President Obama assumed office four years ago in the midst of a crisis; the nation’s financial markets were collapsing and taking a large part of the economy with them. Today, Obama launches his second term, and, despite an improving economy, some sense of crisis remains. But this time, the focus is less on Wall Street than on Washington, where Congress itself has struck several blows to the economy, and threatens an even greater one by refusing to raise the debt ceiling, forcing a default of government bonds.
Now, as in 2009, all eyes are on Obama. His inaugural address will be dedicated to capturing the moment in a way that sets the stage for the next four years. Both today and in upcoming weeks, he needs to remind Congress that, while voting one’s conscience is honorable, using procedural tactics to block others from voting their own conscience is not. And threatening to inflict damage on the nation’s economy as a tactic to force concessions from one’s opponents is, on its face, repugnant. It’s a difficult task. But Obama needs to make his arguments in a way that appeals to everyone’s best instincts, and is dedicated less to finger-pointing than to elevating the discussion.
Comments
How about a simple solution to our debt crisis - have the Senate pass a budget. Something they have not done since 2009.
The president is unqualified to lead, or to negotiate in good faith. If he does not get his way, he attacks the opposition. He is not a statesman, and is still in over his head. At this moment, we need a grown up to be president. But our nation has sent a child.
What part of $16 Trillion (soon to be 17) doesn't anyone understand? The media keeps yammering about raising the debt ceiling as if that will magically make things better. We have already had our credit downgraded because of our debt.
Fearless leader does not want to stop spending, he sees it as the way to lead the democrats to controlling the Senate AND the House. He helped get himself elected by Executive Order with the illegal aliens, now he wants to do it by continuuing to fund programs we can no longer afford. Of course, if that happens, no more funding, all those who were counting on him for a free handout would get very angry.
But, our wonderful media, as usual wants to turn the discussion into a "process" debate, who is being "not nice" to whom. What a crock, how about just reducing the debt? If the Reps have to tell the King: "No More Spending, YOU have reached YOUR limit", too bad, let him figure it out. Yanno, just like a credit card company tells a customer. What a concept, huh?
This editoral begins with a false statement: "refusing to raise the debt ceiling, forcing a default of government bonds.". The debt ceiling simply prohibits the issuance of NEW debt. The existing debt can be easily serviced from the ongoing income of tax revenue the feds recieve each day. Yes, there is a choice as to what obligations might be when you're taking in only 60% of what you spend but there is that choice and keeping one's credit rating solid stands out against other, more marginal, discretionary spending......like, say, subsidizing billions of more solar panel manufacturers or wind turbines. The assertion that Obama has any ability (much less interest) in negotiating with anyone is belied by the fact that he hasn't even bestirred his Democrat collegues in the Senate to pass a budget for years now. If you can't get even your own party to follow the law, if you can't be bothered, how is all the blame supposed to fall on those who oppose SOME of the continuing, extravagent, spending? The Globe and every Democrat at the state and federal level have yet to name a program, department or subsidy that SHOULDN'T be continued (but for "defense"). Nothing can be frozen, reduced much less eliminated. Nothing? Virtually every household, business and non=public organization has had to make such hard decisions over the past five years but its somehow impossible to consider even one thing (other than a defense item) for elimination? Not even PBS? Obama has described NOTHING to be reduced, That's "statesman like" in an ongoing crisis?
Nicely said. I wonder how these left wing Obama groupies believe our debt will come down, if the Democrats refuse to cut any spending. They do not even pretend to negotiate. Shameful.
"Both today and in upcoming weeks, he needs to remind Congress that, while voting one’s conscience is honorable, using procedural tactics to block others from voting their own conscience is not."
Does this count for Harry Reid too? Not in the msm's world view
Let's not forget the ' broad shoulders of the middleclass'. The current leaders in Washington should all resign and let some qualified replacements resolve the financial issues ASAP.
And in MA Deval claims that MA is at a debt ceiling. So he wants to raise taxes. On EVERYBODY. And the taxes are really to pay for RomneyCare.