Tuesday, November 13, 2012

If Not Now...When?

There are a lot of people who would have us believe that the approaching fiscal cliff is much ado about nothing.  They argue that it is more of a “FISCAL SLOPE” or a “FISCAL CURB.”  They tell us that it will take months before the looming tax hikes and spending cuts have any real affect on the economy.  They believe that all the hand wringing is uncalled for as Congress and the White House would still have months to work out a deal.
There is a theory going around that Democrats would like nothing better than to have the 1/1/2013 deadline pass without a deal in hand.  The belief is that it will make the Democrats appear stronger for having stuck to their principles in the face of economic Armageddon.
There are others who believe that Republicans would like nothing better than to have the 1/1/2013 deadline pass without a deal in hand.  They believe that once the deadline passes and taxes go up the Republicans will have an even stronger case for tax cuts.
While these theories about delays and strategy may be good for politics they are very bad for the country.
We have just completed a grueling eighteen month election process during which the American people made it abundantly clear that they want the gridlock in Washington to cease.  Democrat, Republican, gay, straight, white, black, Hispanic, Asian, man or woman…they all want Washington to come together to get things done.  They remember the debt ceiling crisis and how partisan politics served to bludgeon our economy and lower our credit rating.  They remember the lost jobs and lost houses while Washington did nothing.  They have no interest in a repeat performance.
The 1/1/2013 deadline may be technically artificial; but psychologically it is etched in stone. 
This country cannot afford another partisan fiasco.  If Washington fails to reach a compromise by January 1st the market will take on significant losses.  The business community’s uncertainty will grow.  More jobs will be lost and 43 months of job growth will end.  The unemployment numbers will rise.  And it will cost even more for the country to borrow money as our credit rating will be staring at another downgrade. 
Perhaps most important of all…the American psyche will take a dramatic hit.  Because mere weeks after an important election Washington will be telling the American people:  “your voice doesn’t matter.”  Never underestimate the economic effects of consumer confidence.
A deal must be made…and the responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of the President.
The president has just won an election of historical significance.  In the past century only four US Presidents have won 50% of the vote twice: Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Reagan, and Obama.  In spite of a sluggish economy and high unemployment the people have chosen President Obama to lead them down the path toward recovery.  They are not looking for a community organizer.  They are looking for a leader.
President Obama knows what the hard road to recovery looks like.  He knows that it involves tax increases and a revised tax code.  He knows that it includes the significant reformation of “entitlement programs.”  He knows that we need to increase our investments in energy, education, innovation and infrastructure while reducing or eliminating ineffective government programs.
He knows what needs to be done.  So do the American people.
We encourage the President to go BIG!  Take your case directly to the American people.  Spell out the hard choices.  Don’t wait for deadlines and lengthy partisan negotiations.  Lay out the details.  The people know what is required.  They can take it.  LEAD!
A president is never more popular than the first few weeks after an election.  We encourage the president to use this fleeting time to get big things done.
For if not now, when. 
       
                   


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