How to Subtract $4 Trillion from the Deficit
Congress seems to be tearing its hair out over two simultaneous mind-boggling problems:
1. The Deficit Panel wants to eliminate $4 trillion from the deficit, using a politically suicidal combination of privatizing Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid; reducing military spending; and eliminating popular tax deductions.
2. Congressional Republicans, as usual, are stamping their feet, pouting and holding their breath ‘til they turn blue. And once again, this tactic — it’s the only thing they know how to do — will undoubtedly work. They’re planning to block ALL legislation until the Bush tax cuts get extended for everybody. If these tax cuts are made permanent, they’ll add $4 trillion to the deficit.
Funny how two unsolvable problems can sometimes cancel each other out. “Oh My God, we absolutely HAVE to pass this law which will add $4 trillion to the deficit!” “Now, what painful excruciating sacrifices can we all agree on, that would eliminate $4 trillion from the deficit? This is sooo complicated.”
Since NOTHING is what Congress does best, why don’t they just let the tax cuts expire and spend the rest of this session sitting there with their thumbs up their asses? (And like Ronald Reagan having Alzheimer’s, how would we tell?)
Sure a tax increase would suck, but so would most of those brilliant ideas from the deficit panel. Privatizing Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid? You’ll be old someday. If you liked Enron and the Wall Street meltdown, you’ll love privatized Social Security. Eliminating the mortgage interest deduction? Welcome to American Revolution 2.0. Reduced Pentagon spending sounds good, but Halliburton/Bechtel/Big Oil will never allow it.
For once, Democrats could try NOT bending over. Let the tax cuts expire, and give John Boehner something to cry about.
Labels: Bush tax cuts, deficit panel
posted by Tom Harper @ 6:27 PM
6 Comments:
That's a very good point. But you have to admit the Republicans and the sold-out Democrats are nothing if not consistent. The deficit (largely caused by dishonest and unnecessary wars) is an opportunity to funnel even more public money to the wealthiest people in the country.
Every problem has the same solution: People were murdered in New York and DC? Throw a trillion dollars at war (excuse me) "defense" contractors to attack a country that had nothing to do with it. Wow, that has been an expensive war. Now we're broke. Give a giant tax break to the billionaires. They haven't trickled down on the rest of us lately.
For once, Democrats could try NOT bending over. Let the tax cuts expire, and give John Boehner something to cry about.
If only to see what happens when salt comes in contact with whatever chemical concoction Weepy sprays on his skin.
The Dems have become good little victims. Cave to the right and when things get worse they have someone to blame. The Rethugs on the other hand have little more to do other than sit there and say "No". They'll throw a couple of ideas in a bill (usually more tax cuts) then when it comes up for a vote vote no. What a cake job these guys have.
I'm beginning to think they are all just gaming us. Just like mom and dad did to us as kids. Same crap you heard as a kid. We'll pass the bill if we get enough support and the republicans say it's okay. Translation: We'll see.
The Deficit Panel (a.k.a. Cat Food Commission) mostly made up of right-wing turds, should be taken out and shot, in fitting gratitude for its efforts to finish off the nonwealthy and non-big-corporations. Well, maybe instead of a firing squad, Simpson could be dragged back to Montana behind a pickup, as a special gesture of gratitude for his efforts, since he's such a sweetheart of a guy.
Obama should be held at one regrettable term for appointing that rat pack of economic Darwinists. I guess we were just lucky he didn't appoint Grover Norquist and Phil Gramm to the commission.
Republicans are blocking legislation, still? Why wouldn't they? They've been rewarded handsomely with money, votes and election victories for their BS.
Let's face it, as long as so many of our fellow Americans willingly bend over for the corporations, the rich and their Republican hirelings, they and the rest of us are going to keep getting screwed.
Yeah, I'm feeling really, really burned and disgusted.
It might be interesting to hear the wailing now that Dems have passed legislation in the House to extend the tax breaks for those making less than a quarter mil... If we had half a brain we'd make them vote up or down on keeping those tax breaks BEFORE discussing the tax break extension for the wealthy who don't need the help.
Get them on record voting to cut off breaks for the middle and poor, then on the record for breaks for the wealthiest. How tough it that to do?
We need a Tip O'Neal and a Teddy Kennedy holding forth in both bodies.
Rick: The deficit is an excuse to gut every infrastructure project and every social program. When it comes to wars and the Prison Industrial Complex, the Right thinks money grows on trees. Then they suddenly discover the deficit when it comes to funding a program they don't like.
"Every problem has the same solution." Yup, that's our government in a nutshell.
Randal: I want to be standing far far away when those chemicals come into contact with each other.
Demeur: Both parties have their roles clearly defined. Big bad mean Republicans; scared cowering little Democrats. Each side blames the other, and the dance continues.
"We'll see." LOL, brings back memories.
SW: The deficit panel -- what you said. Couldn't agree more. I can't believe the GOP keeps getting rewarded for its constant obstruction and meanness. This doesn't speak well of America's voters.
Squatlo: That's an excellent idea. Which is why the Democrats won't do it. The Democrats need somebody who won't piss in his pants every time a Republican glares at him and yells "class warfare!" or "socialism!"
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