If I had to predict the outcome of the so-called "fiscal cliff" debate between Democrats and Republicans, I'm betting the Democrats will get their way with tax increases. Republicans will get some phony spending cuts that Democrats will do away with as soon as they can.
The party of government wants to continue to tax and spend. That's what they do. Less spending means less power for them. They are all about power and nothing else.
As long as people envy the successful and wealthy, as long as they feel entitled to other people's income, as long as they think wrong decisions should be subsidized by government, they won't make right decisions because they have no incentive.
Does that sound harsh? I know many families are struggling, but that's largely because government is stifling economic growth. And economic growth improves wages, creates jobs and lifts many boats. The fault is less in the politicians than in us. When we change, so will they, but not until.
I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.
Publication date: November 29, 2012
