Republican Retreat Or Retreating Republicans?

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In the movie, The Princess Bride, Vizzini (played by Wallace Shawn) habitually used the word “inconceivable” when events occurred that were contrary to his expectations. After growing weary of repeatedly hearing the word, Inigo Montoya (played by Mandy Patinkin) says to Vizzini, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”

This past weekend, the Republican party held their annual retreat under the “leadership” of John Boehner. Based on the first piece of legislation coming from the House now that they are back to work, I find myself repeating Inigo Montoya.

Retreat? I do not think it means what you think it means.

The leaders of the party of Lincoln assured the country that meeting would be an opportunity to address the challenging issues of exploding deficits, unsustainable spending, higher taxes, bigger government, a weak economy, and more under a reelected Barack Obama. So, what was this first piece of legislation?

Let’s give the government about three more months of unlimited borrowing authority, without any immediate spending cuts as earlier promised by Speaker Boehner, as proof that we will not compromise our budget principles.

In my best “Tommy Flanagan, The Pathological Liar” voice . . . “yeah, that’s the ticket.”

Pathetic, isn’t it? But that’s what you get from the “it’s my party and I’ll lie if I want to” RINO Republicans.

As sad as this is, it’s not the first time we’ve been fed this bovine fecal matter. Over the past two years—with John Boehner in charge—we’ve had seven budget and/or deficit battles with Obama and Harry “we don’t need no stinkin’ budget” Reid. In each instance, JB and Company kicked the can down the road with the promise, “Next time, we’ll really get something done. I mean it!” Anybody want a peanut?  (Andre the Giant as Fezzik).

As my friend Daniel Horowitz said in his piece on this subject:

(T)here have been at least seven budget/debt battles over the past two years in which Republicans have either deferred, punted, or caved. While they offer excuses for shirking from the battle at hand, they always emphatically promise to fight the next one. Look, maybe Boehner told the conservatives in the House something that gave them the impression he had a complete epiphany. Maybe they really will formulate a budget that will balance in 10 years. But even if they do, does anyone really believe they will stand behind it as a demand for a long-term debt limit increase as the clock winds down to midnight May 18? (emphasis mine).

I think you know the answer to that one.

Republicans currently control the House—until Boehner loses it for them 2014—and have the Constitutional responsibility to control the nation’s spending. When they should be advancing the causes of economic freedom, individual liberty, and personal responsibility—to quote Mr. Boehner when he became Speaker—they have chosen retreat.

Retreat. I do not think it means what they think it means. Maybe it’s time for a Conservative Brute Squad.

 

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