Earlier today, President Obama introduced his latest budget proposal to Congress. It contains provisions for program cuts and revenue increases. In some quarters, I suppose that the Obama budget would be considered an attempt to compromise, but to most Republicans in Congress, compromise seems to be an alien concept.
House Speaker John Boehner, in behalf of his Republican cohorts, still insists that tax increases are off the table. Among GOP senators, there may at least be some talking points, but no sincere attempt at compromise. For instance, Lindsey Graham (R. - SC) has suggested a willingness to discuss elimination of tax loopholes, but only in return for flattening the overall tax rates.
According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the United States already has among the lowest tax revenue as a percentage of the gross domestic product among its 34 member nations. (The OECD was founded in 1961 in the interest of promoting economic progress and world trade). Here's a link with the lowdown:
OECD: Tax Revenue as a % of GDP.
Consider this as well: None of the other 33 member nations possess a massive military-industrial complex, which consumes a quarter of the United States' budget. Yet too many Republicans in both houses seem unwilling to give an inch in the realm of raising desperately needed tax revenue, even if vital social programs have to be gutted.
I guess they really do hate government.
Grover's stranglehold on DC Republicans is waning, as I've said before. But there have long been the "tax and spend" democrats and
ReplyDeletethe "taxes? No, never" republicans. This line
is becoming blurred, but much too slowly for me.
Regarding the 2007 reference from the OECD you include here makes me wonder, isn't there a more
recent year to quote? Much has changed in the last six years, as the Great Recession which we spread to the rest of the world began in 2007.
I know what you mean. That "tax and spend Democrats" mantra seems to be a component of many Republicans' DNA, predating their mindless worship of Grover. But still, at least for now, he seems to have left an indelible mark/stain on the Republican brand.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the OECD link, there probably is more recent data. However, the narrative that accompanied the chart focused on trends through 2011.