Many conferees on bipartisanship in the federal government at a meeting in New Orleans last week at Tulane decided the second half of Pres. Barack Obama’s term will be similar to the first half with Democrats and Republicans sharply at odds with one another. Among the items of disagreement between the two parties particularly pointed out are the extension of current income tax rates set to expire this year and reforms to health care.
The Democrats under Obama are serious about letting rates increase on the wealthy who are expanding our economy under the free enterprise system but keeping them low on working people who must live under that system. Republicans on the other hand are united in letting the Bush tax cuts stand on all taxpayers.
And where do you draw the line between a socialized health care system in which the federal government decides what the people should get and one in which the people decide more in what they need? Of course, the health care bill has already passed and been signed into law by the Democrats. Many of the Republicans plan to support its repeal. But with a presidential veto looming, such a repeal seems unlikely.
From all appearances, it will be a lively two years. It is unlikely the Republicans will compromise very much considering the big vote its candidates received in the election. And the Democrats, owning a President, are unlikely to compromise very far either.
Yes, the conferees at the bi-partizan conference may be right. The Presidential term’s second half is likely to be very partisan with only a few of the moderate Democrats actually becoming bi-partisan. But maybe that will be just enough to settle things down.
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