When They’re Right They’re Right

Only caught a little bit of the boys from Greensboro this morning.  What I did hear caught me by surprise.

I’m accustomed to the typical view from the Left with a bit of arrogance thrown in for spice; that’s my breakfast.  But this morning I found myself agreeing with ’em.  And twice!

They began the hour discussing the House Republicans promise to reduce spending by $100 billion dollars in the first year.  Since they’ve won and especially as they begin to take office, they’ve scaled that back by half, and possibly even more.  Some folks have ’em saying that they’ll only be able to achieve $30 billion.

1 word for ’em:

Un-effin-acceptable.

We didn’t do what we did to get you in office to act like Democrats  at worst and old-time Republicans like best.  You stood there, looked us in the eye and PROMISED us you would cut spending this first year.

This nonsense that we’re half way through the budget year ain’t cuttin’ it.  Either you were so shortsighted to NOT know that was the case or you DID know and know you’re just shinin’ me.  Either case gives me pause for concern.

Cut the spending.

Okay, that felt good.  Now, the second case we agreed this morning came during a conversation surrounding social security.  We all know it’s not sustainable.  A combination of all the money being spent AND the fact that we are gonna retire a ton of people in the coming years means we just don’t have the money.  And we’re gonna have to change the way we pay out.

During the conversation, Britt offered the insight that no one is able to make suggestions with respect to social security because the election ads will demonize him for “cutting social security benefits”.  Further, Britt acknowledged that that strategy is one that has been perfected by Democrats.

Wow.  I couldn’t believe it.  It was nice to hear.

Keep it up fellas!

2 responses to “When They’re Right They’re Right

  1. Non-defense related discretionary spending is only about $500 billion or so; about $700 billion for defense (and the Administration announced defense spending cuts). Cutting $100 billion in discretionary spending would be political suicide, and the GOP doesn’t have the votes for that (and it would likely bring in a Democratic wave in 2012). Moreover, repeal of health care reform would add greatly to the deficit (though they won’t get that passed anyway). To deal with “mandatory” spending, you need major reform of social security and other political sacred cows.

    I think this is where Obama needs to show political courage and take the lead in calling for reform of social security as part of deficit cutting. He needs (perhaps in the State of the Union address) to condemn the politicizing of the issue, and note that we now live longer and thus can work longer before earning benefits. He should make some modest suggestions, and make it clear that both sides have to give in on important issues if together they’ll cut the budget. Because, ultimately, no party can do it alone. I think Obama has to take the first step for the same reason that only Nixon could go to China.

    • To deal with “mandatory” spending, you need major reform of social security and other political sacred cows.

      Yes, I agree. Those are the only areas that will sufficiently address our troubles.

      (though they won’t get that passed anyway).

      I agree. It is only symbolic.

      repeal of health care reform would add greatly to the deficit

      Well, to be fair, the parts f the health care bill that work to reduce the deficit have either:

      A. Nothing to do with health care – Tax on tanning beds and student loan changes.
      B: Involve taxes on a service that won’t be provided for years.

      The only reason the CBO reports it as deficit reducing is the way and manner in which it was crafted; taking advantage of the way that the CBO scores.

      He needs (perhaps in the State of the Union address) to condemn the politicizing of the issue, and note that we now live longer and thus can work longer before earning benefits. He should make some modest suggestions, and make it clear that both sides have to give in on important issues if together they’ll cut the budget. Because, ultimately, no party can do it alone. I think Obama has to take the first step for the same reason that only Nixon could go to China.

      Well said! Very well said.

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