President says he hasn’t raised taxes … five months after raising taxes
In February, President Obama signed a bill that more than doubled the federal tax on cigarettes, so why is he telling BusinessWeek he hasn't raised taxes?
During an interview with BusinessWeek, President Obama said he has yet to raise any taxes, however, back in February, he signed a bill that more than doubled the cigarette tax.
From BusinessWeek:
Question: A lot of business leaders consider you to be antibusiness. I was struck when I attended the Aspen Institute Ideas Festival. [Council of Economic Advisers member] Austan Goolsbee was speaking, and he hit a fairly hostile audience. These are wealthy, fairly progressive older people who had tended to support you, but they seemed very upset about corporate taxes, individual taxes, card check, all sorts of things you’re doing that they perceived as not helpful to them. What can you say to those people?
Answer: Let’s look at the record. I’ve been in office six months. So far my only tax policy has been to cut taxes for 95% of working people. I haven’t signed a bill that’s raised taxes yet.
Yes, let’s look at the record. The president has signed a bill that’s raised taxes. The $33 billion expansion of SCHIP, which the president signed on Feb. 4, was funded through an increase in cigarette taxes. From the LA Times:
The measure — funded primarily by increasing the federal tax on cigarettes by 61 cents, to $1 a pack — sailed through the House earlier Wednesday on a largely party-line vote of 290 to 135. The Senate overwhelmingly approved the bill last week.
What’s more, the cigarette tax broke a campaign promise to not raise taxes on anyone making less than $250,000 a year.
LIAR !!
Kevin said July 31, 2009.
Why is “our” president not running the country? It seems I see him on the TV more than I have ever seen any president. I see that he is campaigning all over America for this and that — who is running our government? Surely there is more to accomplish each day than just the “healthcare bill”.
I want to know — who is running our government?
Audry said July 31, 2009.
“Audrey”
That’s what the CZARS are for!
James said July 31, 2009.
Obama has never raised taxes.
I am not taking over the car industry.
You will keep your doctor and insurance if you like it.
There is no terror, only man-made catastrophes.
The surge will not work.
Oceania is not, and has never been, at war with Eurasia.
Oceania has always been at war with Eurasia.
Winston Smith said July 31, 2009.
Don’t blame the liar–he’s a politician. Blame the Newsweek reporter, he’s the one that’s not doing his job and hurting innocent people in the process.
James Moore said July 31, 2009.
Well, Duh!! He didn’t raise taxes! CONGRESS raised taxes! Why are you all picking on THE Annointed one so?
Of course when Bush was in, it was all his fault and not congress… But hey… come to think of it. It still is Bush’s fault! Yeah Yeah! Thats the ticket!!!!
NTxOkie said July 31, 2009.
Our Orator in Chief will simply say ‘ federal income taxes ” have not been raised. I remember when Reagan said ” These are not new taxes, they are revenue enhancers ” Just like the guy in the next cube, he’s not an a**kisser, ” he’s a corporate backdoor embracement specialist ” that ” enjoys close contact with his boss for positive feedback “. Spray whipped cream on doggie doo, looks good, smells good, it’s still doggie doo……….
El Kabong said July 31, 2009.
The most sinister characteristic Democrats would always pin on Bush was that he was a Liar. It wasn’t true and they could never prove it, but it sounded good, and it helped get Erkle elected. Now we have Erkle, who is a total liar as president, and the morons who thought Bush was a liar think he is perfection on earth. Ironic, isn’t it?
DBC said July 31, 2009.
Obamateurism of the Day
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/08/03/obamateurism-of-the-day-90/
StewartIII said Aug. 3, 2009.