@cyou299: I read your link with interest. However, contrary to the New Yorker's interpretation of McConnell's remarks as "basking in self congratulations", I found them to be refreshingly honest, and self deprecating. This was a potential crisis created by both parties who put off dealing with it until the last second, and then did so in a "half-assed way". He is absolutely right!!

For those blaming Republican's for "caving" on increased taxes, had they not voted for this legislation, taxes would have increased anyway, on everyone. This was a no-win situation.

For those blaming Democrats for the 40 to 1 ratio of increased taxes, vs. spending cuts, remember that increased debt is exactly what the majority of the American people voted for when they re-elected President Obama. Get used to it. They want what they want, no matter the end result. If you wish to place blame, there it is.

"The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office said the measure would add nearly $4 trillion over a decade"

So, unless something is done to cut spending, we can count on the deficit being $20 trillion dollars in ten years? You can tax the rich at 100%, and it won't raise enough revenue to make a difference.

We had a bi-partisan committee appointed by the President who warned, and told lawmakers, and the American people, what was necessary to get our debt under control. It was subsequently ignored by the President, his fellow Democrats and the majority of the American people.

You have to wonder if ordinary Americans who have no problem with off the chart ratio of debt to revenue run their own households that way. Of course not, at least they don't think they do. However, if they ever stop to consider what their portion of the nation's debt is, perhaps they do.

Truth is, there are no winners here.

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