Here we go again: Another possible government shutdown.
During the summer we're used to re-runs on TV and increasingly we must repeatedly endure this kabuki political theater.
Democrats want to tax millionaires and billionaires. Republicans want to cut spending. Neither party wants the other to be perceived as victorious, so we get this silly charade.
Reports now say the Democrats may give up raising taxes in exchange for Republicans extending the payroll tax cuts and unemployment insurance. House Republicans passed a measure that includes the oil pipeline from Canada to Texas. U.S. President Obama, in a bow to his radical environment wing, has vowed to veto a bill with the pipeline in it.
The entire affair is ridiculous on its face. We need the oil; we need to cut spending. The government doesn't need any more of our money. It has enough and it wastes too much of it.
I wish we could shut the government down and not open it again until these people gain some sense. How about docking their pay?
I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.
Publication date: December 16, 2011
