If we must have a "Great Bargain," let's not get ripped off.

[Maplegrass]

It seems that even though Obama's re-election meets all qualifications for both a landslide and a mandate, we are nonetheless going to make a "Great Bargain" with the opposition, in order to stave off some sort of "fiscal cliff," "intractable gridlock," zombie apocalypse, or what-have-you.

Okay, then. Where I come from, and in my socioeconomic circles, a "bargain" is seen as something that results in value for the buyer. Who are the buyers in this analogy? The American people, and in particular the majority who voted to re-elect the President. So what is a "bargain" for us?

First, we have to start with securing the future of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. It isn't a "bargain" to even consider the option of gambling our economic security and social safety net through privatization schemes. That's a rip-off.

Secondly, we have to reign in the military-industrial complex and return to a defensive military budget rather than an imperialistic budget aimed at worldwide aggression. Spending hundreds of billions on needless killing isn't a "bargain." It's a rip-off.

Thirdly, we must accept reality and deal with Stage III (nearly stage IV) climate cancer as soon as possible. Continuing to entertain the false and malevolent idea that "there is still a debate" will lead to disaster. That's no "bargain" - it's a rip-off.

Fourthly, we must ensure that Republicans and right-wingers are systematically discredited and reduced to irrelevance as a viable political force in America. 40 years of madness is enough. Taking the right wing seriously is the path to more rip-offs.

Fifthly, we must reach out to our undecided, apathetic, uncommitted, and wavering friends and family in order to explain why they must embrace progressive values or face possible human extinction. If we refuse, we are ripping them and ourselves off.

So, a "Great Bargain?" Okay, but we'd better make sure we insist on getting our money's worth for every inch we concede. If we can stand firm and insist on the above principles, then in the words of The Who, "I'd call it a bargain - the best I ever had."

But, of course, we have to hold Obama's feet to the fire and make sure "we won't get fooled again."

[bluethruandthru]

1. Well said! n/t

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

2. No. No grand bargain. The GOP never bargains in good faith.

[Maplegrass]

3. I actually agree, but I don't think Washington does.

We will bargain, unfortunately. And the GOP will try to rip us off at every opportunity. It is up to US to be watchdogs and make sure we don't get sold down the river.