"Deal?"

"Fiscal Cliff Deal?"

The whole thing will start over again before we know, perhaps in a couple of weeks.  And Obama and the Democrats must be laughing their bejabbers off.  "Deal?"  Boehner and the Republicans, at least those who voted for the "deal," sold out again. 

Where are any spending cuts?  Oh, they're coming.  I'm not going to hold my breath.  As long as we have the same people in Washington who find it easy to spend other people's money, there won't be much in the way of spending cuts.

Of course, who didn't see this one coming?  The sellouts have been occurring for quite some time now, all in the name of "bipartisanship" and "compromise."  Yeah, right......  Who, exactly "compromised?"  What, exactly, was it that the Democrats (con)ceded?  Frankly, nothing.  Again, one side caved, almost completely, while the other pretty much got what it wanted.

I do question the new definition of "middle class."  Apparently, earning $250,000 a year--or thereabouts--is "middle class."  Whoa!  Then where does that put me?  In my book, a quarter of a million bucks a year is a fortune.  I think I'm pretty comfortable and I am nowhere near, not even close, to this new definition of $250,000.  Of course, maybe we are now defining lifestyles, not income.  I'd guess $250,000 is needed for a 3,000 or 4,000 square foot house, a place Up North, a couple of SUVs to drive, Disney World or a cruise every year, some huge high-def boob tubes, and all the latest "i" gadgetry (gotta have those, you know). 

I had a discussion with a guy last week about this.  He thinks "the wealthy should pay their fair share."  OK, I asked him, "What's the limit?"  Actually, I meant that in two ways.  First, what limit delineates "the wealthy?"  I would submit this guy is pretty darn wealthy, although he would deny it.  But it became clear it's the other "wealthy guy" who should pay more.  Certainly he shouldn't.  He's not wealthy; just ask him.  Second, how much more is "their fair share?"  40%?  50%?  60%?  I guess I told him I think everyone should pay something in federal income taxes, however slight.  Each person should have a stake, no matter how small, in the game.  Hey, if I went to Las Vegas and gambled at the casino with no risk of losing my own money, I'd be stupid not to gamble until I hit the jackpot.

What was it George Bernard Shaw, I think, said about this?  ""A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul."  Or something like that.