Bush Tax-Cut Extension to Take Place After Elections

     Democrats have chosen to postpone the vote on whether or not to extend the Bush Tax-Cuts until after the upcoming elections, leaving voters in question as to whether their taxes will increase in the upcoming year.  Knowing that the Democrats would not have the 60 votes needed to go through with their tax position, waiting until the deadline is, "the only realistic way to address it" (Richard Durbin).  

     Tax issues have become an important issue heading into November's mid-term elections.  Republicans across the board appear in favor of continuing the entire Bush-Era Cuts, and be extended in the middle of the economic slump.  Not only Republicans feel strongly towards this decision, many Democrats also believe that now is not the time to raise taxes at any income level.

     The Democrats decided not to have a debate on the tax issue and are now facing the question, Do we raise taxes in the middle of a very tough economy?  On the one hand the Republicans (and some Democrats) believe it would be a crippling idea, but the Democrats have sworn that the decision that's made will not be against the will of the American public.  Despite voters following Republican policies, Democrats who are still in control of the chamber will fight for their priorities.

     In my opinion I feel that now is not the time to raise taxes.  Raising taxes may hurt any progress that has been made so far towards pulling out of our economic lows.  I usually feel positive towards higher taxation on the upper class, but now I think we should ride these tax cuts out for at least another year.  It seems that many Americans feel this way, and all-in-all it seems to be the right thing to do.  I'm unsure as to why the Democrats are waiting until post-November to vote on the issue, but the smart thing to do (for Democrats) would be to listen to their voters and decide along those lines, keeping party support.  WashingtonTimes