With the impending "fiscal cliff" of 2013 promising to bring the worst nightmares of both parties (tax hikes and program cuts), some sort of compromise in the form of a mutual sacrifice seems necessary to cut the economic losses looming in the future. Is a win-win situation possible? Maybe, but the lingering political pressures on Republicans stemming from harsh ideologues like Norquist has kept the issue a political ordeal rather than a which-policy-is-best-for-our-future ordeal. Norquist's ideologue minded stand against compromise on the issue of taxes seems to be having a diminishing influence according to this CNN contributor, who notices that some Republican lawmakers like Scott Rigell have broken from Norquist in the name of progress and without fear of political repercussion Interestingly enough, Rigell claims he did not have any troubles with big money donors or campaigning after breaking the pledge. Despite seemingly isolating his constituents, Rigell received praise and a check from Warren Buffet for his bold move. In a bit of drama, Norquist has made another "pledge" to actively try to unseat these disobedient Republicans, but hopefully given the urgency of the situation this sort of threat will seem petty.
The potential for a win-win situation may not be entirely ruled out, with the vague hope of the loopholes-and-deductions revenue still at bay. The question is of whether these can be cut to save revenue while avoiding tax increases. An interesting opinion on the compromise from Kevin Drum of Mother Jones thinks that liberals actually have much to gain by breaking a deal with the Republicans on Social Security, potentially taking it off the table for "decades" if the deal is done right. This would leave Republicans, hopefully no longer trapped by Norquist, in a position to make their own sacrifice and let tax revenue increase.
Feel free to share your own knowledge and opinions on the issue of the fiscal cliff. Is a future where Republicans can have their tax breaks, thanks to cracking down on loopholes and exemptions, possible? Should we be more worried about recession or truly unmanageable debt?
On the topic of representatives, in times like these being a real trustee and decision maker on behalf of inherit knowledge is particularly admirable, but with the way elections work, it's not entirely encouraged. Is this gridlock an inevitable result of the way our countries democracy elects lawmakers?
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3 comments:
I'm pretty sure it's near common knowledge that Norquist is a fool. I almost feel like it's Tom Adkin (That's how it's spelled right?) all over again except now it's about taxes. I believe Warren Buffet's gesture will actually convince more Republican's to start working across the aisle on tax reform. Think about it, Warren Buffet is one of the biggest icons for rich business man. If even Mr. Buffet is against a Republican tax policy, it must be pretty bad.
I actually don't think that a win-win situation is possible for a solution to our economic woes. The two major political parties are just too polarized on economic issues for an ideal solution to form. In terms of the best way to go about finding a solution, I think that the government should definitely get America out of a recession before tackling the deficit problem. We won't be able to repay any debts if we can't even generate revenue at home. Once the American dollar is strong again, then we can begin repaying what we owe.
There probably won't ever be a win-win situation for the two parties about an economic plan, but there will be enough to pacify both sides. For the most part, many Representatives, Republican and Democrat alike, have been acting more like delegates over the last few years and catering to the voices coming from their constituencies. Taking the jump to ignore them and compromise on a comprehensive economic plan is a risk, but a worthwhile one. Gridlock isn't and should never be the result of our electoral system; it is instead the failings of the elected that cause it. There are instances to act a delegate and instances to act a trustee. I'm inclined to believe that an accomplished Congressman would know more about taxes than a rural farmer.
It seems like both parties will have to bend a bit to make this plan work. Democrats will have to allow for some tax breaks, probably mostly among the middle and lower classes, and they must accept that some cuts or reforms to some areas are not unthinkable. That, thankfully, seems to be pretty well acknowledged or else the dialogue wouldn't focus so heavily on Republicans right now.
Republicans on the other hand have several things to come to terms with. In order to restore the credibility of their party, it seems like several top Republicans are trying to push for a new, centered norm. They seem to realize that there's sticking to your core values and fighting for your beliefs, and then there's just foolishness. Capping deductions and reforming taxes (something Republicans claim to never oppose) to prevent loopholes should raise revenue without technically increasing taxes.
This can work, and I think it'll become a catalyst for more bipartisan cooperation.
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