[Constantine XIII]

You can think bigger than this! What will happen next year when it is apparent that these deficits cannot be sustained? We will have two options: raise taxes and lower spending. Of course, how politically palatable will it be for Dems to propose rasing taxes just as everyone is beginning to reap the benefits of the Bush tax cuts?

With tax increases effectively off the table except for the Barney Franks and Ted Kennedys, the R's will have no choice but to accomodate the will of the people by cutting silly social spending.

Please, you and other FReepers are smarter than this! We criticise the Dems and their legions that they have the collective attention span of a gnat. We must not fall into the same trap. Politics is a game of strategy and compromise. What we invest today will be returned with interest come this time next year. Count on it!

[jmc813]

I think it would be great if your scenario plays out that way, but unfortunately, I am very skeptical that we will be seeing spending increases from this administration. :-(

[NittanyLion]

We will have two options: raise taxes and lower spending. Of course, how politically palatable will it be for Dems to propose rasing taxes just as everyone is beginning to reap the benefits of the Bush tax cuts?

I'd really like to believe this is the case, but experience tells me it won't be. What makes you think it's any more "politically palatable" to the GOP to cut programs? Surely, based on his tenure so far, you don't believe the President will be campaigning on the reduction of social programs? To this point the man hasn't met the social program he couldn't implement or expand!