The Washington Outsider


Discussing the Political Environment Surrounding the 2011 Budget Debate

Previously published on Apr 13, 2011

For less than 40 billion dollars, which amounts to a little more than one percent of the Federal Budget, Washington was on the verge of shutting down. While it should be no surprise a Republican majority fueled by the Tea Party would follow this path, the fact this spectacle did nothing to address the actual Budget crisis in any significant way, yet it still could do great damage, is rather troubling. Quite frankly, the whole display lacked the substantive policies we actually need. Politically speaking, the civil war within the GOP did, however, force John Boehner to expose his flank to Democrats, who have more or less taken a victory toward 2012 at a minimized cost to critical social programs. That said, the entire scenario has highlighted the faults of Washington insiders.

All first term presidents require a learning curve. The Obama Administration has had one catastrophic crisis after another to cope with, so blame for its shortcomings will be muted in the history books. President Obama's almost naïve faith in the legislative process and bipartisan compromise will not be excused so readily. Congress is responsible for writing laws and budgeting federal dollars. Unfortunately, over the last eighty or so years, our Legislative Branch has often deferred its power to the Executive Branch, because its members are unwilling to rise up as national leaders to address modern issues in a timely fashion. As such, I hope Obama has finally learned he must constantly hold the collective hand of Congress from the very beginning to make certain it does its job, if he wants the Legislature to actually get something done.

Sounding much like previous budget debates, the current campaign to erase the National Deficit is polarized along party lines. On the right, the "spend and don't tax" Republicans want to cut domestic social programs without raising taxes or trimming their spending priorities. On the left, the "spend and maybe tax" liberals would rather not upset their base with cuts, or taxes, until they feel more politically secure, if then. Unlike past debates, Tea Party activities, who seem very unhappy with the fact a deal did not exact 100 billion dollars worth of cuts, forced the GOP to take the Budget head on. Republican Congressman Paul Ryan's very sobering 2012 Budget proposal was exactly what the Country needed to see as it shows what we can afford without increasing tax revenues, but this is also what Democrats needed from the Republicans.

Amongst a wave of Tea Party activists and Democratic apathy, the main defense of the Democrats in 2010 was to blame Republicans for impeding, and not participating in, government. Using their minority status and a thorough filibustering campaign, the GOP was able to capitalize on voter outrage over the economy to politically "balance" government. To somewhat appease Tea Party members, however, the GOP has largely nullified its best weapon against the Democrats thanks to Ryan's plan. So long as the Obama Administration, which did not really want to deal with the Deficit this term, steps up with a more favorable counterproposal, the momentum will favor the left. Given the Ryan plan leans heavily on Democratic initiatives, which the Republicans originally criticized, the right is basically feeding the narrative that average Americans would do better if the Democrats are the ones to cut the Budget and raise taxes.

By embracing a political strategy more favorable to Democrats, the GOP has suggested it is in a rather tenuous position and having difficulty adapting to the current political environment. Since Republican policies generally benefit the rich directly over the majority and their standing as a major political party depends on their image as a counterbalance to the Democrats, i.e. stopping government overreach, their campaign tactics are far less effective than those of their opponents when a direct discussion on policy demands full disclosure. By taking the initiative, which we needed, to address a critical issue booby trapped with a myriad of third rail issues, they are betting on whether or not Democrats will offer a better alternative and hoping the American People will follow the Reagan narrative that GOP principles are a proven success over liberal experimentation.

On the flip side, the Democrats have plenty of opportunities to sink themselves. Just as the GOP taking on a more Democratic strategy can hurt the right, worse damage can befall the left should they embrace a strategy more favorable to Republicans. Taking a backseat on any major policy debate and exploiting every little opening to belittle opponents, i.e. falling into the obvious political traps being laid, is tempting. In fact, the GOP will need the Democrats to do this, so they can at least maintain their current standing in 2012 and 2014. Looking ineffective and petty is only going to be a disaster for those in the party of government. This is not to say Democrats should forgo the gifts bestowed upon them by Paul Ryan and others, but 2012 must be defined by constructive, positive campaigning and honest policy debates that will actually address the issues.

