Ransom Paid by Robert Reich

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/08/01-2

Anyone who characterizes the deal between the President, Democratic, and Republican leaders as a victory for the American people over partisanship understands neither economics nor politics.

The deal does not raise taxes on America’s wealthy and most fortunate — who are now taking home a larger share of total income and wealth, and whose tax rates are already lower than they have been, in eighty years. Yet it puts the nation’s most important safety nets and public investments on the chopping block.

It also hobbles the capacity of the government to respond to the jobs and growth crisis. Added to the cuts already underway by state and local governments, the deal’s spending cuts increase the odds of a double-dip recession. And the deal strengthens the political hand of the radical right.

Yes, the deal is preferable to the unfolding economic catastrophe of a default on the debt of the U.S. government. The outrage and the shame is it has come to this choice.

More at the link --

The Republicans won't have to bother about stealing the next election.

so disappointed with his and the Democrats' weak-assed 'negotiations', it will APPEAR that they are in support of the very ideology that the Dems seem incapable of fighting against. This 'support' for the right will cause the so-called centrists to call for further moves to the right.

It is a catch-22 -- support the people who betray you or they will betray you more next time.

It's no wonder people give up and turn to tending their own gardens.