Negotiations generally occur when two parties want the same thing but remain apart as to the size or the extent of the issue in question.
On the other hand, war is declared when two parties with differing views are resolute in their positions.
Obama, Biden, Boehner, Ryan, Reid, Pelosi, McConnell, McCain, and the rest of the unprincipled legislators who voted for this most recent tax bill abomination all settled for the same thing – higher taxes and increased spending.
The Democrats got exactly what they wanted.
The Republicans, once again, refused to stand toe-to-toe for fear of not being re-elected.
Make no mistake, the most recent “cliff” vote was not about principle, it was all about appearances.
Thus, there would be no war.
The nonpartisan Tax Policy Center in Washington, D.C. determined that taxes will rise on 77% of U.S. households, not just on the so-called 2%.
In addition, we learned that spending cuts were postponed, yet we all know that is code for never.
The rationale for the Republican position can be summed up by the GOP in three phrases, “it was the best we could get,” “it will put us in a better position to negotiate cuts later,” and “it would disrupt too many people and too many lobbyists if we didn’t agree.”
People who truly believe in their position do not agree to take anything less.
Men and women of principle stand on principle, no matter the impact or the outcome.
Unfortunately, that type of person is very difficult to find these days and they’re certainly not present within the upper echelon of Republican leadership.
Had Boehner or McConnell been advising Abraham Lincoln about the freeing of the slaves and the 13th Amendment, history would be far different today.
Lincoln, knowing that the abolishment of slavery would destroy businesses, impose hardships on many people, and that it could possibly be a major reason for a civil war, remained firmly resolute and flat-out refused any form of negotiation.
The South wanted as many as 100 slaves per family, Lincoln wanted no slaves.
I’m sure both Boehner and McConnell would have tried to settle for something in between. Higher taxes and increased spending are systematically tearing this country apart, just as slavery was doing 150-years ago.
Abraham Lincoln stood firm because he knew what was right and he was a man of principle. Sadly, the Republican leadership didn’t persevere nor did they stay true to their beliefs. Sometimes, it must be war no matter the fallout.