You offered a sweetheart deal to the other side … and they turned it down. Further attempts at appeasement are pointless.
So -- short & sweet. You say: You want cuts? Here are some cuts. Starting with corporate welfare. Say:
(1) I will veto any budget bill that does not end the ethanol subsidies, now.
But what happens to the debt ceiling if the Republicans continue to stall? You say:
(2) As President, I am responsible for guaranteeing the full faith and credit of this country. I do so guarantee it. Promises will be met, debts will be paid -- regardless.
For: The Republicans recently offered the President what they hoped was a poisoned chalice, letting him unilaterally raise the ceiling and take the heat. Well, by now he’s fed up and not afraid of heat. Say: Yes, excellent suggestion. Our legal counsel has looked into the matter, and have ruled that is constitutionally permitted or even required. As a professor of constitutional law, I agree. Let it be done.
Then the Tea Party types can squabble all they like.
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This should be done because it’s the right thing to do. But it might prove more popular than would appear at first glance.
Re (1): This morning, the Boston Globe featured some stupid hoopla about NASCAR and ethanol. But check out the readers’ comments -- no-one is fooled.
Re (2): There’s frustration (building to fear) because Congress is flailing. Decisive action by a President who is obviously not given to rash actions, could give everyone a boost in confidence.
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