House of Representatives?

Dear Madame L,

I just read an online article about the latest ploy by Republicans in the House of Representatives to slow down the economy and make poor people suffer even more as the holidays approach and the New Year waits to be rung in.

Here's the first part of the article:

"(Reuters) - With a tax cut for 160 million U.S. workers set to expire in less than two weeks, Republicans and Democrats in Congress on Monday were mired in a last-ditch battle over extending it.

"In a surprise turnabout, Republicans in the House of Representatives are now pushing for a one-year extension of the payroll tax cut and have rejected a short-term compromise struck by Republicans and Democrats in the Senate during the weekend.

"House Republicans initially opposed renewing the tax break, which expires on December 31, after expressing skepticism that it would boost the economy as the White House claimed."

Madame L, I was surprised to read that anyone thought this was a "surprise turnabout." Why are we surprised any more when Rep. Boehner and his gang change their minds? They're just going back to their original position, of opposing the payroll tax cut. I'm guessing they were just disappointed that the Senate didn't make it easier for them.

What do you think, Madame L?

Sincerely,

Not Surprised, But Still Puzzled, And Speechless

Dear Not Surprised,

Madame L is also not surprised, still puzzled, but not speechless, though close to it. You've summed up the situation very well, and Madame L can only add this:

Dear Gentle and Concerned Readers, Please write to your Members of Congress to urge them to stop playing political games with our lives and our economy.

Here's the contact information: 

House of Representatives Contact List

Senate Contact List

If we want to be represented, we must make our views known. As always, Madame L urges all her Dear Readers to make their views known, even if their views are different from hers.

Best Wishes,

Madame L