Common Sense

The Republicans are offering a deal to raise the minimum wage, but only with a cut in the estate tax.

A package GOP leaders planned to bring to a vote Friday or Saturday in the House also would renew several popular tax breaks, including a research and development credit for businesses, and deductions for college tuition and state sales taxes, said a spokesman for House Majority Leader John Boehner.

The wage would increase from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour, phased in over the next three years, said Kevin Madden, the aide to Boehner, an Ohio Republican.

The maneuver is aimed at defusing the wage hike as a campaign issue for Democrats while using its popularity to spur enactment of the Republican Party’s long-sought goal of permanently cutting taxes on millionaires’ estates.

The Senate could take it up next week before leaving on a monthlong recess.

The Democrats are expressing outrage and so am I.

“It’s political blackmail to say the only way that minimum wage workers can get a raise is to give a tax giveaway to the wealthiest Americans,” said Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. “Members of Congress raised their own pay – no strings attached. Surely, common decency suggests that minimum wage workers deserve the same respect.”

“It’s outrageous the Republican Congress can’t simply help poor people without doing something for their wealthy contributors,” said Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio.

I am tired of hearing hearing Republicans and rich people complain about the estate tax. ‘Oh, I shouldn’t be punished for being wealthy.’ Boohoo, I have no fucking sympathy for you. Quit your fucking bitching. They should be on their knees thanking God that they get to pay taxes to support the greatest country in the world. Poor people don’t have that luxury.

Short story shorter, rich people suck donkey balls and the Democrats should do everything they can to to get the minimum wage raise voted on separately. A separate bill, anything.