Obviously, my drumbeat began some time ago, but we are hearing more and more about the necessity of additional revenues.
Social Security was supposed to fall into deficit around 2015-2016 according to projections as late as 2008. The deficit will arrive this year. Our fiscal circumstances are much bleaker than most folks realize.
This is the new Era of Responsibility and our leaders will be facing many big issues, like it or not. We'll see if the GOP acts responsibly or decides that political expediency trumps all. With the views of the Republican base and the Tea Party movement, it will take courage that I do not see on the right side of the aisle.
2 comments:
U so funny mister.
First, where are the Democrats who are proposing these "new" taxes?
Second, now let me see if I have this straight. Republicans say "don't do the stimulus, we can't afford it" and "same with health care". But no, despite public opposition, most glaringly demonstrated by the loss of the MA
Senate seat, they are passed. And now, despite the Democrats "digging a bigger hole" (see previous post) and "like we did not see this coming a mile away" (same)you want to BLAME us if taxes are not increased?
Let me just reply, your side does not need help to implement these taxes, so go right ahead. If it is so important to raise taxes rather than make ANY attempt to limit spending, then put the same passion into at VAT as you did into health care.
Please!
An even better election theme:
Vote for us, we will make the US like Sweden AND raise taxes.
Doc -
If you are suggesting that courage is in short supply in DC on both sides of the aisle, I agree. It is a shame that the GOP senators reneged on the deficit reduction commission vote - that will be a solid vehicle to reform entitlements and raise taxes.
The stimulus bill has been very successful thus far in arresting the Bush economic collapse. Healthcare reform will reduce the deficit thanks to spending reductions and new taxes.
We live in a country with a fickle population that loves it's entitlements and doesn't want to raise taxes. So - somethings got to give and it will take courageous leadership to reconcile spending and receipts. I expect to see this in the lame duck session, when statesmanship is most abundant.
Will responsible behavior be rewarded two years later? Perhaps. Both sides of the ledger need to be addressed. A VAT will be a lot easier to swallow if the electorate sees that there is genuine cost containment in place - something we have not seen since the Clinton administration.
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