"Democrats in Congress are urging their party leaders to get behind a balanced-budget amendment (BBA), fearing that Republicans will use the issue as a political weapon in 2012. President Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress have spoken out against the need for such a measure, but rank-and-file members claim they are falling into a GOP trap."
--The stupidity involved in supporting a balanced budget amendment can only be seen as a reaction to the (also stupid) deficits that we're running. However, one of the strongest features of the federal budget process is the fact that it can run deficits--though they should only be used when actually needed, and not all the time like they are. A BBA would a) not last and b) force insane pressures on a fragile process. Here are some more reasons why it is stupid. The government is supposed to be able to react to crises by paying for things out of the budget. You really wanna see what it is like to run out of funds for FEMA, only be saved by supplementals (which would be loaded with goodies for the 'right' Congressional districts). If you think nowadays is the age of poor fiscal policy, YOU AIN'T SEE NOTHING YET.
New Hampshire primary at Christmastime? Election 2012 could get weird. from the Christian Science Monitor.
"Election 2012 voters in New Hampshire might have to shop for holiday gifts and presidential candidates at the same time. The state is considering a Dec. 6 primary to maintain its first-in-the-nation status."
--Yeah, this could get weird. Almost as weird as Herman Cain leading the GOP field.
Richard Florida on the Importance of Place from Planetizen.
"Richard Florida, interviewed by blogger Dave Copeland, says that quality of place is going to be of growing importance in the coming era to keep cities vibrant and attracting talent and the "creative class.""
--Richard Florida is one of the top thinkers in ANY field today. Anyone interested in the future of policy and the economy needs to read him. A lot.
The Modern American Worker [INFOGRAPHIC] from the Urban Times.
--When people talk about inequality in America, they sometimes talk about the tax system, but the real inequality is in compensation. Businesses play a huge role in the growth (or contraction) in incomes, obviously. Of course, work is a lot different now.
Speaking of Herman Cain...Joe Scarborough calls him the "flavor of the week" and lays down some knowledge.
Joe Scarborough is a REAL Republican.
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