Before we applaud the members of the Republican Party who represent New York state in the House of Representatives, namely, Elise Stefanik, for their "no" votes on the wildly unpopular tax bills, we need to consider the politics behind it.

If Republicans were so concerned about how this bill will impact the average middle-class family, the bill would have died a long time ago. Stefanik's district will be hard hit by this bill. With the inability to deduct state and local taxes from their taxes, many people will face the reality of less money. Although Stefanik voted "no" vote, it is politics as usual.

It was always clear that the GOP had the votes in the House to pass the bill. Stefanik's seat is vulnerable, especially with her vote on heath care reform. Stefanik can get away with voting "no," to help save her seat, and still not damage the party's agenda of helping the pigs get richer on the backs of the rest of the animals on the farm who struggle to see the fruits of their labor.

Mike Libertucci

Glenville