The deal, in a nutshell: The only change most people will see is a 2% cut in their paychecks.

[reformist2]

The tax increases on the wealthy are less than most of us expected, and the spending cuts to defense are delayed yet again. On the flip side, spending cuts to Medicare and SS and other safety net programs are also delayed, for now.

My comments: I suppose I should applaud Obama and the Dems for the "win" on getting tax rates to increase for the wealthiest Americans, but I can't help feeling a little disappointed. Change in this country comes at a glacial pace.

[Buzz Clik]

1. When you have loud, strong voices on both sides refusing to budge, ....

.... it is a miracle we get anything done at all.

[loknar]

2. By most people, do you mean poorish and middle classish working stiffs?

Because that doesn't seem right.

[bowens43]

3. Democrats have now validated

the republican/conservative bullshit that tax cuts stimulate the economy.

We have embraced the economic bullshit pushed by Reagan, Bush and Grover Norquest. We have out bushed bush.

[CJCRANE]

8. Not really, this is "middle out" not "trickle down".

Middle class tax cuts, not tax cuts for the rich.

The rich don't spend their surplus cash so giving them tax cuts (to stimulate the economy) is pointless.

[SCliberal091294]

4. its a way better deal than romneys

[hobbit709]

5. That's like asking do you want to die from smallpox or the plague?

[riqster]

6. Put another way, I am back to paying into my Social Security account

I'm OK with that.

[reformist2]

7. I'm fine with that too, but it's like they did nothing else.

[riqster]

9. We also kept unemployment bennies coming,

...an AMT patch (whew), child tax credits, and other important items.

Not perfect, but the best deal we have gotten in about 13 years.