John King, USA
The latest political news and information on the most important stories affecting you.
December 19th, 2011
08:29 PM ET
Against the Two Month Extension
Rep. Allen West (R-FL) tells CNN's John King that he's against a two month extension of the payroll tax. He'll only support a one year extension.
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John King, USA aired weekdays at 6pm ET. The final show aired June 29, 2012.
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It is expected that Mary Matlin would serve as a shill for the GOP, but when she makes a statement such as she did today, "This [not passing the FICA reductions and extended unemployment compensation] will be insignificant to the 2012 elections." it should be challenged. Millions of people will be severely affected by this failure and to think the 2012 election (almost a year away) is more important is ludicrous and condescending. It should have been challenged.
We know that the GOP represents the interests of the wealthy powers-that-be in the 0.05%, but to openly state they care nothing for the plight of the working class needs to stop.
Congress' standoff over the payroll tax extension is the latest in a litany of sad examples of the split in the GOP directly caused by the intransigence of the tea party. It is a problem that even McCain admits should be remembered come election time next November. America is positively tired of the puerile bickering over "principals" that become mindless and otiose in the face of economic realities. My prediction is that our political system is on a landslide to absolute mediocrity, to which the answer must be term limits. I am convinced with all of my being that that is the ONLY answer to this truly sad spectacle. If the primary motivator of these children is turned from getting re-elected to doing what is right, we would likely begin to return to normalcy. Again, I am positive this is the only answer. Steve Gibbins