December 6th, 2010

This evening, the President announced a “compromise” with the GOP.

“Do you allow yourself to be held hostage and get something done for the sake of getting something done, when in fact it might be perverse in its ulimate results? It’s almost like the question of do you negotiate with terrorists.” – Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)

 

“Menendez I think is spot on. You can’t negotiate with terrorists or Republicans these days. They’ve been on an economic jihad against the middle class for decades and they’re determined to blow up any vote that Democrats put on the table.” — Ed

 

“Threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.” – Definition of terrorism in The Free Dictionary

Menendez said it’s almost like negotiating with terrorists,

Which I agree with (except for the “almost” on which he insists).

One would think that fighting this battle would be politically heaven-sent,

Since very few folks are in favor tax cuts for the top two percent.

Majorities in Congress, 84% of Dems, 64% of Indies, and 52% of Repubs all agree it’s unhealthy

To extend tax cuts for the super-wealthy.

That didn’t stop the GOP from taking the middle class and unemployed

As hostages to the wealthy interests by which they’re employed.

$140 billion for the rich is a pretty steep price,

Especially when extorted by thugs who don’t play nice.

Unfortunately, Mel’s hardline approach usually doesn’t work

(Usually one wants presidents to be a little less prone to go beserk).

Standing up to hostage takers and terrorists is an easier position

When you’re not the one that has to make that life-and-death decision.

The problem with kidnappers and terrorists is that even when you pay,

Sometimes the hostage gets killed anyway.

In two years, we’ll have to go through this all again–

Hopefully things will work out better then.

Hopefully in two years, the economy (and Obama’s numbers) will be stronger,

And we won’t have to put up with this Republican terrorism any longer.

***

Here’s the trailor for the movie (I watched it a few nights ago on HBO) which inspired our title. And remember, a few years after Ransom came Payback.

Here’s President Obama’s statement.

Here’s Chris Matthews’ 12/06/10 panel discussion.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Comments

2 Responses to “Ransom (or, Negotiating With Terrorists)”

1. Newsericks » Blog Archive » Hostage Rescue 101 Says:
   December 10th, 2010 at 2:23 pm

   [...] Ransom (or, Negotiating With Terrorists) [...]

2. Newsericks » Blog Archive » Payback (or, My Secret but Risky Plan to Turn the Tables on the GOP) Says:
   December 10th, 2010 at 2:34 pm

   [...] Ransom (or, Negotiating With Terrorists) [...]

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