The Fight before Christmas

'Twas the week before Christmas and all through the House
Each rep wished to go home to children and spouse;
When what to their wondering eyes should appear,
But a tax cut expiring at the end of the year.

The Speaker maneuvered to tie its extension
To a pipeline Obama would rather not mention;
But the President managed to win to his side
The bulk of the voters, who fitfully cried:

"On Boehner, Pelosi, McConnell and Reid -
Put cash in the pockets of workers in need!"
And Republicans claimed, 'ere they drove out of sight:
"We had all the votes, but Barack won the fight!"

House Republicans finally caved in the latest high-stakes Washington duel, over a two-month extension of the cut in payroll taxes to 4.2% from 6.2%. The issue provided a means for President Barack Obama to combine middle-class advocacy with tax cutting, a feat of political jiu-jitsu he could use in undermining the GOP House majority. Speaker John Boeher's bid to combine a year-long extension with the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline failed, as both the press and the public saw his party as the obstacle toward tax relief for the average family. 

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As the Night Before Christmas approaches, Dr. Goose wishes a Happy Holiday to all those who will celebrate around the world this weekend, and joins you is wishing Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All.