More concessions from Harry Reid and friends. From HP:
"It sounds like Senate Democrats are making progress towards our goal of cutting government spending to help the private sector create jobs," said Michael Steel, a spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). "Hopefully, that means they will support the short-term CR with spending cuts that we will pass next week, rather than shutting down the government."
Senate Democrats are hoping that by offering the first concession, House GOPers will either respond in kind or take the blame for a shutdown. Yet each Democratic negotiating tactic has led to additional cuts. As the talks drag on, Republicans get closer and closer to their full goal.
The Republicans in the house and senate have held up 2011 budget discussions for over a year. They have taken our government hostage in approvals for the justice department and even White House positions.
At every turn, our party has caved. Given republicans nearly everything they ever wanted. Then, the republicans spit in our faces, ask for more and claim WE'RE the reason government doesn't work.
And Democrats, ever hopeful, claim that eventually the public will see this scam for what it is. Understand the republican strategy and reprimand them for their bad practices.
Fat chance.
We had a helluva chance here to draw a line in the sand. But, once again, Harry Reid comes to the rescue of the republican party. In his ignorant, childish mind he believes that his current crop of concessions - and willingness to forgo an actual set budget for ANOTHER continuing resolution - will appease the right and put the democrats in a better spot should an actual shutdown occur. The problem is, our party, as always, has been poor at making their case in the media and pounding the messaging that the republicans are the bottleneck. As a result, we have COMPLETELY LOST the argument surrounding corporate subsidies and tax increases for those who really should be paying more. In fact, we were such resounding failures at those messages that they've long since been drowned out by the call for cutting social programs - the ONE THING democrats are supposed to stand strong on.
The average Joe/Josephine has no throughline for the Democratic message. He/She does, however, have a helluva one from the republicans.
I'm so sick and tired of this weak-kneed homonculus giving in the second strength is needed. As a result, this is what will very likely happen:
Republicans will get every cut they ask for - and refuse to approve an actual budget (only a stripped-down continuing resolution).
Republicans will ask for more social services cuts for the 2012 budget and, once again, refuse to vote on a budget. They will continue to hold the government hostage with another series of CRs.
Democrats will be blamed for wanting big government.
The whole damn thing will replay itself next year.
Our party - just once - has to be willing to draw that line in the sand. We expected it when it came to defunding the Iraq war. Didn't happen. We expected it when it came to healthcare reform. Didn't happen. Why must Obama and the democrats play chumps over and over again? We've got a willing partner in the Senate to help brand us with that moniker.
Thanks, Harry. Worthless loser.