The Nostrum of "Shared Sacrifice"

[Donnachaidh]

http://counterpunch.org/harris08122011.html

The tipping point in progressive illusions that President Obama is "one of us" may finally have been reached with the new bipartisan deal on the debt ceiling.

To avert financial default, Obama and his Congressional allies have basically negotiated their way into endorsing almost everything the Republicans want. The 10-year plan to slash at least $2.1 trillion from the federal budget is expected to exact a heavy toll on domestic social programs. Expect no tax hikes on wealthy individuals and corporations, however. Nor, despite some talk to the contrary, much in the way of military spending cuts.

As the austerity program unfolds, reductions in Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid will be on the table.

"If the bill passes the President can now claim the mantle of fiscal conservatism, a surefire defense to ubiquitous Republican accusations of socialism and big government," declares Time magazine (Aug. 1). This is a big "win" for the president, says Time.

More at the link --

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. A "win" for Obama...

And for us?

Not so much...

[Bozita]

4. +1

[Angry Dragon]

2. I am so happy for him

[xchrom]

3. Recommend