E. J. Dionne: The End of Progressive Government?

[flpoljunkie]

The end of progressive government?

By E.J. Dionne Jr., Sunday, April , 7:53 PM

So far, our nation’s budget debate has been a desultory affair focused on whether a small slice of the federal government’s outlays should be cut by $33 billion or $61 billion, or whatever.

But Americans are about to learn how much is at stake in our larger budget fight, how radical the new conservatives in Washington are, and the extent to which some politicians would transfer even more resources from the have-nots and have-a-littles to the have-a-lots.

And you wonder: Will President Obama welcome the responsibility of engaging the country in this big argument, or will he shrink from it? Will his political advisers remain robotically obsessed with poll results about the 2012 election, or will they embrace Obama’s historic obligation — and opportunity — to win the most important struggle over the role of government since the New Deal?

This week, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) will announce the House Republicans’ budget plan, which is expected to include cuts in many programs for the neediest Americans.

The Ryan budget’s central purpose will not be deficit reduction but the gradual dismantling of key parts of government. Remember that Ryan wants both to preserve the Bush tax cuts and, over the long run, to enact more breaks for the wealthy, including the elimination of the capital gains tax.

more...

[fascisthunter]

1. I Think I Know the Answer to That Question

regarding the president.

[truebrit71]

4. Yup...me too...

...and sadly it has bugger all to do with 'change'...

[snot]

2. Rec'd --

but we haven't had progressive gov't since Jimmy Carter.

[paulk]

3. let us all hope

that Obama rises to the challenge of leadership on this issue.

because, so far, "hope" is all we've gotten from him....