Isn't it time to end the charade about pretending to cut the deficit? Obama's "tax the rich" mantra is a campaign slogan about "fairness" rather than a serious attempt to raise government revenue. At the same time, his "spending cuts" are ephemeral "savings" that will never materialize. The whole idea of the "fiscal cliff" was to impose budgetary discipline on a dysfunctional political system. It's time for everyone to understand that the free ride is over. If there are specific national security or equivalent problems that arise as a result of going over this cliff, they can be dealt with on a case by case basis. It is interesting that the Democrats are the ones screaming the loudest about this impending "catastrophe." They need the GOP to give them cover for reneging on their unrealistic campaign promises, as well as someone to blame when the economy goes back into recession. I say let them eat their cake and choke on it.
Couldn't agree more. This is not really about "Taxes", but rather "cover" for he democrats. They need someone to blame (other than themselves) for the sorry state of affairs. Any additional tax revenue received would NOT be used for deficit reduction but rather to expand the size of the government. My opinion? Every time a bill comes to the floor, Republicans should vote "present" and allow the dems to FINALLY have to take responsibility for the last four years (six years if you count the last 2 years of the Bush admin). I mean, when, EXACTLY, does this economy become the property of Barry Obama? or does he get to spend the NEXT 4 years STILL blaming Bush??
But seriously, folks. The sequester will hit, but the tax increases won't. Tea Party wants no new taxes, and Obama needs a debt ceiling deal.
We'll see. Personally, I think we should go "over the cliff." If the GOP is serious about deficit reduction, this is exactly how it looks. Also, the current tax structure seems to result in an astounding concentration of wealth into the hands of a very few. If that continues, our economy is finished. It may be that a more progressive income tax structure is the only remaining tool to correct this vast inequality (ineffective though it is), since labor unions have been effectively outlawed and wages are suppressed. Either way, working Americans will certainly be screwed. That's our economic system.
It has little to do with the tax structure. In Europe, for example, Labor's share of national wealth is at a 60 year low. It is about opportunity and free enterprise, both of which progressives snuff out wherever they go.
