The Politics of Failure, Part III

The Politics of Failure, Part III

P. Schultz

April 6, 2012

            This quotation is taken from the NY Times, April 6, 2012, from an article that is analyzing the Ryan budget plan from the perspective of a starting point for what is called “budget reform.” Although the take on what is happening is not in accord with the argument made here, it does lend support for that argument. First, here is the quote:

“As the swift demise of the LaTourette-Cooper budget proposal suggests, nothing constructive is likely to happen this election year. But come November, someone is going to have to compromise or the Bush-era tax cuts and Mr. Obama’s payroll tax cuts will expire and $1.2 trillion in spending will be automatically slashed — an outcome that both parties say they oppose. While no one wants to admit it, within the Ryan budget proposal is the outline of a grand compromise not all that different from the one President Obama and the House majority leader, John Boehner, reportedly came close to reaching last summer: long-term deficit reduction through tax reform, higher tax revenue and spending cuts.”

            I would call attention to the following: “within the Ryan budget proposal is the outline of a grand compromise not all that different from the one President Obama and the House majority leader, John Boehner, reportedly came close to reaching last summer: long-term deficit reduction through tax reform, higher tax revenue and spending cuts.”

            Ah yes, “a grand compromise” is forthcoming which is not unlike that reached or seemingly reached by Obama and Boehner “last summer.” Two things strike me: (1) So we are now going to end up with what was available last summer. Interesting, no? So what has been going on since then and what was its purpose? It certainly does seem to have been to change the basics of that “almost grand compromise.” The purpose must have been something other than a budget agreement. Could it be that the party regulars were solidifying their control of their respective parties? (2) A “grand compromise” from Boehner and Obama! And you are expecting something that will actually deal with our deep-seated “problems?” My money is on an agreement that will solidify the power of the party regulars like Boehner and Obama. At least that seems to be where this is headed if the Times analyst is correct.