Journal mcgrew's Journal: Why Republicans MUST go off the "cliff" 3
I've been laughing about this all month, people really expected a deal. Two words explain why a pre-2013 deal is impossible: Grover Norquist. A quarter century ago when federal taxes were quite a bit higher than the present "lower than ever in your lifetime" tax rates, he convinces a very large number of Republicans to swear to never raise taxes. If they make a deal with the Democrats now, they've gone back on their word.
However, next Wednesday taxes go up all by themselves. Making a deal now means they're raising taxes, while waiting until next week lets them campaign on "I lowered your taxes!!!"
Don't expect a deal before Wednesday. Expect one two or three weeks later.
President Lawnchair is Already Collapsing (Score:2)
Hopefully I can find a job in Canada or Australia.
A crooked deal will be made (Score:1)
Disaster will be averted once more! And new "crises" will spring up like dandelions in an early spring. Keep the nation in a constant state of panic. This is how we feed ourselves now.
Except: (Score:2)
Enough Republicans have already broken with Norquist to pass a deal. The fix is already in; the only wrangling is over how the two parties will try and butcher the baby in such a fashion that neither takes all the blame. Obama and now Pelosi are all for cuts to Social Security, despite the fact that it has nothing to do with the deficit.