Ok, I'll limit the World to just Congress. While I am paying close attention to the collapse of world economies and our own in particular, I needed a distraction. That distraction was provided by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. I'm going to use both of their words, provide my own interpretation and then add a smideon more.
First: Harry Reid --
Reid is already upset that Republican leaders have declared that they will not appoint anyone to the joint committee who backs any tax hike, a virtual replay of the spending cuts vs. new tax revenues fight that consumed Washington for the past several months. “So what does that leave the committee to do?” Reid said. “Should Pelosi and I just not appoint and walk away?”
from ThinkProgress.
I love that idea. Why? Because I believe the Republicans will come up with something worse than the trigger and the danger of one Democrat who will enable them.
I was gleeful until I went back and looked at the Kill Our Middle Class legislation. Yep, there it is, in black and white:
The Majority Leader of the Senate shall appoint 3 members from among the Members of the Senate.
. . . .
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives shall appoint 3 members from the House of Representatives.
Sec. 401 (4) (B) (i), (iv)
Like sperm, every word is sacred. Shall means shall -- not may -- not could -- not should. By refusing to appoint Democratic members from the Senate and House, I assume Reid and Pelosi would be breaking the law. I like it -- Boehner can waste more tax payer dollars filing whatever -- A Writ of Mandamus? Mandatory Injunction? Personal Injury Claim for making his head explode? That would make the clock tick awhile but would leave Pelosi open to rebuke or sanctions in the House.
Ok, next option which is in compliance with the law:
From Pelosi's twitter machine:
If they want 2 draw lines in the sand let them look like the obstructions ... you won't see me drawing lines in the sand.
Pelosi appoints Raul Grijalva, Keith Ellison and Sheila Jackson-Lee. Reid appoints Barbara Boxer, Bernie Sanders and Kirstin Gillibrand (I'm looking for balance of women -- otherwise I could have chosen Franken and Whitehouse). These choices address Nancy Pelosi's seemingly controversial comment about sand drawings.
All six members should propose a $2 trillion cut over the next 10 years: 70% from defense, 30% entitlement programs (e.g. subsidies to oil companies, corporations, BigAgriculture, BigPharma (negotiate drug prices) etc.) and in addition, the elimination of the tax cuts for the wealthiest while preserving those for the middle class and working poor. On top of that, initiate a complete overhaul in the tax code to close those nasty loopholes.
That's how you don't have to draw a line in the sand -- there's a bit of flexibility in those proposals. Knowing how Republicans can't deal with what they would deem extremist views, some of them will walk out. As soon as the door slams behind them, the Dems call for a vote -- since their Chairperson has the majority -- and ram their proposal through. Ok, sure, it would never pass the House, but it would actually make the news and give some much needed encouragement to the fatigued and justifiably embittered.
I decided that since so many here have offered their suggestions on how to rule the country -- I should have my voice heard as well.
And, Happy Birthday, Mr. President.