I think the sequester should happen. It is the only way there will be real cuts.
The congress can come along behind and tidy up programs that should get some more money and correct unacceptable administration cuts.
The sequestration cuts are the opposite of cuts down the road. The plan will be partial reinstatement down the road.
“I think the sequester should happen. It is the only way there will be real cuts.”
I couldn’t agree with you and Saint Lawrence of Lower Manhattan more, Bert. The 4Q12 GDP data were excellent, despite the surprising headline, fatally underming the argument made by Krugman and the other Left Keynesians that marginal government spending is stimulative in an economy operating with a fiscal deficit exceeding 9% of GDP.
The GOP needs to achieve spending cuts without further tax increases, at least marginial income tax rate increases, for political reasons and America needs this to happen to an even greater degree for economic reasons. Anyone with eyes to see can discern that the sequester is the only mechanism by which any meaningful cuts will be made.
Sorry Pentagon, but you’re going to have to tighten your belt. Somehow, I think you’ll manage.
Conservatives understand that Washington is incredibly inefficient and could provide the same minimal benefit to the country that it does currently at a substantially lower cost if it had the will to do so or the Sword of Damocles daangling above its head compelling it to. Why they have come to believe that the Pentagon is the only place in Sodom on the Potomac that is immune to this disease escapes me.
Let the cutting begin.