Nobody wants cuts in government services. Nobody wants increased taxes. Nobody wants to see the debt increase. Nobody wants deficits.
Put simply nobody wants to deal with the reality with which we are faced. The real problem is we are attempting to make difficult choices without asking the proper questions. The question we are not ask is how can we best provide for the needs of all of our citizens and all the people of the world?
There is a great deal of work necessary to provide for everyone's needs. Unfortunately, instead of worrying about what that work is and how to accomplish it, we are concerned about petty issues such as debt, deficits, taxes, restricting services provided, and so forth and so forth.
In the short term President Obama has proposed modest tax increases and modest spending cuts. I say the tax increases are modest because I would increase taxes much more. I would make marginal tax rate on money above $250,000 40 percent. I would make the marginal tax rate on money above $500,000 45 percent. I would make the marginal tax rate on money above $1 million 50%. I would remove the cap on the payroll tax, making the payroll tax a flat tax on all earned income. I would tax capital gains, dividends and inheritane at the same rate as other income.
I would not consider cuts to services. However, we can dramatically cut defense spending without cutting any service provided by the Defense Department. Some cuts can be made to Medicare and Medicaid spending by reducing fraud and abuse.
However, we need dramatic increases in spending to reduce global warming, to provide inexpensive energy, to provide better K-12 education, to provide free college education for all who who want a college education, to build a more cost-effective infrastructure, and on and on and on.
Unfortunately, our politicians including Pres. Obama lack vision. Not only do Republicans lack vision; but, they have their heads up their asses. Extraction is very painful not just for Republicans; but, for the nation.
Before Democrats make a deal with Republicans, Republicans must show their hand. When Republicans have shown their hand, will the public be able to reject that hand. Republicans know that rejection will be harsh and painful for them. Pres. Obama needs to demand that Republicans place a detailed proposal on the table for everyone to read.
Only when Republicans see that their plan has been firmly rejected by voters, will they be able to compromise with Democrats.
