Here Comes 2012
By Mitch Berg
Via the Vail Spot, the GOP blew it:
Here’s a link that shows just who voted for the “deal” that screws America. Boehner blew it. He had a chance to do the right thing…and blinked. I hope that next year, someone will have the courage to give him a real primary challenge. Remember, for anyone to challenge an incumbent takes time and money…contribute freely to their opponents with both. It’s the only way to show the leaders of the Republican Party, that We The People meant what we said at the ballot box last year.
My mantra on most political things is “perfect is the enemy of good enough”. And I know politics is about compromise – especially when you only control one of the three elements for passing legislation.
But with the future of the world’s financial system at stake, and with the US teetering on the edge of the same cliff Greece and Portugal slid down, it’s time for some rock-ripped principle.
April 15th, 2011 at 11:00 am
I disagree that it was the Republican “leadership” which betrayed us on this issue. The overwhelming majority of rank-and-file Congressional Republicans also went along with this deal and are just as much to blame. Not to mention the fact that these are the people who elect the leadership and are just as accountable for the outcome.
I get that Erik Paulsen is setting himself up to be Ramstad 2.0 in the 3rd CD but the 2nd CD is a GOP stronghold and there is no reason why John Kline should be caving on an issue as important as this. IMO both of then need strong, credible principled primary challengers in 2012 and the voters in their respective districts should consider sending in some fresh blood to Congress.
April 15th, 2011 at 11:32 am
Oh and lest you think that the same Republicans who caved on the continuing resolution really, really, really mean it they say that they’re serious about tacking entitlements and the long-term deficit problems, they just defeated the budget offered by the Republican Study Committee 119 to 136 (the Democrats all voted “present”). At least three of the “yes” votes switched to “no” (Reps. Cathy McMorris-Rogers (R., Wash.), Mary Bono Mack (R., Fla.) and David Dreier (R., Calif.)) when they realized it might actually stand a chance of passing.
You can read about the RSC budget alternative here:
http://rsc.jordan.house.gov/UploadedFiles/Honest_Solutions_Final.pdf
Some of the highlights:
Balances the federal budget by 2020 (somehow this is “draconian” and “extremist”)
Repeals ObamaCare
Freezes total discretionary spending at 2008 levels beginning in 2013. Defense spending would be increase up to $747 billion while non-defense discretionary spending would be reduced from $409 billion to $218 billion
Block grants both Medicare and Medicaid
Phases in a higher retirement age for both Medicaid and Social Security on a sliding scale
Reforms the Supplemental Security Income, Unemployment Compensation Program and Food Stamp Act
Cuts farm subsidies and other corporate welfare programs
Reduces the size of the federal work force by 15%