OK. I admit it. I don’t have a magic wand. Oh, I’ve wanted one- since I was much younger. To try to have the policies of this great nation of ours be similar to my choices. But, that never happened.
So, what does one have available in our arsenal to deal with our policy decisions? We have two Republican leaders- one the Speaker of the House and the other the Senate Minority Leader, who have avowed that they will not vote for any increase in the tax rates. We have the Minority Leader of the House, the Majority Leader of the Senate, and the President of the US (I am assuming that Nate Silver is right and Obama will be re-elected; that is not known as I write this) avowing that taxes will increase for the top 2% of the population.
But, there are a few other facts that everyone seems to recognize – but not truly understand. The Congress has already passed a poison pill- what some call the ‘Fiscal Cliff’. What I consider an opportunity. Because if Congress does nothing (which is, unfortunately, something it does all too well), there will be sequestration of a plethora of programs, a return to the tax rates of the pre-Bush era, with no change in Medicare or Social Security programs.
Which means the best program for the Democrats is to let the poison pill activate. Yes, I know every prediction that this will lead to a return to the Great Recession. Except, it won’t- if sentient beings prevail. (OK, I know- that magic wand, again…)
But, it doesn’t take mental giants to recognize the wisdom of this process. You see, if we let the extremists (you know, the Tea Party members- and, in my mind, ANY Congressman who abrograted his/her responsiblity to the United States of America, in contravention of the sacred oath of office and signed on to the insane concept belonging to the lobbyist, Grover Norquist- no new taxes) win this moment and NOT raise taxes on the 2%, then it is a simple task to fix the process.
Because on 1 January 2013, Congress will have already had all the tax rates rise. So, any vote will be lowering the tax rates on the 98% of the US Citizens. And, you can bet that the Estate Taxes (another bugaboo of the Tea Party) will be lowered from these new rates that now prevail (due to the calendar change). And, no one will be violating a promise they (never should) have made to Grover Norquist- because they are voting for TAX DECREASES and not a tax increase.
And, maybe, given the Draconian nature of the sequestration associated with this change of the calendar year, everyone can agree on a rational budget for Defense, Transportation, Science, and the rest of the budget. Which will mean cuts in expenditures and rises in revenue. Exactly what is needed to steer this great nation back to full employment (which seems to be about 5% unemployment rates) and a balanced budget within three years.
Now, I just want to say, I love this post. You know my feelings on the fact that you don’t have a magic wand…but beyond that…I’ve been disappointed at the reactions coming from this election in general. I’m glad they have people like you to explain some of this stuff in a clinical and logical way, because logic and a lack of emotionalism has not been found on any level. Keep spreading the truth and logic Dr. A some of us our listening.
Lisa Brandel recently posted..For The Trees by Lisa Brandel
Lisa…
I didn’t say I don’t keep searching for that magic wand- just that it’s not in my possession at the current time :-).
And, I, too, would like to see our elected officials act to benefit the citizens of the US- ALL of the citizens, not just those that elected one or another and certainly not those that “donate” to (i.e., bought) the official in question.
President Obama has four more years. He and all our elected officials have some major challenges ahead of them. I hope the coming years will be a time of fiscal opportunity for all Americans.
Janette Fuller recently posted..Children’s Book Review: When I Grow Up by Jason Bardwell
I would love to see the leaders (both Minority and Majority) show some leadership, and have all four- plus President Obama- seek common ground for the betterment of these United States, Janette!
Thanks, Roy.
Ironic, isn’t it, that falling over the fiscal cliff might in fact bring us to the very best solution to our economic distress. Not just in providing us a balanced set of new regulations, but also in uniting us all against a “common enemy”.
What do you think: Has Washington failed to act, or has Congress decided to not decide? Is this a case where the best action seems to be no action? Or the best leadership seems to be no leadership?
By the way, I love that revolving globe on your website. I just installed mine, and will probably decide to remove it in a day or so. While it’ll probably add a few seconds to the “minutes/visit”, it’s what they call an attractive nuisance — a far greater time-waster than Facebook. I shouldn’t inflict it on an unsuspecting visitor.
Robbie Schlosser recently posted..Cocktail Party or Wedding Reception: Getting the Music Right
I have strong feelings that this is related to the obeisance to Grover Norquist who has no good up his sleeve.
And, the globe really tells folks where your readers are coming from- in the past day or so, so it looks cools and provides information.
I’ll have to check your out!
I am hoping that my magic wand is working this time and that we will see some real progress. not just for the fiscal betterment of our nation, but for the political betterment. There needs to be some radical change in Washington to work together for a change and not just try to look good or make the other party look bad. I’m so tired of it all!
Suerae Stein recently posted..Fab Foto Friday – Contrast…
From your mouth to G0d’s ears, Suerae! We can only hope (and vote for the right people…).
Thanks for the visit AND the comment.
Phew! All I heard post elections was about the pending doom of the fiscal cliff. It’s great to have another perspective on it! =)
P.S. You should get a Kymera magic wand! =)
Samantha Bangayan recently posted..Cost of Living in Peru: Huancayo v. Vancouver
I would buy a magic wand, if it worked, Samantha…
I tried to use those ones they sell in magic stores- but they seem to be rather limp, as soon as we leave their premises! :-0