Let's Have a Grand Debate, Not a Grand Bargain

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http://www.commondreams.org/view/2013/11/20-7



The clock is ticking down until the US engages in yet another round of budget blackmail. The first milestone hits on January 15th 2014, when the continuing resolution runs out, and the second will hit in early February when we again rub up against the debt ceiling. Last year, the Treasury was able to continue operating for five months using “extraordinary measures” such as not paying into retirement accounts. This time around there won’t be as much wiggle room.

So, once again, we will be treated to another spectacle where government holds a gun to its own head and threatens to shoot itself if we don’t start carving off limbs. Shades of Blazing Saddles.

To be fair, it’s Republicans who hold the gun, but Democrats have basically limited themselves to running around wringing their hands like a bunch of chicken littles screaming “the sky is falling … what can we do?”

All too often, the answer for the screaming ninnies is a “Grand Bargain,” which essentially sabotages New Deal and social programs, while leaving tax and other benefits for the uber rich in place.


***what's the percentage of bush tax cuts that have been left in place...i.e. made permanent?