Recession might be braying at the door, but that chilling news doesn't prevent Republicans from smelling a new opportunity to further enrich their constituents, by continuing the economic policies that have bought the economy down.

The second most powerful Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives – Eric Cantor – has introduced a bill that he cynically calls the Middle Class Jobs Protection Act, which offers yet more tax benefits to business, so that business might be encouraged to – you know – create jobs. Here's how Cantor straight-facedly describes the benefits of his bill (highlighting mine):

THE MIDDLE CLASS JOBS PROTECTION ACT WILL:

1) Slash the corporate tax rate from 35% to 25%, encouraging businesses to create jobs.

2) Provide for a 50% bonus depreciation for 2008 and 2009.

3) Allow for section 179 expensing for '08-'09 of up to $250,000 for purchases up to a $1 M.

4) Allow a 5 year carry back of Net Operating Loss.

5) Allow for extension of carry back period for Business Tax Credits for 3 years.

Do Republicans think we're so stupid as to believe that job creation is the first order of business for those receiving windfall – unearned – profit? Take the money and run to the nearest offshore bank account is the more rational behavior to expect from the favored minority who benefit from Republican largesse. Or, to put it another way... The rich didn't get rich by letting money trickle through their fingers.