Can we please bag this idea that it’s somehow a “compromise” in any meaningful sense if we temporarily extend all the Bush tax cuts, including the ones for the rich? Come on. It’s really capitulation. Temporary capitulation, perhaps, but capitulation all the same…
…There is a way a one-year or two-year temporary extension could represent a compromise of sorts: If Republicans signal a willingness to at least entertain the idea of letting the high end cuts expire after that temporary extension. But many of them aren’t doing that. Their position is that the high-end cuts need to be made permanent. Full stop. And that’s fine: That’s their position. It’s understandable that they would stick to it.
In case the president didn’t get the message from the results of the midterms, it’s time to play some chicken. No more “compromising” on the fundamentals. Yes, he will need to be realistic about what can be accomplished, and a little is better than nothing in most cases. But when it comes to the tax cuts, let the Republicans make everyone’s taxes go up. They won’t do it. They’ll cave. And you’ll get off to the right start in dealing with these bastards. You’ll let them know who is in charge.
