Democrats Refuse to Negotiate or Compromise

Political Realities ^ | 10/09/13 | LD Jackson

[LD Jackson]

Some things stay the same as they have been for years. In this world of politicians who almost never do what they say they will do, there is one political party who can be depended on to do the same thing every time a discussion is started about the amount of money our government spends. Whenever a fiscal conservative brings attention to the fact that our government is spending far more money than it brings in, you can always depend on what the Democrats will do. They will nod their heads in agreement and say the fiscal responsibility needs to be dealt with, but only after they have their cake and eat it too. Without fail, they always want to put off negotiations about cutting spending until after they have won the current spending battle. The can they keep kicking down the road is almost beat to death.

The impasse that has caused the government to shut down is no different. The Republicans are wanting to negotiate with their Democratic counterparts, but the Democrats steadfastly refuse to do so. President Obama held a long and drawn-out press conference yesterday, just to make sure the Republicans, and the rest of America, knew he would not negotiate with them to solve this crisis. He has even called Speaker John Boehner twice in recent days, reiterating that his position has not changed. He will not negotiate or compromise with the Republicans. Harry Reid is on the same page with the President, staking out the same position. No negotiations with the Republicans.

Fox News - The president tried to stake out his position during a lengthy exchange with reporters in the White House briefing room. Even the nature of the event was unclear. Though it was not considered a formal press conference, the president answered questions from 11 reporters and spoke for over an hour.

The takeaway was that the president, while willing to talk with Republicans about "almost anything," will not do so until they pass the spending bill and debt ceiling legislation.

"I've been willing to compromise my entire political career," Obama said. "But I'm not going to breach a basic principle that would weaken the presidency, change our democracy and do great damage to ordinary people."

Obama said Tuesday he's willing to talk with Republicans about "almost anything" -- once the impasse is over.

"I'm not going to do it until the more extreme parts of the Republican Party stop forcing John Boehner to issues threats about our economy," Obama said.

Reid, though, said he would negotiate down the road.

"If Republicans want to propose a legislative way to make the (health care law) better or more efficient, Democrats are willing to talk about that. But shutting down the government and hoping that will make ObamaCare disappear is truly magical thinking," he said. "Democrats are willing to negotiate -- on the budget, on ObamaCare, you name it. And we're willing to compromise. But first, Republicans must reopen the government and stop threatening a catastrophic default on the nation's bills. They must respect the Democratic process."

The ludicrousness of the position the Democrats are holding to is astounding. It should make them blush to come out and tell the Republicans that they will negotiate and compromise, but only after the Republicans give in to their demands first. This is the same hat trick that has burned more than a few Republicans politicians, including President Ronald Reagan. The Democrats always promise they will negotiate and compromise, but after they have gained concessions from their political opponents, the compromises never materialize. The spending cuts that were promised to President Reagan never saw the light of day, proving that the Democrats can not be trusted to do anything that jeopardize their spend-happy ways in Washington.

I continue to believe the position held by the Democrats is not tenable. Their belief that they should refuse to negotiate or compromise with the Republicans, until they have received everything they want, is preposterous. To do so would mean the Republicans would be giving up any leverage they have to right our fiscal ship and that is something they should not do.

Remember, this is a game we have played before. The Democrats have successfully used this tactic for decades. They promise us the moon in the future, in exchange for concessions from Republicans that go into effect immediately. Somehow, the moon is never delivered. If we fall for the same trick again, shame on us for being so naive.

[Diogenesis]

[ctdonath2]

Give them nothing.
We gave them everything and they wanted more - including out children’s future - and squandered it.
Give them nothing.

[John O]

The republicans should keep holding to their line until obama is rotting in his grave (make it be soon Lord, make it be soon).

The HOUSE and the house alone starts funding bills. If obama doesn’t like it, maybe he can move back to kenya and try ruling there.