>>>In addition to being a lock on the list of the most memorable new phrases of 2012, the so-called fiscal cliff has to be on the short list of the most misrepresented issues. Taken straight off today's news wire, here is John Boehner saying with a straight face that it is a tax hike on the rich.
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>>>http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/05/politics/fiscal-cliff/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
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>>>He is correct that they will be paying more taxes than they are now. What he leaves out is that the tax rate for all Americans was reduced during the Bush administration (with bipartisan support) for a limited time. That time period has been extended at least once and is now scheduled to expire at the end of the year. President Obama has agreed to extend the tax rate cut for all but the richest 1-2% of Americans, those with reported earnings over $250,000 a year. Yes, you read that right. Almost all of us will be paying less taxes than than we would if the temporary tax cut expires as scheduled. The Republicans are going to the wall for the top 1-2%. Think about that.
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>>>Obama said repeatedly during the campaign that he did not want to extend the tax cut for the wealthiest. This was said and debated many, many times. His position could not have been more clear. He won the election. Now the House Republicans want to have their way anyway. Is there something wrong with this picture?
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>>You just don't get it. I understand that things didn't work out for you, professionally and family-wise. And I am sorry for that.
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>>But for a family of two professionals that have a career of 25 or more years, making 250K is not out of the ordinary. And they are not rich; even though they belong to the 1-2% of higher earners. If you live in NYC you will pay more than 50% for every dollar you make (federal, state, property, fees, etc.) And not much less in my liberal state.
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>Dmitry,
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>I have always considered you a pal and someone I respect so I hope this is not a permanent rift. But I am still steamed at you about what you said about my family. It was both malicious and inaccurate.
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>Yes, my ex-wife and I are divorced. As are about 50 percent of American couples. We are on excellent terms now and talk regularly, mostly about our daughters. I have often taken care of her dog when she is away. I went to her dad's and mom's funerals and was greeted warmly by many people. There truly is no animosity.
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>Our daughters are now in college, aged 22 and 20. They are not estranged from me, they just are young adults who are moving on with their lives, as young adults do. They were both here for four days over Thanksgiving. They will be here again over Christmas, the schedule still indeterminate given the fluid schedules of 20 somethings.
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>If you want to be pissed off at me over politics, fine, go ahead. This is a pretty pissed off country. But don't go after my family or me on a personal basis. That's over the line.
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>Mike

Mike,

I am very sorry if I offended you regarding your personal family situation.