E.J. Dionne: The End of Progressive Government?

[marmar]

from truthdig:




The End of Progressive Government?

Posted on Apr 3, 2011
By E.J. Dionne, Jr.


So far, our nation’s budget debate has been a desultory affair focused on whether a small slice of the federal government’s outlays should be cut by $33 billion or $61 billion, or whatever.

But Americans are about to learn how much is at stake in our larger budget fight, how radical the new conservatives in Washington are, and the extent to which some politicians would transfer even more resources from the have-nots and have-a-littles to the have-a-lots.

And you wonder: Will President Obama welcome the responsibility of engaging the country in this big argument, or will he shrink from it? Will his political advisers remain robotically obsessed with poll results about the 2012 election, or will they embrace Obama’s historic obligation—and opportunity—to win the most important struggle over the role of government since the New Deal?

This week, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., will announce the House Republicans’ budget plan that is expected to include cuts in many programs for the neediest Americans. ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/the_end_of_progressive_government_20110403/?ln

[Old Codger]

1. My guess

Will be business as usual... lot of talk, no real action. And emphasis on "bipartisanship", go along to get along.

[Doctor_J]

3. You're 2/3 right

lot of talk, no real action. And emphasis on "bipartisanship", go along to get along.

The president doesn't even give lip service to progressivism any more. So there won't even be a lot of talk. There will be no action, except "bipartisanship", which means agreeing to Repukes' agenda.

[enough]

2. Obama appears to see his role as helping this things go smoothly for this conservative agenda. (nt)

Starting with extending the Bush tax cuts.