The GOP’s New Destination: Reality?

[babylonsister]

http://veracitystew.com/2012/02/16/the-gops-new-destination-reality/

The GOP’s New Destination: Reality?
02/16/2012 8:41 am By Michael Wolfe


Halfway through February, the deadline to extend the payroll tax cut is rapidly approaching and the Republicans could actually be exhibiting signs of common sense.

I don’t want to give them too much credit because they are, in all likelihood, just trying to avoid a redux of the last few budgetary standoffs that have brought down Republicans’ property value in the eyes of voters. Being cast as intransigent obstructionists does not bode well for congressional re-election campaigns, not to mention presidential aspirations for a party with no desirable front-runner.

House Speaker John Boehner recently proposed extending the tax cut WITHOUT first finding a way to pay for it. For Boehner, who has increasingly shown a lack of backbone and balls in resisting Tea Party bullying, this represents a tectonic shift. My god…attempt to perpetuate the progress our economy has made without cutting national debt? Preposterous! Ludicrous! Revolutionary!

Or in these economic times, common sense. Because although federal debt is a problem that needs to be addressed, it is not nearly as poignant of a problem as unemployment, health care costs and a less than fertile housing market. Our economy is showing signs of life and gaining positive momentum should and must take priority over immediate austerity measures that cut into Medicare and unemployment benefits.

snip//

Admittedly, I am somewhat conflicted. Because even though such a shift from GOP leadership would increase the chances of extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment benefits for the coming year, it would also increase Republican chances come November. Because it is their very unwillingness to acquiesce and compromise that has painted them as obstructionist henchmen for the 1%…henchmen that do not deserve to run Washington come November…and henchmen who because of those same attributes, will probably not get the opportunity to do so.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

1. I wonder if it's too late though

particularly since some of their flock have decided to wage war now on contraception.