Tired of Tire Fixing

BREAKING NEWS: The House has voted to save America from going over the fiscal cliff.

 

By: Jason Colella, Co-founder and Sr. Political Editor

The Provisions

1. Estate Tax is raised to 40% exempt is the first 5 million dollars
2. Capital gain tax is increased to 20%
3. Income tax is raised on people making over $400,000 to 39.6%
4. Extends long term unemployment benefits
5. 2% payroll tax cut lapses returning rate to 6.2%
6. Delays across the board spending cuts for two months
7. Permanently adjusts the Alterative Minimum Tax

For the first time in my life I have to say I agree with Congressmen Darrell Issa (R-CA49) -- well for the most part. Unlike him, I would vote for the bill. I agree with his fundamental point. The bill does save us from falling off the Fiscal cliff, but it does not do more and that is where I have my problem with it. I view this whole thing as a car with a flat tire. Congress always fixes the tire the same way. It never bothers to go to the store and get a new tire; instead, they just add a patch to the tire to the point where the entire tire is covered in patches. New leaks aren’t from new holes but are rather from faulty patches. The Fiscal Cliff was not caused by some rouge nail, but it was caused by a worn out patch -- the 2011 Debt Ceiling Debacle. They never go to the tire store because they can’t agree where to go. They are too bullheaded to fix problems; instead, they can only agree to postpone their decisions and even that takes an act of God. As Congressman Charles Rangel (D-NY15) said during debate “we created this monster,” he is absolutely right. Congress can’t agree it seems unless they are hanging upside down over a cliff with someone on the ledge slowly cutting the rope they are hanging by. This leads to these crazy short term fixes that do absolutely nothing to solve the countries long term issues. Can we please sit down and discuss long-term issues -- you know reform the tax code and figure out sensible cuts to spending. I don’t care if it hurts your reelection chances do what is right and needed for America. Fix our problems. Maybe you would even find voters appreciate true compromise, solutions and profound meaningful change.