Over the Cliff We Go

It's hard to imagine at this point anything other than going over the self-imposed fiscal cliff.  Many Dems say go ahead.  Don't bargain with the hostage takers. Force the cliff and pass everything in smaller bills in early January or after the new Congress adjourns.  Republicans are saying no to everything other than huge spending cuts to very popular social programs.  And even then I'm not sure Boehner can deliver enough votes to pass whatever it is he says his party supports.

So we're stuck.  It could be worse.  But really none of it is necessary.  There's no reason to inflict more pain and suffering on the American economy and its people. Every Member of Congress makes over $100,000/year.  Half are millionaires. Some are billionaires.  The point, though, is none of them will feel the sting of spending cuts.  None of them will miss a paycheck (and if they did, they wouldn't even notice).  None of them will have to choose between gas and bread.  Actually, none of them even pay for gas.  They use campaign funds to pay for the gas they use.  It doesn't come from their pockets.  To be more exact, many Members make millions from very high fuel prices, and insider trading deals.  They are truly part of an elite club that is so detached from anything their constituents have to go through on a daily basis.  That's why this whole nonsense is happening.  Because it truly doesn't matter to them.

So over the cliff we may go.  And the only people who will have to pay the price are the ones not making the decisions.