The Cat and Dog Fight in Congress

Once again, the Republicans and Democrates are fighting again on how to settle the fiscal cliff crisis. It is pretty clear by now how both parties want to look good to their constituents without looking weak and passive. The Republicans are against raising taxes on the rich while the Democrats don't want funds to be cut to entitlement programs such as medicare. Something has to give and take. It is clear that both parties agree that extending unemployment benefits for people who are still out of work long-term is important to families across the United States. Also, the two percent medicare cut for doctors is not a viable options as many elders and persons with disabilities will be denied care.

It is certain that Congress may compromise on the tax cut for the rich and delay the estate tax for another time. Also, the Democrats want the Bush tax cuts to stay as it provides an incentive to buy goods from businesses. I don't know how the compromise will affect towns and cities as Governor Patrick warned them about reductions in state aid. Also, I don't know the compromise will affect the miltary as they were prepared to lose $ 500 million dollars in their budgets. I read in the local newspapers how some military contractors may layoff staff if their budgets are cut.

The bottom line is that the fiscal cliff will hurt the economy and prolong the recession. The underlying question we need to ask is how our current programs and services across the board are allocated and spent. Do we need to impose different models on how to monitor and to evaluate these programs so costs are maintained at reasonable levels? We are also need to think about whether our current tax codes for the rich are reasonable and fair. Right now, many businesses know the loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. 

What is your opinion on this matter?