So This Is What Compromise Looks Like

The deal is done. Barack Obama decided to compromise. So, once again, Republicans get what they want, and can pretend they are mildly unhappy with it. All of their dumb old tax cuts, extended two years. They even got a cut in the estate tax. According to Obama, it was more important to save the middle class from slightly higher taxes for a bit and secure more aid to the unemployed than to make the Republican Party actually stand up and suffer for their positions. Barack Obama has just endorsed the domestic policy of George W. Bush in one area. And if his decision is to set aside his policy positions in favor of a smoother-running country, Republicans can expect a whole lot more of their agenda to be passed by the White House the next couple of years. Ronald Reagan has such a huge heaven boner right now.

White House officials said they feared a long standoff that would see benefits end for millions of Americans over the holiday season and in the months ahead.

They feared that? They didn't relish a fight that would embarrass the Republican Party and earn themselves back the trust of the public on the economy? They feared that? Either these guys believe in their own policy or they believe in Republican policy. If they're not willing to fight for their positions, they may as well just put a Republican administration in there. Do these guys know how politics works? You are supposed to fight for what you believe in. That is sort of the point. You are supposed to think your ideas are better than the other guy's!

But [Obama] said he was determined to prevent a stalemate that would let taxes rise for everyone when the Bush-era rates are set to expire at the end of the month. “I am not willing to let working families across this country become collateral damage for political warfare here in Washington,” Mr. Obama said.

Interesting. Working families will be destroyed if there's gridlock, according to this man. Working families will explode. They will fly into the air in a million pieces of charred human flesh. When you capitulate to enemies who want to destroy your countrymen, that is known as appeasement. Interesting historical choice on this, THE DAY OF INFAMY, BRO. [ NYT ]