With a shutdown looming–and given the (relative) advance planning happening at federal agencies, it appears the Biden administration isn’t going to knuckle under, so it’s pretty likely–I can’t figure out how the Freedom Caucus thinks their little tantrum will play out.
I understand why they want to do this: they are anti-government radicals (Rep. Good has said 75% of federal spending is unnecessary). But I don’t see how they’ll get what they want. Democrats believe (along with many Republicans), and I think correctly, that this will only benefit Democrats. It seems like the Freedom Caucus believes that they can overrun not only the House, but also the Senate and the White House, solely through intensity of will. While Democrats don’t exactly have a long history of brave stands, they simply have to do nothing, other than agree to what already negotiated months ago.
This is why I think the shutdown might not happen: there’s no good end game for Freedom Caucus Republicans. