by preventing those who earn $1 million or more a year from receiving unemployment benefits or food stamps.

It’s about time.  I’m sick and tired of watching people buy groceries with food stamps and then drive off in their Aston Martins and Ferraris.