Delaware Liberal

What unusual distinction is shared by these Christmas-y songs? "The Christmas Song," "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Silver Bells," "White Christmas" and, in part, "Sleigh Ride" and "Winter Wonderland"?

There is a lot to like in this short statement by John Carney on the House Republicans plan to oppose the tax cut extension passed 89-10 by the Senate.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative John Carney (D-DE) released the following statement tonight after House Republicans announced their intention to vote down a payroll tax cut extension passed overwhelmingly by the Senate: “Tomorrow, House Republicans intend to vote down a payroll tax cut passed overwhelmingly by Senate. Tea Party Republicans are playing games and manufacturing crises. “The bill passed by the Senate isn’t perfect, but it ensures that middle class families don’t receive a tax hike in January, and it gives us time to pass a broader package. I hope that House Republicans come to their senses -- and soon.”

That pretty much hits...

Congressman John Carney recently went to Afghanistan. Upon his return he released this statement. [In anything like this, there is usually a bunch of congratulating the troops on doing such a great, professional job. There is some of that, but not as much as I'd expect. Anyway, I'll cut that stuff out and just post the meat.]

The answer is...be a part of the plutocratic 1% and enjoy unimaginable wealth, or be a part of the technocratic 2% and enjoy very impressive wealth, or be a part of the impoverished 97%. The outlook for the American style, post-war, semi-affluent middle class is pretty dang bleak.

Republicans sure are a fickle lot. I see now that Gingrich is coming back to Earth and now Ron Paul is the flavor of the month. With the latest Public Policy Polling survey showing Newt Gingrich fading fast in Iowa, Nate Silver's forecasting model gives Ron Paul a 44% chance of winning Iowa, Mitt Romney a 32% chance of winning, while Gingrich's chances have sunk to just 15%.