Beyond the Cliff

Submitted by Kelsey McLaughlin on October 14, 2012
Tags: 
Problem-Solver's Daily
Fiscal Cliff
gary delong
matt gang

BEYOND THE CLIFF: Experts agree that if our leaders let us fall off the fiscal cliff, the results would be disastrous. While the election is focused on the benefits of raising taxes versus cutting spending, the fiscal cliff does both: “Together, these changes could do at least as much to slow the economy as any other government action in the past ­half-century, according to Moody’s Analytics.” Zachary A. Goldfarb for The Washington Post: Forget the fiscal cliff: U.S. has other possible economic threats looming

POINTING FINGERS: Massive cuts to defense spending are included in the upcoming fiscal cliff, and while many are sure Congress and the president will act to prevent these cuts after the election, that hasn’t stopped both parties from passing the blame. Governor Romney is accusing the White House of trying to weaken the defense department, while President Obama says the blame lies with the Republican-controlled House. Instead of fighting over blame, both parties should work to fix the upcoming fiscal cliff: David S. Cloud for the Los Angeles Times: Defense cuts, though unlikely, have both parties pointing fingers
 
PASS NO BUDGET, NO PAY: Running to represent California’s 47th Congressional District, Gary DeLong is putting his support behind No Budget, No Pay. Without a budget, lawmakers merely pass continuing resolutions to fund the government, without looking at what needs more or less funding. DeLong writes for Patch: “This irresponsible behavior on the part of our elected officials causes great uncertainty for government agencies and, more importantly, on the citizens who depend on those agencies.” Gary DeLong forPatch: Congress Should Pass “No Budget, No Pay Act”
 
STAYING POSITIVE: One group of political ad buyers is keeping the message positive, instead of delving into attacks on the other candidate. The Washington Post reports that industry trade associations, “which are more bipartisan than other interest groups,” are advertising the good things candidates have done. In addition, they are supporting candidates based on their record instead of their party label: T.W. Farnam for The Washington Post: Industry trade groups investing big in positive political messages
 
FROM THE FIELD: No Labels Generation Leader Matt Gang will be hosting a No Labels forum with Co-Founder Lisa Borders at his high school tomorrow to educate his peers about the effects of congressional gridlock.
 
THE DAILY BREAK: Our elected officials are supposed to be the leaders of the country, but what happens when they get in violent fights? Read more about the most violent political brawls from around the world.
 
ACTION OF THE DAY: Click here to “Like” No Labels on Facebook, and share some of our graphics with your friends.
 
STAT OF THE DAY: Consumer confidence unexpectedly rose to a five-year high this month, according to preliminary analysis by Reuters and the University of Michigan. The New York Times: U.S. Consumer Sentiment Jumps to a 5-Year High