NEW CASTLE —
In the days following this year’s general election, there were glimmers of hope that some of Washington’s rancor might subside.
Of particular concern is the so-called fiscal cliff, the tough tax increases and budget cuts scheduled to automatically take effect unless Congress and the president can agree on an alternative.
Comments from Democratic and Republican leadership generally approach the issue from a recognition that compromise is necessary and action was needed. While hardline voices linger on the left and right, there seemed to be newfound commitment to work together on the part of most politicians.
Unfortunately, that assessment may have been a bit premature. A meeting yesterday involving high-level Republicans and Democrats appeared to produce little beyond finger pointing and accusations.
Emerging from the session, House Speaker John Boehner said, “No substantive progress has been made between the White House and the House.” And he stressed that’s been the case in talks stretching back two weeks.
Furthermore, the Republican Boehner said his party was looking for a proposal to cut spending from the Obama administration, but none has been forthcoming.
That prompted this response from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: “Republicans know where we stand. We’re still waiting for a serious offer from Republicans.”
We understand fiscal discussions of this magnitude are bound to be difficult. And there is a reluctance to stick one’s neck out by making a specific political proposal — especially in Washington.
But at this point — with the fiscal cliff looming and the financial markets sending out repeated warnings about the consequences of doing nothing — we would hope that officials in Washington would make the effort and avoid the blame game.
With current negotiations taking place behind closed doors, the public has no means of assessing the real state of affairs in these budget talks. So the two parties seem to be playing to their respective audiences.
Yet for Americans looking for real answers to Washington’s fiscal woes, this sort of rhetoric is dispiriting. It’s just more of the same from a political system that continues to demonstrate its dysfunction.
It doesn’t have to be this way. There are plans out there that provide a framework for resolving these issues. Most prominent among them is the Simpson-Bowles plan. It may not be pretty, but it spreads the pain.
And yes, there will be pain in deficit reduction. Anything else amounts to wishful thinking. And that’s the sort of mentality that breeds budget deficits in the first place.
Editorials
Our Opinion: Politicians point fingers rather than solve problems
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Our Opinion: State audit says city school district failed to collect from non-residents
Audit information about non-resident students who didn’t pay tuition at New Castle raises more questions than it answers. At least so far. We expect more details when the Pennsylvania auditor general’s office completes its report and the New Castle school district provides its response.
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Our Opinion: Make the most of your power to vote by casting ballot tomorrow
So what kind of turnout will there be for tomorrow’s primary? Recent history suggests somewhere between low and lousy. This year’s elections are devoted to local races, and there are few major ones being contested in the primary.
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Our Opinion: Privatization of county jail is worthy of examination
Generally speaking, we support government efforts to seek more efficient ways to provide essential services. So we have no problem with the decision by the Lawrence County commissioners to solicit proposals for the private operation of the county jail.
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Our Opinion: We endorse candidates for New Castle board
The New Castle school district is often a study in contrasts. There are complaints about the district on everything from taxes to nepotism, from test scores to ethical slights. Yet at the same time, plenty of students within the district excel. It’s a tribute to the hard work of those students, their families and the educators who support them.
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Our Opinion: You should be frightened, outraged by IRS abuse of power
When people talk about government posing a threat to citizens, a common topic these days is unmanned drones. But a more credible threat may be the Internal Revenue Service. This agency, responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing related rules, has the ability to make life miserable for the average individual.
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Our Opinion: Our endorsements for City Council race
The city of New Castle needs help. Financially distressed and operating under Pennsylvania’s Act 47, New Castle must find ways to reverse its population loss and fiscal challenges.
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Our Opinion: Court frowns on gerrymandering, but only slightly
Pennsylvania legislators have received the green light to put their own political interests ahead of yours. That’s a key point in the latest Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling on legislative apportionment in the commonwealth.
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Our Opinion: Study says distracted driving deaths are under reported
Suppose you operated a piece of heavy machinery at your job. And suppose it’s machinery that moves quickly with little effort. What would happen if you decided to take one hand off that equipment — while it was still in motion — and instead focused your attention on a telephone call?
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Our Opinion: Senate seeks to give states more taxing power
Congress is taking a stab at tax fairness. At least, where states are concerned. If you’re looking for meaningful reform of the federal tax code, that’s going to have to wait.
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Our Opinion: Look at handling of bombing suspects is warranted
We welcome an investigation into the handling of intelligence related to suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing. That probe may reveal little of value.
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Our Opinion: State audit says city school district failed to collect from non-residents
