Lame Duck Terrorism

July 30, 2012

You think all this caterwauling about the deficit is just a bunch of useless jibber-jabber that will never go anywhere?  Well, we have millionaire Bill Keller basically telling non-millionaire baby boomers to cut their own throats and then “save” the next generation by cutting theirs.  For the good of the country, dontcha know. 

In this report, we argue that the only way for Democrats to save progressive priorities like NASA, highway funding, and clean energy research is to reform entitlements.  The lame duck offers Congress a “Now or Never” chance to set the terms of a budget deal that saves money on entitlements, raises revenue, and protects investments.  And the heart of the Democratic brand is depending on it. 

I agree that we need to destroy the village in order to save it, but I’m not talking about the same village. 

The entire political establishment is aligning to get this momentous change done at the moment of least accountability.  And they will say anything to get it done, no matter how dishonest.  This is not a choice between highways and clean energy and Social Security.  The government can borrow at near zero interest rates to fund those kinds of investments.  Social Security can pay out 100% of promised benefits for the next 20 years and if they want to extend that, they can raise the cap so that these millionaires who are so anxious for all of us to “sacrifice” can put some more money in that kitty. 

Third Way is a terrible organization in so many ways.  But this may be the most dishonest thing they’ve ever done.  The idea of pitting future “investments” against future security for the American people is as low as it gets.  I know the older folks won’t fall for it because they know very well that social security is what makes the difference between some of them living like animals and living like human beings when they are unable to work anymore.  I trust the kids aren’t so dumb that they think cutting their own benefits will somehow help them. 

We need investment desperately.  And there’s no reason we shouldn’t do what wealthy investors all over the world are dong right now: use cheap money to stimulate the economy and build for the future.  This is a very, very big con.  I wish I believed that re-electing Obama will insure that this would never be signed into law.  Unfortunately, I think we have to depend on the Tea Party.  I hate that. 

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