AFL-CIO and SEIU want TAXES

As the "fiscal cliff" doomsday draws nearer, it seems that both President Obama and Speaker of the House John Boehner are willing to work together to come to a compromise to solve the fiscal crisis before it arrives. Heck- even David Axelrod said he was "pleased with Mr. Boehner's willingess to discuss the possibility of increasing tax revenues by eliminating tax deductions and tax loopholes". President Obama has also agreed to meet with both union leaders and business leaders to hear their ideas. It looks like we may actually have a functioning government again But hold on- don't get the ticker tape ready just yet. While I applaud the willingness of all these parties to come together, it seems that the unions still have one thing on their mind- raising taxes on the wealthy. Leaders from AFL-CIO and SEIU, just to name a few, have already stated that they want to see taxes raised on wealthy Americans to help solve the looming "fiscal cliff". Peter Colvalito, president of government affairs for SEIU, stated that he wants to make sure "the president holds true to his promise of raising taxes on individuals who make more than $200,000 a year and on families that make more than $250,000 a year. Personally, I don't believe in raising taxes on anyone- especially when we are still working to get out of an economic slump. And remind me- wasn't it former President Bill Clinton who stated only a few months ago that taxes shouldn't be raised on anyone in times of a recession? And how much do this union leaders make?- In my opinion, they should be the first to shove out their cash if a tax on the wealthy is imposed. Now don't get me wrong- I'm all in favor of giving a little to get a little. What John Boehner has offered is fair- even though many conservatives don't even want that. You could raise more revenue by eliminating certain deductions and by closing certain loopholes than by raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans. And I'm glade to see President Obama agreeing to discuss the details of the plan in return for entitlement form as well. My major concern is that the president will listen to these union leaders instead of his own conscience. Either way, I just hope we can avoid a tax increase on all Americans within the next few weeks. Yours in honesty, SGS