Getting a Republican to actually suggest a specific cut to the budget is like
getting an NFL coach to detail their Wild Card playoff game strategy.
It's not gonna happen.
In Minnesota when Republicans took over the State House and Senate briefly in 2010,
they demanded the Governor cut the State Government. When asked what should Governor Dayton cut, the Republicans declared,
"Slash 15% across each department".
When repeatedly asked for suggestions as to what to cut, the response was,
"It is up to the Governor to specify the cuts,".
I will never forget the hearing of the Senate Senate Government Finance committee chaired by failed congressional candidate Mike Parry (R- Waseca). The room was full of veterans, fearing cuts to veterans programs. The new Commissioner (on the job for about a week) overseeing veterans programs was called up to testify.
Mike Parry barraged the newbie with a series of rapid fire interrogations as to why all the veterans were in the room that day. Further he demanded to know why Gov. Dayton wanted to cut veterans benefits.
Chairman Parry threw down his gavel and shouted:
I'll be damned to be accused of cutting veterans benefits! In fact, it is Governor Dayton wanting to cut veterans....!
The point is this....name your specific cuts and you own the cut. No matter who votes for the cut, you own it by naming it.
Democrats will trap Republicans by forcing them to cut. So many times you hear:
"
Government spending is out of control."
"We need to shrink the size of Government."
But, you will never hear what they will cut....
Mitt Romney was asked repeatedly what specifically he would cut. He could not answer.
The Democrats should not suggest a single cut period. Let the Republicans make the suggested cuts. Lets then let the court of public opinion sort out whether these cuts
are appropriate. No Democrat in the near future should make any cut suggestions or concessions on any human service program, or entitlement.
We have found a weak spot. Republicans love to talk about shrinking government, but are afraid to walk the walk. Instead, they gleefully get the Democrats to do their bidding.
If Republicans try to force cuts to balance Hurricane Sandy aid, as we know they will, make them specify cuts.
No one has to vote for any cut, simply have Republicans specify their cuts!
Make them own their suffering they wish to impose.