Yes, it's comforting to know that Obama and members of Congress have begun a dialog regarding the sequester. It would be nice to reach an agreement before we begin experiencing the direst consequences of a prolonged impasse.
Still, it's kind of discomforting to hear reports that the Obama administration is apparently proposing cuts to vital social programs as items up for discussion --- much to the chagrin of many fellow Democrats. I guess they're being offered in the spirit of compromise.
Yet I find myself asking: "Where was this will to negotiate and compromise back in 2011?" A lot of pundits claim that there's ample blame to go around in reference to the sequester; after all, both parties signed off on it.
True, but it seems to me that the Democrats cosigned under duress. If my memory serves me, congressional Republicans insisted that they would not authorize a normally routine action: raising the national debt ceiling. They got their way by throwing a collective tantrum. When a li'l kiddo throws a tantrum, there are several options available: 1) Some "quiet time", 2) issuing a pacifier, or maybe 3) a well-placed "potch" on the fanny. Or 4) caving!
Well, it seems as if Obama and the Dems chose Option 4. (Admittedly, Option 3 would have been a tad awkward).
In fact, House Speaker, His Orangeness John Boehner, was ecstatic. He was quoted, declaring, "I'm very happy! I got 98% of what I wanted!" Yet now, the Democrats are being expected to compromise?
Don't get me wrong, the bipartisan dinners and other outreach efforts are fine. I also realize that many Republicans in Congress are concerned about being "primaried" from the right, so they feel as if they're beholden to the Tea Party line, even if it's against their better judgment.
But if the Republicans can't get a handle on their internal squabbles, the rest of us shouldn't be punished for it. On the other hand, the Democrats ought to realize that the progressives in their midst have policy priorities in synch with majority sentiments. Every national, issue-oriented poll confirms this.
If the Dems don't start asserting themselves, many of their supporters, especially young and minority voters might decide to go "missing in action" in 2014. That seems to be what happened in 2010.
Let's not go for an encore.
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