I wish I was a better man. I try to look on the good side of human nature.
I do believe that most people will try to do the right thing, given a chance.
So why do I have this nagging suspicion that all the talk during the 2012
election, and after, regarding the fiscal cliff has been an elaborate dance...a
political gavotte, mesmerizing the public and pundits, setting the stage
for a political kabuki play.
President Obama, the Democrats, the Republicans, all appear to be
aghast at the tragic consequences for our country if we go over the "cliff".
All parties are jockeying for position to blame the pending tragedy on
the other side. No-one wants to admit that they might be the cause
of such an unthinkable event.
But, what would happen if (or when) we do go over the fiscal cliff?
First, the Bush tax cuts would expire, and taxes would go up dramatically
on ALL Americans, not just the top 2%. In addition, drastic spending
cuts would be SLATED to occur. The Apocalypse has begun!
Then, President Obama and the Democrats will blame the Republicans. The
Republicans will blame the Democrats. Independents will blame all politicians.
Same old, same old...and their true believers will will continue to follow their
lead.
Who gains? Now, BOTH Democrats and Republicans will have all that extra
tax money to spend. They can blame each other for their good fortune.
And God knows, it's important to the Republic that we avoid letting those
drastic spending cuts destroy the country. Republicans can save the defense
budget, etc., etc. Democrats can save entitlements, etc., etc. Magically, the
money has arrived in the nick of time.
The rate of growth of the debt has slowed a little, but the debt has not been
reduced. The red ink continues to flow.
So, in the end, Big Government gets the money and the taxpayer (and the
private economy) get the shaft.
The politicians even get to pretend to be statesmen, doing what needs to be
done to save life as we know it.
I know. I know. I feel guilty. A guy that could come up with such a
devious scenario involving such treacherous politicians must have had a
terrible childhood. Washington can't really be that bad, can it?
Let's hope not. I'm sure they'll do the right thing.