Republicans are probably heading into the next election cycle at a greater disadvantage than Democrats, yet the shell-shocked left doubts its policies and political strategies due to the outcome of 2010. This is what the GOP will have to exploit in coming debates and elections. Outside of campaigning, the dynamic triggered by the debate over the 2011 Budget does have the potential to force healthier political discourse and policy debates. The Grand Old Party may not fare well in the comings years, unless it dramatically restructures its image and moves away from the more destructive tactics it has used in the past, but the process will help America and reform the Democratic Party. Given that, the American People will see some bad policy initiatives come to light, but a more responsive government can emerge if the Budget is balanced responsibly and our national leaders are forced to honestly present their policy preferences.
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        • Mental Illness is Not the Cause of Anger and Violence >
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      • Relating Circular, Inductive, and Deductive Reasoning to the Scientific Method and Religion
      • What is a Redneck? Understanding Different Cultures and Thinking
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      • The Need for Greater Economic Leverage >
        • Evaluating NAFTA and TPP
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        • Unions: Hindrance or Essential to Free Markets
        • Eminent Domain Used Against Banks
        • Haitians Sue the UN for Failure to Help With Cholera
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      • Looking at the Future of American Jobs >
        • On Questioning the Need to Address Economic Disparity
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        • Why Education Is Not The Civil Rights Issue Of The Twenty-First Century
      • Considering the Impact of the Capital Gains Tax Deduction
      • Embracing a Capitalist Mindset >
        • Capitalism Versus Socialism
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      • Stealing Intellectual Property
      • Changing Business Models: From Enduring Entities to Cash Cows
      • Consumer and Investor Evolution in the Great Recession of 2008-09
      • Dealing with the Issues Surrounding the Patenting of Self-replicating Technologies
      • Is Technology Threatening Jobs?
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      • Primary Education in America and the Changing Needs of Society
      • The Greatness of the American Education System
      • Ideas for Improving the United States Education System
      • Are Teachers Treated as Professionals?
      • Is Engaging Parents in Their Children's Education a Major Factor in Turning Around Low-performing Schools?
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      • On the DOJ Justifying the “targeted Killings” of US Citizens
      • Corporations Do Not Have the Same Rights as US Citizens >
        • Corporate America Pleads the First
      • Discussing the Constitutionality of Per Capita Taxes
      • Was the California Supreme Court Right in Legalizing Gay Marriage?
      • Should the Bible Continue to Be Used for Swearing-in Ceremonies and in Courtrooms?
      • Should Religious Student Clubs Be Allowed in Public Schools?
      • Should the Government Control Talk Radio to Make it More "balanced"?
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        • Are We Losing Our Second Amendment Rights
      • Eminent Domain Used Against Banks
      • Should a Woman Have the Right to Choose Abortion? >
        • Should Fathers Be Able to Opt Out of Parenthood?
      • Should Smoking Be Allowed in Public Places?
      • Is Teen Driving a Right or a Privilege?
      • Should US Companies Be Required to Provide Equal Pay to Women and Men?
      • Is eighteen too young to vote?
      • First Amendment Rights: The Priviledge of The Press
      • Do Mandatory Seat Belt Laws Violate Individual Rights?
      • Should cell phone use be banned while driving?
      • Dealing with the link between video game violence and children's behavior
      • Should police have to submit to routine drug and alcohol testing?
      • Public schools should not impose mandatory drug testing on students
      • Are High Taxes on Cigarettes Proper?
      • Should pharmacists be required to violate their religious beliefs and dispense the "Morning After Pill?"
      • Should school counselors uphold patient privacy or report students who become unstable?
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    • Ongoing Issues >
      • Red Dawn in Ukraine: Understanding the Actions of Russia >
        • On Russia’s Coercion of Ukraine
        • The Russian Annexation of Crimea in the Eyes of the World
        • Putin Has Overplayed His Hand With Crimea
        • Ukraine in Terms of Resovereignization
        • Avoiding a Conflict Between America and Russia Over Ukraine
        • What Drives the World’s Interest in Russia’s Actions in Ukraine
      • China’s Aggressive Pursuit of Interests Demands a Global Response
      • Iran Makes a Deal: A Start to a Long-term Diplomatic Effort to Denuclearize Iran >
        • On the Future of a Nuclear Negotiations with Iran
      • America's Sphere of Influence: Retaking South-East Asia >
        • Power in Asia: Looking at the Power Shift in Japan
        • The China Paradox: Why America is Worried About China
      • Assessing US Support of Israel >
        • Tread Softly Israel for a Heavy Step May Be Your Undoing
      • Understanding the Dysfunctional Nature of the US-Pakistani Relationship
      • Recognizing the True Threat Behind the Current Unrest in the Middle East >
        • Reacting to the Escalating Crackdown in Syria
      • Assessing the Threat of North Korea >
