In the last few weeks we have seen two Republicans, Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (NE) and Rep. Charles Boustany (LA), break away from their adherence to the Norquist no-tax pledge. Citing the need to be flexible in their search for a compromise, they both acknowledged that the pledge is too constraining. Others, such as Sen. Tom Coburn (OK), have clashed publicly with Norquist over ideological differences in the interpretation of what, exactly, a "tax increase" is.
I don't think much of anyone who pledges not to do ANYTHING that might possibly be interpreted as a tax increase, and it is nice to see several defectors here. Apart from the dozens of polls that all show overwhelming support for a deal that includes some sort of increased revenues, there is also the common sense aspect: don't set out on a cross-country road trip with only enough gas to get halfway, and promise you won't purchase any more fuel but instead will drive more slowly, and therefore somehow complete the journey.
Norquist and his Americans for Tax Reform in many ways represent the most dogmatic of the supply-siders, and their influence on Capitol Hill is substantial. When a group is willing to risk a United States credit default in order to hold to their viewpoint, and enough of Congress sides with them that it grinds an ordinarily straightforward process to a halt, that group is dangerous to the economy.
I am pleased to see these defections, and I encourage anyone who has a spare minute to contact any of the signatories of this blockheaded pledge and let them know how you feel.
Don't forget to CC Grover when you do.
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