Election Day was a smashing victory for progressives and middle-class populism. But the deficit hysterics, budget slashers and Social Security haters refuse to heed our voices.
Within hours of the election, the austerity posse was fear-mongering around the so-called “fiscal cliff” and pressuring Washington to accept a “grand bargain” before the end of the year that would slash Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – and plunge us into a double-dip recession.
We spoke out on Election Day. Now we need to speak out louder than ever. We're asking you to sign this petition to tell Congress: No deal that cuts Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. No deal that keeps low tax rates for the rich. No deal that kills jobs with more cuts.
As members of Congress return to Washington this week, a massive coalition has formed to tell those members there are four pillars they must adhere to for any compromise to be accepted by America’s progressive majority.
- End the Bush tax cuts for income over $250,000.
- Invest in jobs, education and infrastructure to grow the economy.
- Reject any cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
- Protect the social safety net.
The Campaign for America's Future joined many of these coalition members in signing an ad that appeared in The Washington Post last week stressing these principles. As that ad, addressed to President Obama and Congress, said, "We voted for strengthening the middle class and putting people back to work—not for job-killing budget cuts and attacks on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid."
These four pillars are the foundation of last week’s resounding election victory for President Obama and progressive lawmakers. Congress needs to know that if it doesn’t follow the will of the people, the people will fight back.
Right now, the austerity cabal is working inside the halls of Congress. It’s time for us to pound on the doors. We must forcefully oppose any budget deal that puts working families and the economic recovery in jeopardy
