Let’s Not Make a Deal - By PAUL KRUGMAN

[kpete]

Op-Ed Columnist
Let’s Not Make a Deal
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: December 5, 2010

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...the only way to cut spending enough to pay for the Bush tax cuts in the long run would be to dismantle large parts of Social Security and Medicare.

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Last but not least: if Democrats give in to the blackmailers now, they’ll just face more demands in the future. As long as Republicans believe that Mr. Obama will do anything to avoid short-term pain, they’ll have every incentive to keep taking hostages. If the president will endanger America’s fiscal future to avoid a tax increase, what will he give to avoid a government shutdown?

So Mr. Obama should draw a line in the sand, right here, right now. If Republicans hold out, and taxes go up, he should tell the nation the truth, and denounce the blackmail attempt for what it is.

Yes, letting taxes go up would be politically risky. But giving in would be risky, too — especially for a president whom voters are starting to write off as a man too timid to take a stand. Now is the time for him to prove them wrong.

more:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/06/opinion/06krugman.html?_r=2&ref=opinion

[adigal]

1. I agree with this, but I am confused

Doesn't the House have to pass a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans, too? They passed one for the middle class, but can Pelosi hold up one for the richest Americans? I hope she can and I pray she does.

Pelosi might be the one to have the guts to stand up the the Republicans.

[sasha031]

2. the deal has already been made, it's all over the news

:(

[onehandle]

3. Obama should address the nation and call them out. He won't. nt

[thereismore]

4. We can have Bush tax cuts, if we cut defense spending accordingly. SS is not the ONLY thing to cut.

:grr:

[Javaman]

5. Obama has stated that he has no problem being a one term prez...

so why is he bending to the repukes will?

it's getting down right ridiculous.