What “Fiscal Cliff?”
P. Schultz
December 27, 2012
Well, the
scam continues in Washington as we approach ever closer to the alleged “fiscal
cliff” and our politicians in D.C. play the game. If you cannot smell a scam
here, then I recommend you not go to state fairs or, if you go, stay away from
the games there, which are always scams. [See the article from the NY Times
linked below, not on state fairs but on the scam in D.C.]
“Crisis”
created, “crisis” averted, but only temporarily. Such is the character of our
politics and, as pointed out previously here, this is merely a way to preserve
the status quo, to serve the interests of those who hold power in each party
and in the nation. When “crises” arise, they must be dealt with so any attempt
at real or genuine reforms must be put on hold. And as “time becomes short,” as
it always does in D.C., interim or stop-gap measures are necessary. Genuine or
real reform? Well, that just isn’t possible.
And it
seems to me that this is pretty much our political modus operandi. “Crisis” in
Iraq? Weapons of mass destruction and, as Condi Rice said, an imminent threat of a mushroom cloud? Invasion. “Crisis
II” in Iraq post-invasion? Ah yes, we need a “surge.” Massacre in Connecticut
of 20 children? “Crisis,” yes? Ah, but real change? Well, no, that cannot
happen because of the NRA so let us put in place some stopgap measures.
Something like a “surge,” if you will. Perhaps if we all just promise to do 26
good deeds, one for each victim of the Connecticut massacre, all will be well.
Yes, that should do it.
And all the
while, those in power act in ways that are intended to keep that power, even if
it means losing some elections or not addressing issues except in stop-gap
ways. To wit:
“Democrats now suggest that Republicans
are content to wait until after the January deadline. On Jan. 3, Mr. Boehner is
likely to be re-elected speaker for the 113th Congress. After that roll call,
he may feel less pressure from his right flank against a deal.”
And note all the
procedural hurdles that can be used to feign an inability to act:
“For its part, the Senate may simply be
out of time. Without unanimous agreement, Mr. Reid would have to take
procedural steps to begin considering a bill. He could then be forced to press
for another vote to cut off debate before final passage. If forced to jump
through those hoops, the 112th Congress could expire before final votes could
be cast.”
So, translation of part of this: Mr.
Reid would have to do something to begin considering a bill, which is of course
always the case as bills don’t line up on their own to be considered. Of
course, this also means that these “procedural steps” are there already and all
Mr. Reid has to do is to decide to use them! Oh, “those hoops!” So much to ask
of Mr. Reid. And it is all so complex, so involved, isn’t it? And the result:
“the Senate may simply be out of time!”
And then there is this, the coup de
grace:
“I think there’s some chance that we
get a deal done in the early weeks of January, which technically means you’re
going over the cliff,” Representative Jim Himes, Democrat of Connecticut, said
on CNBC on Wednesday.”
So now, hocus-pocus, the “fiscal cliff”
is a “technicality.” And, of course, if going over the “cliff” is a “technicality,”
it means it was never a cliff in the first place! Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The charade continues, as always. It’s three card monty. It’s magic. And it is
all done with straight faces and a solemnity that is as impressive as any Emmy
winning performance from Hollywood.
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