Posted on 12/04/2008 3:23:55 PM PST by bruinbirdman
During the campaign, Mr Obama repeatedly promised to submit oil and gas companies to a profits windfall tax, citing the disparity between their huge profits and the struggles of ordinary Americans.
In the summer he said the tax would "help families pay their heating and cooling bills and reduce energy costs".
But the proposal has been quietly dropped from his agenda listed on transition team website's www.change.gov, setting off a storm of protest among liberal bloggers and small business groups.
An aide explained the change by saying: "President-Elect Obama announced the policy during the campaign because oil prices were above $80 per barrel. They are below that now and expected to stay below that."
But the shelving of the proposal was spotted by the California-based Small Business League, which asked if "the sudden elimination of this issue is a further indication that large corporations are already demonstrating their ability to influence the Obama administration".
"President-Elect Obama owes the American people an explanation as to why these campaign promises have been pulled from his agenda," it said.
The League was also disappointed that Mr Obama has dropped a reference that expressed concern that federal contracts designated for small businesses were being awarded to major corporations.
Mr Obama's decision follows indications that he will probably go back on another pledge - to introduce higher taxes for those earning $250,000 (£165,000) or more a year.
David Sirota, writing on the liberal blog Campaign For America's Future, said: "It seems like the Obama team is buying into the right-wing frame that raising any taxes - even those on the richest citizens and wealthiest corporations - is bad for the economy."
Mr Obama's emphatic victory on Nov 4 had left many of his liberal supporters hoping, if not presuming, that he will fulfil the parts
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
I’ve always wondered about the government windfall taxes they collect from the oil/gas companies ... and didn’t do a thing to earn it .....
Not the 1st.
Question for the left: Still think character doesn’t count...?
Oh he would if he could. But the price of oil has dropped way way down. There’s no profits for him to take. If it goes up again, he’ll swoop right in.
Dare we hope his isn’t a socialist, but just an opportunist? I guess an opportunist is preferable....in a choice between two devils.....
Just curious, I can't seem to recall the last "president elect" being given so much press about what he says he will do or won't do. Once elected, we never heard a thing about him or from him until GW took office on 1/20/2001.
Obama aint the president yet
Nor the last.. I don’t think the far left that supported him is going to be very happy by 12 comes around.
Technically, they’re not even windfall profits.
Well, I for one am SHOCKED, SHOCKED I tell ya!
Obama the RINO.
Interesting. It is looking more and more like O-bummer is a typical politician. Say anything to get elected and then “Keep all the promises you intend to keep.”
It's spelled center,not centre; don't the Brits know English??
Yep ... it’s what the liberal Demon-crats call it .... who says what is the definition of a windfall profit?
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
It’s coming. It will be under a different name, but make no mistake - it’s coming.
I believe P.T. Barnum can provide the explanation.
Wahahahahahahahhhaaaaaaaaaaa!( leftist whine)
I don't think real small businesses would object.
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