Okay, so I can't keep my big, fat mouth shut on this issue any longer. First off, please know that I am not affiliated with either of the major parties. I am at times disgusted, yet find myself agreeing with some issues on both sides. So I guess that makes me the definition of today's independent voter.
With all the gnashing of teeth in Washington on whether or not to raise the debt ceiling, it is plain to me who will be to blame if we get to August 3rd without coming to a resolution. That would be the party of 'no', the Republican party. Please don't get me wrong, I agree with many of the ideas regarding bringing the national debt under control. Let's keep this part simple. One party says yes. The other says no. It's the one that says no that keeps the ceiling from being raised and will be responsible for holy hell breaking loose in the financial markets. So my message to the leadership of the Republican party - your legislative body knows that the real work happens in negotiating the budget, so do it. Their is no upside to holding the debt ceiling over the heads of every American citizen, only downside. Quit being childish and walking out of meetings. By the way, this sets a great example for our children - if you don't like the game, you just take your toys and go home. Real nice.
And here's the other part that the Republican party does not seem to see or hear - the middle class is suffering more than the 9% official unemployment rate indicates. Many more are under-employed, using savings and scraping the bottom of the barrel just to get by. Some economists are saying that we are really in a depression. But that news doesn't seem to be getting to the GOP. They steadfastly refuse to close loopholes for the rich and are willing to threaten any chance that we have for a real recovery in the short-term. Yes, I understand the long-term goals of less government, less taxes and all. We all want more in our pocket. Yet, no one wants to pay for any of it, especially the rich ones who who paid for the loopholes and can more than afford some of it. Remember this, 40% of the nation's wealth is held by 1% of the population (Wall Street Journal).
Oh and the Democrats are not without blame either. Yes, some of the spending was necessary to keep the economy from falling into a 1930's style depression. The money wasn't coming from the consumer or business sectors. That said, now is the time for true long and short term planning. Now is the time for real efficiencies to be put in place. Now is the time to get rid of redundancies. Now is the time to look at real cost benefit of everything, including defense and entitlements. Unfortunately, a few got us into this mess, but all will have to sacrifice at some level. Oh and by the way, what is really being done to keep this from happening again? Not much I'm afraid. Between the toothless SEC and the timidity of Congress to enact real reform legislation, we are in danger of all this happening again when real recovery occurs.
True reform is going to take real compromise. The majority of the country is in the middle. I suggest that both parties meet us there. It's only together - united we stand - that we will be able to get through these most devastating economic times.
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