Republicans and the Conundrum of Conundrums: To Cut Taxes or To Close the Borders?
It is as if the Republicans now act like college buddies arguing over who will take everybody out to eat or order in pizza. Do they cut the taxes? Do they shut the borders? Do they try it all, yet piecemeal? It is all so byzantine; literally, the only thing not at the top of a priority list now seems to be clarity.
Some say, “Let’s address immigration first, and then take up taxes later.” Presumably the same political leaders who believe any meal should start with an appetizer. Then there are the tax cut proponents on the other side, shouting, “Shove it all into one giant-sized bill-the sandwich approach!”
Trump, of course, hasn’t exactly made things easier. He recently said in a meeting, “Whether it’s one bill or two, we’re getting it done.” It’s becoming increasingly clear he doesn’t have a favorite strategy either. Perhaps handing him a menu with checkboxes might help streamline his decision-making.
Then there is the ticking clock: if Republicans fail to pass a tax bill soon, taxes for most Americans could rise. As one lawmaker warned, “If we don’t get this package right, it’s like throwing darts at the economy blindfolded and hoping for the best!”
The drama is no less hot on the border front. Senator Lindsey Graham added his own flair for the theatrics when he said, “If you hold border security hostage for tax cuts, you’re playing Russian roulette with national security!” One would wonder if he thinks these legislative sessions are auditions for a political thriller.
Adding spice to the mix, Republican lawmakers from high-tax states like New York and New Jersey are saying, “Fix the state tax deduction cap, or we’re out.” Maybe someone should offer them a gift basket as a peace offering to keep the discussions moving forward.
They have a challenging agenda, a razor-thin majority, and a president who seems to flip on a position as easily as flipping a coin. Perhaps the best suggestion at this point would be: “Let’s make a to-do list first!” Though getting them to agree on the order of that list might just be the hardest task yet.
Source: New York Times
