Quid Pro Quo -- You Give Some, You Take Some

This week, President Barack unveiled a bipartisan deficit-reduction plan that tackles "entitlements" while also raising taxes on millionaires. It would slash the deficit by $4 trillion over the next 12 years by reducing spending on benefit programs like Social Security and Medicare, eliminating tax carve-outs and deductions, repealing the Bush-era tax cuts for millionaires and cutting defense spending. The goal is to address the long-term fiscal debt crisis via a solution that calls for sacrifice by all Americans, i.e., a Grand Bargain:

Revenue Increases + "Entitlement" Cuts + Defense Cuts + Marijuana Legalization

The latter wasn't discussed in the original plan, but I think it would be beneficial to add it (angel face).

I'm very pleased with the president because he's finally taken hold of the reins and begun to shine as a genuine leader. Numerous hardcore lefties are screaming foul, however, arguing that the crisis should be resolved strictly by raising taxes and fixing the healthcare system. Those arguing these talking points seem to have forgotten that the republicans control the house. Plus, let's not forget that even with a democratic majority for two whole years, we were still unable to win the highly coveted public option.

Meanwhile, the hardcore righties are refusing to capitulate on taxes, on the basis that it would hurt the economy. They would rather lower high-income tax rates even further--while simultaneously ripping Social Security and Medicare into dust--because they believe this path would spur economic growth and inspire job creation. This argument holds absolutely no merit, however, because if tax cuts are directly related to job creation, then how do you explain the loss of jobs since the Bush-era tax cuts were enacted?

Look, our political climate is composed of various factions, including democrats and republicans. For us to ever achieve anything meaningful, both sides must engage in quid pro quo, in that each side must be willing to give some and take some. As a staunch liberal, I'd love to spout the same talking points as the hardcore lefties, but I know as a realist that both democrats and republicans must compromise--even if it means unleashing a slight dose of pain and misery on their constituents.

That said, I expect Obama to concede on entitlements only if and when the republicans quit their "no compromise" game. Until then, the right-wingers can suck on an egg. I realize this means risking defaulting on our debt, but I don't give a damn anymore. Look, most of us have been broke b4, so I'm sure we'll survive any potential "financial apocalypse." But let's see how well the republicans and their corporate buddies fare when the shit hits the fan and their financial accounts disintegrate into dust. I bet they'll be on street corners begging for change while the rest of us continue stackin' that hood wealth like we playin' Tetris! (and yeah, you can quote on me on that!)