Budget Showdown Will Test Democratic Resolve

Well now that we have avoided a budget shutdown at the eleventh hour, due to Republican theatrics, and an attempt to pander to the Tea Party crowd, where do we go from here? The Republican House has passed Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-WI)"Path to Prosperity" which I spoke about a little in our last conversation. This was a very bold risk on the part of Republicans. It lays out, in great detail, their road map to curb spending and cut the deficit. Naturally it cuts programs for the poor, disabled, and the middle class, while once again championing big business and the rich. Most noteworthy cutting funding of Planned Parenthood and the EPA. Who needs assistance for disadvantaged young women, or pollution protections? Just another boot to the neck of the poor, and perk for big business.

However, the shining jewel of their plan is the destruction of Medicare as we know it. For those of you 54 or younger, you would be given "greater choice in handling your own health care." that's Republican code for being kicked to the wolves. They do give you a $15,000 voucher to help you supplement your health care costs, but as we all know that wouldn't go far today, let alone 15 years from now. All our seniors would be handed over to the Insurance Industry to create health insurance policies for those in their 70's. Just when health care becomes most important, Big Insurance will be their to pick up the slack, comforting is it not? In 15 years if your a senior citizen $15,000 stands between you and the street. Sounds fair huh? It does to Republicans. Oh and just to make it more enticing lets cut the tax rate for the rich from 35% to 25%, after all they do create all the jobs... in India, and Mexico, and China.

Rachel Maddow (who I like very much) said last night the Tea Party has peaked, they are no longer a force in the Republican Party. She based it on the greatly diminished nationwide turnout for rallies on Tax Day. The last 2 years they brandished rallies in the thousands, while this year their turnout was in the hundreds or less. She went on to claim they were now an invisible force within the party that's being used to justify moving to the hard right. She makes a good point, but it is misguided. There are 70 plus members of Congress that were elected to, and belong in the Tea Party Caucus. The recent budget battle in the house to pass last years budget took Republicans, AND Democrats to pass because Tea Party Republicans would not vote for it. They felt the budget cuts didn't go far enough, and further thought Republican Speaker John Boehner sold them out. As he stood at the podium to announce the deal, Tea Party leaders were threatening a primary race against Boehner. They have a congressional caucus with enough members to influence the passage of legislation. To think them out of the picture is, in my opinion a bit premature.

The question now goes to the Democrats, and President Obama in particular, to stand behind the line in the sand they have drawn against Republicans. The picture frankly is not an optimistic one. While Republicans come up with their own policies, we have bi-partisan commissions. The Gang of 6, The Gang of 10, The Apple-Dumpling Gang. Even when we hold the majority we dissolve into these worthless commissions which are basically a major waste of time. There were some tough words thrown out by the President this week, can he stick to them? History would say no. He is a well liked, but weak leader. History would show us that the Republicans will hijack the conversation and compromise will overtake the promises that for once Democrats are willing to fight for something. It is a true challenge that will influence the upcoming debt ceiling debate, and this years budget debate. Considering the radical stance Republican leaders have taken in one voice, staggers the imagination as to why Democrats should have any problem winning the debate. For the love of God stand up for the American people just once! The Democrats are a party that is in a constant need for spine donors, here's to hoping we find a few.