NEW CASTLE —
There are two obvious possibilities regarding Washington’s struggle with the fiscal cliff.
First, Republicans and Democrats could engage in tough negotiations that reach a compromise to spread some very real — and very unpopular — pain.
Second, efforts to negotiate a fiscal deal between the two parties collapse, resulting in harsh budget cuts and tax increases across the board. Many economists say the impact of this drastic move would force the nation’s economy back into recession.
Neither of these options is the sort of thing a politician typically wants to be associated with. That’s why we’re worried about a third alternative, one that could look increasingly attractive to the nation’s lawmakers as they near that fiscal cliff.
We refer to a temporary extension of existing taxation and spending figures, the proverbial kicking the budget can down the road. It’s a variation of what got America into this position in the first place.
The fiscal cliff that everyone’s talking about is the penalty placed on the nation after last year’s budget negotiations failed. Congress and President Obama agreed to create the cliff. The intent was to present an alternative so ugly and so politically unpopular that Washington’s politicians would be forced to compromise.
Unfortunately, that idea didn’t work very well. Amid election-year posturing, the two parties failed to resolve their differences. And now the nation is dealing with the cliff.
We hear lots of accusations and see lots of finger pointing from Washington as Republicans and Democrats argue the other side is taking an extreme position and unwilling to budge. Some of this undoubtedly is the sort of maneuvering the parties typically engage in ahead of any negotiated agreement.
In fact, plenty of political observers believe what’s happening now is merely for show. Ultimately, a deal will be struck to avoid the fiscal cliff.
We want to see Washington reach that deal — assuming it’s one that offers real restructuring in terms of spending cuts and tax reform. The way we see it, neither of the plans being pushed by Republicans and Democrats is sufficient on its own.
On the other hand, we don’t want an agreement that does nothing more than extend the status quo. The fiscal cliff may be a clumsy mechanism, but its harsh consequences may be the only thing — short of an election defeat — that politicians actually understand.
If Republicans and Democrats can’t reach a meaningful and practical deficit reduction plan, then they should allow the nation to go over that fiscal cliff. We think this outcome would force voters to make some much-needed wholesale changes in Washington.
Editorials
Our Opinion: Congress and White House must come up with a resolution to the deficit
- Editorials
-
-
Our Opinion: Lousy voter turnout is a missed opportunity
Tuesday’s primary in Lawrence County had its share of winners and losers. But — based on the numbers — the biggest winner has to be voter apathy. Countywide, voter turnout in the primary was a whopping 17.1 percent. In case you missed it, our use of the term “whopping” is sarcasm.
-
Our Opinion: Pennsylvania’s primary system is controlled by parties
Should Pennsylvania’s primaries be open to independent voters? That’s an interesting question and one we have explored in the past on this page.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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?
- More Editorials Headlines
-
