Artful Dodger:

> Most American feel that in this economy, all tax levels should remain the same.

I think that makes sense, not just in the USA, but in Canada and western Europe. Lowering taxes will just add to a bad deficit (something George W. Bush completely refused to admit in spit4e of the ever increasing costs of the war). Raising taxes will solve the deficit, but take money away from consumers. Obama seems to understand that, but he is too weak to stand up to those Republicans who want tax breaks. At this point in time, it is irresponsible to engage in tax breaks. It was irresponsible of the Bush administration to do it, and it is still irresponsible considering the deficit problem. The government needs to trim the fat, and that means no more bailouts and reducing military spending. Well, the realities of healthcare costs and increasing pressures on the pension system will eventually catch up to our governments. At some point it will be impossible to keep giving free rides to the big monopolies, keep throwing away money in wars, AND provide essential services to those in need. The public will force politicians to chose. Stimulating the economy with tax breaks sounds great and it is always a popular move, but can the government really afford it?