Payroll tax cut extension

Republicans and Democrats are arguing over the payroll tax cut extension.
Without congressional action, the popular payroll tax holiday will expire at year's end, effectively raising the taxes of more than 150 million working Americans. The sooner we put this useless partisan charade behind us, the sooner we can protect our middle-class from a payroll tax increase.
Major sticking points are big spending cuts and a clause to go ahead with the controversial construction of an oil pipeline from Canada to Texas.
The Democrats cite concerns about safety and the environment.
Republicans argue that the project will create tens of thousands of jobs. The payroll tax refers to the Social Security tax on every working American's paycheck.
The rate was lowered this year to 4.2 percent from the normal 6.2 percent, saving the typical family about $1,000 a year. 
Just as the economy is showing week signs of trying to recover is not the time to mess things up. This is not the time to argue. It's time to take action and keep this great country of our going.
Since both parties seem to thing we need to get this extension, in the words of Nancy Regan "just do it". Find the way.
We need to contact our representative and make our voice heard.

12-17-2011
...and it seems they listened.
The U.S. Senate cast a last-minute vote Saturday to keep the government funded for the rest of fiscal 2012 and also approved a deal to extend for two months a payroll-tax break and federal unemployment insurance.
The vote on the spending package came as a looming government shutdown forced action on a bill that touches almost every type of federal program.
Saturday's vote assures that the government will be funded for the remainder of the fiscal year.

12-21-11
 ...or maybe they didn't get it yet. It seems the Republicans will not accept a two months Band Aid and the Democrats can't agree on a bill that covers a whole year. Once again, we are left to deal with the consequences. Paying higher taxes for some and for others losing unemployment benefits.

12-23-11
...and it's on again...for two months.
Obama signed it so we are safe for a little while longer.