Wake up to the idea of shared sacrifice

USA! Our credit and credibility may take a big hit. The Republican solution to debt they created? Let's hit the middle class and poor - squeeze the budget enough that the wealthy can keep paying lower taxes than needed to support vital public services.

When Republicans self-righteously proclaim opposition to raising taxes, don't think they're advocating for us. They care about the top 5 percent of the population who control 62 percent of net worth. Forget the bottom 80 percent of the population, who control 15 percent of net worth. Republicans don't want us to figure out what they mean: We don't deserve the promises given for Social Security and Medicare taxes we contributed and they spent. It's “better” to preserve the dysfunctional, wealth-serving Bush tax cuts.

Speaker of the House John Boehner advances the argument that low taxes for the wealthy stimulate job creation. How stupid do we look? We've had those tax breaks for a decade. Big business, flush with cash, is reluctant to add employees. They fear default and economic collapse. If compromise (spending cut/revenue increase) happens and avoids default, the economy will take off. (Republicans would hate that.)

Why aren't low taxes working to create jobs now? What dreamer believes they ever will?

It's time for shared sacrifice. Those most richly blessed are morally obligated to contribute their fair share. (They don't.) Spread the secret.

Roger Johanson

Lisbon