Greg Sargent's article this morning, which has likely already been commented on here, is about a so-called "compromise" being floated by senators Bennett and Alexander. The gist of this "compromise":
This plan offers what The Hill calls a “substantial down payment” on deficit reduction up front, followed by various debt reduction triggers that would kick in later, but the details of that “substantial down payment” have yet to be worked out. That aside, this quote from Senator Alexander describing the plan is the key:
“It simply pushes the pause button on all the elements of the fiscal cliff, extends everything for a year and then gives us six months in which to reform entitlements and reform taxes and reduce the debt.”
It “pushes the pause button.” That sounds so simple, doesn’t it? Can’t reach a deal? Just push a button, and everything will be okay!
I'm pleased to see Greg Sargent take a sarcastic tone on this, but I am troubled, though not surprised, that this BS is penetrating Democratic circles. This has got to be squashed immediately. My response was a letter to my senator, Sherrod Brown. I urge you all to continue to push on your elected Congressional reps and let's get this "compromise" BS thrown out, along with all the failed policies of the Republicans. I've included my letter below the angry orange furuncule.
Senator Brown,
First, a heartfelt congratulations on winning your election. I canvassed for you and for President Obama, and it makes me proud to see you return to Washington as my representative.
My letter is to urge you to refuse to be cowed by the dire warnings over the so-called "fiscal cliff". As Paul Krugman has rightly pointed out, this is nothing but a manufactured political crisis from the losing side, the Republicans. Both he and other economists, even Warren Buffet have indicated that it is time to attack the deficits and resolve this issue not by continuing to pander to the likes of Grover Norquist and his allies, but to once and for all hike taxes for those making $250,000 or more. The tax cuts that were enacted by George W. Bush should have never gone to those people but to the middle class.
I respectfully say that any "temporary solution" to the fiscal issue such as the one proposed by your colleagues Michael Bennett and Lamar Alexander would be a mistake, one the very people who elected both you and President Obama, not to mention all members of the shrinking middle class, would rail against most vociferously. I know from the circles I frequent that such a "compromise" would be interpreted as a deep betrayal.
I urge you please, don't listen to the voices of those who lost the election. Don't listen to the sore losers. This false talk of "compromise" from the likes of John Boehner is nothing but thinly disguised attempts to get their way and to circumvent the electoral process. We elected you and President Obama in a landslide. It is time Republicans learned the true meaning of compromise, one that they have failed to grasp in their 6 years of obstructionism.
Listen instead to the voices of Nancy Pelosi, of Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, of your own Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who indicated he was willing to pursue higher taxes for the wealthy. Better yet, listen to your own Democratic leader, the President of United States, who has indicated he will not back down on raising taxes for the wealthy.
From economists, to politicians, to business leaders, to activists such as myself, the writing is on the wall. A bad deal at this point truly is worse than no deal at all. You have the advantage: seize on it. We've got your back if you.
Respectfully,
Arturo Araya
UPDATE: Plagiarize me at will. Send a version of this letter to any congress person you want.