The battle over the federal budget between President Barack Obama, his advisers and Republican legislators became a disappointment on Tuesday after the president and Speaker of the House John Boehner said no compromise had been reached. This came as no surprise after months of heated argument between the two parties and the budget chairman’s budget proposal released on Monday that called for cuts in Medicare, Medicaid and big government’s power as a whole.
Between Obama and Boehner, who wants to cut programs at whatever the cost, there is no room for accommodation. It seems as if the moderate politician has been lost at the expense of growing anger and decreasing empathy. Democratic and Republican party leaders are becoming increasingly polarized, not necessarily because ideals or politics are changing but because self-interest is served by mobilizing the masses.
It’s become typical for congressmen to use blame as a campaign, especially in the case of the federal budget. Democrats blast Republicans for attempting to cut programs that serve the underprivileged and Republicans blast Democrats for spending needlessly. Democrats needle Republicans for offering tax cuts to the rich and Republicans blame Democrats for not protecting established Americans from bankruptcy. For every attempt to effect change there is a negative reaction, applauded by constituents who want their way or the highway.
Americans are internationally renowned for their boisterous opinions and stubbornness. Under certain conditions, these qualities can be constructive. But the federal budget has to be agreed upon by Saturday or the government will shut down, meaning Obama and Boehner should set aside their platforms in order to ensure the economy isn’t depleted any further.
Politicians should at least be able to agree that military soldiers should be paid and that the National Institutes of Health should answer hotlines devoted to disease control. Both services, in addition to countless more, would cease in a shutdown.
At this point, both parties are operating on idealism. They each believe they have the missing piece of the puzzle, the final step in revitalizing the economy. But with zero compromise, not even a half-perfect plan will reach the floor.
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