Cliff diving
Today it’s the fiscal cliff, but that surely will not be the end of it; next year it will be the fiscal mountain, after that the fiscal black hole, and after that fiscal Armageddon. But the truth is Washington already drove us off the fiscal cliff while no one was looking. A nation that has a $16.3 trillion debt, a debt that is larger than our entire economy, has already driven through the guard rail and is in free fall with the cliff somewhere in the rear view mirror. …
Here are a few structural reforms, any one of which would be worth fighting for in this fiscal cliff diving exercise:
• A federal balanced budget amendment. States have balanced budget laws, small businesses have to balance their budgets, and families have to do the same. This is an idea that is supported by virtually every American who does not live in the 202 area code. It’s common sense. It is also laughed at in Washington. When you mention the BBA as a solution, they roll their eyes and write you off as a non-serious person. But the American public is dead serious about it, and they should be.
• Place a cap on discretionary and mandatory federal spending by fixing a limit on it tied to a percentage of GDP. Eighteen percent is a reasonable number in my book, but almost any number would be a victory at this point. Require a super majority vote to over-ride this limit, which would allow for recourse in a time of war or other national emergency. Again, this solution makes far too much sense to be taken seriously in Washington, a sure sign that it’s a good idea.
Blowback
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Biden sets the tone for many Americans re: Indian-Americans. They think of them as sing-song accented Apu working a Dunkin Donuts or 7-11.
Thankyoucomeagain!
Christien on December 6, 2012 at 2:19 PM
tommy71 Umm.. yep, I’m totally racist for pointing out that both candidates have flaws. At least, Rubio’s flaws are fixable. Jindal apparently is trying to outdo Christie.
Illinidiva on December 6, 2012 at 2:20 PM
One heartbeat away! Is this a great country or what?
Cindy Munford on December 6, 2012 at 2:23 PM
Good for you, Illinadiva. You diagnosed your own problem. Get well soon. Oh, Rubios probs are fixable? Really? Lol, its now that you say it. For a long time, you’ve been continually trashing Rubio. Good to see improvement at last.
tommy71 on December 6, 2012 at 2:28 PM
Biden gets away with it 1) because he’s a Dem, 2) pro-Dem media won’t call him on it, and 3) a lot of Repubs and other non-Dems like to mock Indians, too.
Christien on December 6, 2012 at 2:29 PM
Gotta go for now. Adios.
tommy71 on December 6, 2012 at 2:42 PM
Cindy Mumford. No one is saying that this is bad. However, the first this occurred to Jindal was after the election when it was politically advantageous for Jindal to do so. And it was done so in a way that trashed Romney rather than making it a wider statement. I missed Jindal’s speech on outreach critical of the R party before the election. Try leading by example on this one.
Illinidiva on December 6, 2012 at 2:48 PM
Really? Can you give me an example? Did the press ignore it or give implied approval because of said Republican’s historic goofiness? I could develop a whole new opinion of the media if you can.
Cindy Munford on December 6, 2012 at 2:49 PM
We obviously don’t view these things the same way and I don’t think either of us will be convinced by the other.
Cindy Munford on December 6, 2012 at 2:51 PM
Cindy,
Here you go, for starters.
Christien on December 6, 2012 at 3:08 PM
Cindy,
From Althouse:
Thankyoucomeagain.
Christien on December 6, 2012 at 3:12 PM
Low level state little big man being first a sexist than a bigot. The press didn’t present it as acceptable, they actually just stood back and reported the stupidity in hopes that it would hurt the Republicans. If she hadn’t been of Indian descent he would have found something equally vile to say. The fact that one of these idiots implied that they had been her lover says it all.
Cindy Munford on December 6, 2012 at 3:20 PM
What exactly is it you are trying to prove? Are you suggesting that Republicans are institutionally accepting of bigotry against Indians, geeks, or what?
Cindy Munford on December 6, 2012 at 3:23 PM
Not trying to prove anything to anyone. I am simply stating my opinion, that, based on my experiences, I think there are plenty of Dems, Republicans and others who find mocking Indians funny and that American society as a whole largely turns a blind eye to it. I think that is partly why Biden can make repeated jabs at Indians and isn’t taken to task. I think him being a Dem and the media being pro-Dem is a larger factor. I’ve also spent decades on a daily basis interacting with South Asians and have heard so many anecdotes of them being mocked by Americans. Your experiences may vary, of course. Just my two rupees.
Christien on December 6, 2012 at 5:26 PM
Yes, it has not been my experience but I won’t question yours. There is no excuse for rudeness from anyone about anyone. It is pretty much the equivalent of bullying.
Cindy Munford on December 6, 2012 at 5:44 PM
Sorry for not being clear before. Too often, I state something as objective fact, when I really mean to say it’s just my opinion, based on subjective experiences.
Christien on December 6, 2012 at 5:52 PM
Don’t apologize, isn’t HotAir mostly opinions based on our own personal experiences? I seldom get offended by what anyone says but I often need clarification. That probably says more about me than the writer of any comment.
Cindy Munford on December 6, 2012 at 5:56 PM
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