Asserts the libertarian-conservative Republican pundit in California, about the debt ceiling debate: "To hear Democrats tell it, two things cripple the chance for a budget deal: the dastardly tea party, and the GOP's failure to understand that its beloved Ronald Reagan was actually militantly pro-tax. Gag me. The same we-won-the-election-and-elections-have-consequences lefties now cry out for 'bipartisanship.' Those who cheered the bulldog way that ObamaCare became law now want the resurgent Republicans to 'reach across the aisle,' 'set aside partisan rancor' and 'put the country first.'"
He continues his commentary: "Democrats hold a bad hand. What to do? Claim that President Ronald Reagan considered the full faith and credit of America so important, default so unimaginable, even he would have accepted higher taxes. MSNBC's Chris Matthews quoted part of a 1987 Reagan address: 'Congress consistently brings the government to the edge of default....This brinkmanship threatens the holders of government bonds and those who rely on Social Security and veterans benefits. Interest rates would skyrocket, instability would occur in financial markets, and the federal deficit would soar. The United States has a special responsibility to itself and the world to meet its obligations.'"
More: "Nice try. Reagan's address did not end there. Here's the part the Matthews skipped over: 'For those who say more taxes will solve our deficit problem, they are wrong. Every time Congress increases taxes, the deficit does not decrease, spending increases. It's time for a clear and consistent policy to reduce the federal budget deficit....You don't need more taxes to balance the budget. Congress needs the discipline to stop spending more, and that can be done with the passage of a constitutional amendment to balance the budget....But I....will not permit Congress to dismantle our national defense, to jeopardize arms reduction or to increase your taxes. I am determined that will not happen.'"
Larry Elder: "The Democrats' Budget Plan Is To Attack The Tea Party Movement & Misquote Reagan"
