Posted on 12/14/2010 10:00:01 AM PST by Libloather
George W. Bush: Stop Calling Them "Bush Tax Cuts"
Posted by Mary Dooe
December 14, 2010 10:59 AM
George W. Bush suggested in a radio interview on Monday that the debate over extending tax cuts in Washington might be made easier by using a phrase other than "Bush tax cuts."
In the interview, conservative talk radio host Scott Hennen said that three of the most used words in politics in the last few months have been "Bush tax cuts." That's because of the debate raging over whether and how to extend the cuts, which were established in 2001 and 2003 and are set to expire at the end of this year.
**SNIP**
Despite widespread opposition among Democrats to extending the Bush tax cuts for the highest earners, Hennen then added: "Right now [there is] recognition of members of Congress of both sides that we need to keep your tax policy in place. Does that feel like a vindication?"
"Well, I wish they woulda called it something other than the Bush tax cuts," Mr. Bush responded. "There'd probably be less angst amongst some to pass it."
The former president went on to argue that lower taxes are good policy.
"I do believe it's very important to send the signal to our entrepreneurs and our families that the government trusts them to spend their own money," he said. "And I happen to believe lower taxes is what stimulates economic growth and what we need now in our country is economic growth."
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
“I do believe it’s very important to send the signal to our entrepreneurs and our families that the government trusts them to spend their own money,” he said. “And I happen to believe lower taxes is what stimulates economic growth and what we need now in our country is economic growth.”
It’s just part of it , GW.
it’s our money................
He is too modest. They should continue to call them the “Bush tax cuts’, because that’s what they are.
And besides, It pisses off Oblama liberals.
Bush still having a hard time connecting the dots between low taxes and LESS GOVERNMENT (”compassionate conservatism” (translation: “more government”) notwithstanding).
Exactly, it probably increase the blood pressure of liberals 20 points every time they hear that phrase.
Hewitt didn't just read W's book, he studied it before the interview. Without doubt some of the most insightful questions asked of W about his presidency. And as a result, Bush's responses revealed an intellectual depth most media were never interested in exploring. The man is well-read.
Extraordinary interview.
I agree. It PO’s libtards. Better “Bush Tax Cuts” than “Obamacare’.
A truly compassionate conservative is interested in results — not throwing (other people's) money at perceived problems, because it feels good (like a liberal). If you were to eliminate the government programs that don't work (or are counterproductive); there would be plenty of money freed up to spend on programs that do help, while still reducing taxes.
Also, study the Laffer Curve. Lower taxes don't necessarily lead to less government — they may actually produce more government revenue. Some of that revenue could be used to reduce the debt.
Lower taxes promote economic growth. Lower government debt promotes economic growth. Economic growth produces more economic opportunities for people. More economic opportunities = fewer people relying on social welfare programs. That's something a compassionate conservative would hope to achieve — and it's something that sets him apart from a tax-and-spend liberal.
Obama Tax Increases
America’s tax cuts!
How about calling it the "Bush tax-rates". Because extending them won't lower taxes a single penny. The Democrats are all about lying, as if extending them for some is "tax cuts for the middle-class" which it is not it just keeps them at the current tax level. Lower taxes are good policy, but we aren't arguing for lower taxes, just keeping them from going higher! Arghhh!
The reason that Democrats and their allies in the media call them “Bush tax cuts” is because they still believe that most Americans hate GWB. The Dems believe that this will turn public sentiment against the tax cuts. If the Dems had their way ALL tax rates on anyone making over $50,000 would go up.
We should call them “re instating the Clinton Tax increases”
From 2003 to 2008, overall Federal Tax revenues INCREASED by 35% while the Economy expanded and there was a record 53 months of sustained month to month Job Growth.
Saying Tax Cuts somehow makes the typical ignorant Citizen believe that Tax revenues were reduced because the Evil Rich somehow didn't pay their “fair share”. Of course the opposite was true, as the Evil Rich paid a larger percentage of the overall Taxes collected.
The Laffer Curve is vindicated once again.
I don’t like the term “Bush tax cuts” or. .more specifically, the term “tax cuts.” It’s a “tax rate” and that’s it. All this talk about “tax cuts” implies a lowering from the norm and that returning to the “norm” is to be expected. Lowering tax rates should be seen as moving toward the norm. Democrats want to keep raising the tax rates and will do so until we have a 100% tax rate, in other words, socialism.
If you think I'm saying tax cuts are somehow the same as cutting the size of government, you missed the point of my statement. Bush cut taxes but sadly and dangerously increased the size of government (his "compassionate conservatism" agenda). BTW, cutting the deficit does NOT promote but stifles economic growth IF taxes are raised to do it. The only way to balance the debt is REDUCE GOVERNMENT. The only way to stimulate the economy, as far as the government is concerned, is CUT TAXES.
Government economic programs that "feel good" or we might "think" works doesn't change the reality of historic fact. Sound economic theory and historical fact show that the best anti-poverty program is free-market capitalism. Examples include Reagan's tax and government cuts in the 80's, Chile's dramatic economic turn around in the 70's after they abandoned command economies for the free market, and of course America before the 1930's. Government economic programs consistently fail miserably and almost always include, as has been reported lately, "unintentional" detrimental effects. The best thing government can do regarding the economy is STAY OUT.
I think what Reagan once said is a good summation of things like Bush's failed "compassionate conservativism": "The scariest words in the English language are,'Hi, I'm from the government and I'm here to help you.'"
I actually agree with your points. I was trying to set out how (in the ideal) compassionate conservatism could work. How it isn't an oxymoron. I did say that “feel good” programs should be eliminated & only ones that really work, without harmful side effects, should be retained. (That may mean eliminating a majority of existing government programs.) Also, economic growth is the best social program.
I agree! I also heard him do a terrific interview with Michael Medved yesterday. George W. Bush is a very wise, very underestimated man, and moral. He is staying the course.
In fact, Obama's only successes will be continuation of Bush policies: Afghanistan and lower taxes.
Thanks for the recommendation. Maybe Hewitt will replay the interview today?? Mr. President 43 sure made me sit up and listen during his interview with Medved yesterday too. The man understands how things work, in life as well as in government, and he understands how a legacy evolves.
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