So you still think the "middle" class was exempt from this tax "deal"?

Here's what I've been saying, someone making $30,000, their taxes will raise more proportionally than someone making between $200,000 and $500,000.

In other words, never believe what a politician says, believe only what they do.

Congressman Bill Johnson said in this statement on 1/2/13: "Now that an agreement has been reached to prevent going over the fiscal cliff and permanently cut taxes on 99 percent of the American people" 

 He's playing fast and loose with facts and using George Orwell speak to confuse us.

The real number is 80% of all taxpayers will pay more taxes, due to his vote.

In 2001 the "Bush" tax cuts went into effect.

This, so called, fiscal cliff deal merely extended or made permanent the tax cuts that took effect in 2001, with the exception of those making more the $400,000/yr.

So, his vote did not cut any taxes, it did the exact opposite.  This "deal" raised the social security payroll taxes by 2% of one's income.  So if you make $50,000 a year, you'll pay an additional $1000.

Yet, this Congressman tries to have us believe that tax bill he voted for only raised taxes on those with income above $400,000 and "cut taxes on 99% of the American people"!!!

Bottom line is Bill Johnson's vote did this:

• made permanent (as permanent as things are in Washington) the tax rates that have been in effect since 2001

• That is with the exception of those making over $400,000, their rates went up.

• Raised social security tax (on everyone) an additional 2%

• The net result of this joke of an unneeded bill and all the fake hystericals around it, is this.  One making $30k/yr ends up paying more taxes proportionally than one making 200k - 500k.

• Raised the death tax rate to 40%.  So a son who inherits his father's farming operation has to pay an additional 5% tax(this is on top of the original 35%), just to keep the farm in the family.  We've got a real joke of a government It's sickening to think of all the local government officials smirking with anticipation when they hear about a local wealthy individual on their death beds.....wondering what their cut will be.

That's a far cry from Johnson's claim he "cut taxes on 99% of the American people".  I'd try to explain away this vote if I were him, as it is exactly opposite of what he said he would do in the past!  What is it about Washington that sucks the principles right out of some people?