        • Answering North Korea's Call for Food Aid: Breaking the Vicious Cycle Forced Upon Us by a Warring Nation
        • Dealing with the Restarting of the Korean War
        • North Korea Attacks South Korea
      • Dealing with the Ill-effects of Climate Change
      • Racial Inequality and Oppression Do Truly Exist in Today's Society
      • Should energy independence be a high priority in the US?
      • An overview of world wide Human Rights violations
      • Nuclear Threat from Pakistan
      • Return of The Cold War?
    • World >
      • Coverage of FIFA World Cup is a Chance to Focus on Poverty >
        • The FIFA World Cup Offers Benefits for More Than Brazilian Soccer Fans
        • FIFA Can Bring Brazilians Together as a Nation
      • Being Prepared for Any Potential Dangers at the FIFA World Cup Games
      • Treading Softly on the Politicizing of the 2014 Sochi Olympics Over Gay Rights
      • Why NATO Operations in Libya Lack a Well-defined Mission
      • China Hijacks the Web
      • Lessons from the Great Japanese Earthquake of 2011
      • A Modernizing Cuba Offers an Opportunity for Capitalists
      • The Seeds of Democracy Take Root in the Middle East
      • The Rebirth of Democracy in Tunisia
      • What May Come from the Hurt Revolution in Libya
      • Responding to the Violence of Qaddafi and Other Besieged Leaders
      • Embracing the Rise of a Democratic Egypt
      • Protests in Afghanistan Turn Deadly for Coalition Forces and UN Personnel
      • Haiti: Another Failing Humanitarian Investment
      • What Karzai Can Learn from Calderon
      • START II: A Necessary, Easy Success that Nearly Failed
      • Why Does the U.S. Government Support Independence for the Breakaway Serb Territory of Kosovo but Oppose Independence for the Breakaway Georgian Territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia?
      • Iraq's Electric Issues: When Human Wants Trump Economic Sense
      • The International Community Reacts to Wikileaks: We May Be Moving Toward a Third World War in Cyberspace
      • On Climate Gate
      • Assessing Obama's Afghanistan War strategy
      • 2009 Iranian Presidential Election: The Fallout
      • Resolving Sri Lankan Conflict through Free Media
      • What are the Global Consequences of Russia's Invasion of Georgia
      • The War in Iraq: an assessment of President Bush's surge strategy
      • Drug War: Actions of Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador in terms of Resovereignization
      • Is the Iraq Refugee Crisis America's Responsibility?
      • US support for a united Kosovo, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia: why?
      • Should the US withdraw from Iraq?
      • Setting a Timetable for Troop Withdrawal from Iraq is a Terrible Mistake
      • War on Terrorism is needed
    • Law and Order >
      • Rape in the US Military
      • Ethics of Force-feeding Guantanamo Bay Detainees
      • Reacting to the Aftermath of the Tucson Massacre
    • Economy >
      • Affordability Drives Fear of Obamacare and the Individual Mandate
      • Is the Economy Built for a Job's Recovery?
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      • Arizona Budget Cuts Lead to Lethal Healthcare Rationing:
      • Shameful Collection Practices of American Banks
      • The Fed Reveals it Actually Undertook an International Bailout
      • Thoughts on French Budgetary Reforms
      • Seniors Start Businesses
      • The Case for Slimming Down the US Military to Make it Better
      • Looking at the Obama Administration's New Approach to Economic Policy
      • Should the Government Regulate the Credit Card Industry?
      • The Big Three's Big Chance
      • The Unhealthy Tone of the Healthcare Reform Debate
      • Should the federal government offer a bailout for home owners?
      • Environmentalists: Do They Do More Good Than More Harm?
      • Responding to Scott Walker's Contribution to the War on Unions
    • US Government >
      • America Needs to Focus on the Impending Fiscal Crisis
      • Reacting to the Bush Era-tax Cut Extension Deal
      • Quitting the Obama Revolution: The Fickle Nature of American Politics
      • John Boehner's Circus
      • Is the Fed Putting Itself in Jeopardy?
      • Wikileaks Goes After the US State Department
      • Discussing the Political Environment Surrounding the 2011 Budget Debate
      • What the Democrats Can Do to Ensure a GOP Year in 2012
      • What the 2010 Midterm Actually Said
      • Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper
      • Democrats Minus Nancy Pelosi Equals Opportunity
      • Terrorists Go Postal: The Terrorism Threat Reexamined
      • Victory in the 2008 Election: Reaction to Barack Obama'a Win >
        • Expectations for Barack Obama
      • President Obama's first one hundred days
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      • Reasons People did not Elect John Mccain
      • History judges the George W. Bush Administration
      • Should the next US President focus on domestic issues?
      • President Bush, should he resign or be impeached
      • Should the Ban on Government Sponsored Assassinations be Repealed
    • Off Topic >
      • A Face of America’s Greatest Generation
      • A Story About a Man Who Made the World a Better Place
      • Making the World a Better Place
      • The Bipolar Ethical Nature of Google
      • Learning Computer Plays Jeopardy
      • Verifying Medicine is the Real Thing
      • Taking a Practical Step Forward in Optical Computing Using Slow Light
      • Scientists Take a Closer Look at How Lithium Batteries Work
      • Remarking on the First Blizzard of the 2010-2011 Winter Season
      • Driving in the Snow: Acceleration is the Key
      • How People in Northwest PA Are Coping with the Increasing Cost of Oil
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