"When the GOP awkwardly discovers economic inequality"

[applegrove]

When the GOP awkwardly discovers economic inequality

By Steve Benen at MSNBC

http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/when-the-gop-awkwardly-discovers-economic

"SNIP......................


As a rule, the political discussion over economic inequalities follows a predictable trajectory. The left will note that the United States is living in a new Gilded Age, with wealth concentrated at the very top in ways unseen since the 1920s. It’s well past time, progressives argue, to expand economic opportunities and reduce the chasm between rich and poor.

In response, the right will argue that the conversation itself is a form of class warfare; it’s offensive to even acknowledge the existence of class differences; and policymakers should keep government out of possible solutions, leaving the matter to the free market.

It came as something of a surprise, then, when House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) tried to flip the script while talking last week to the Texas Tribune.

“We do have an issue of income inequality in America. The president’s policies are making that problem worse… The top third of America are doing pretty good. The bottom two-thirds are really being squeezed. And I really do believe the president’s policies are driving this in the wrong direction.”



.....................SNIP"

[applegrove]

1. They are slowly trying to claw their way back to reality. Must be very, very hard. I hope

Democrats have lots of footage of Boehner stating that there is not inequality so they can juxtapose the two versions of the truth in an ad.

[The Wielding Truth]

3. They are to blame, but they are just slip sliding in any direction that avoids reality!

[Squinch]

2. Now, HIM saying THAT is funny.

[Wounded Bear]

4. Translation....

OK, I'll grudgingly admit that it's a problem.......BUT OBAMA DID IT!!!!!!

[Shandris]

5. Ya know, I'll take that over 'Nuh-uh, there's no problem' anyday...

...because that means that even after blaming it on Obama, the fact is he still spoke aloud about it. That means he's this much closer to actually talking about it more, which means they're this much closer to getting something done about it. It might not be exactly what we would do (given the nature of Washington 'compromises'), but -anything- is better than gridlock.

"Obama did it" will last a year or two. "Income inequality exists" will help shape the future.

...hopefully I'm not being too optimistic, though.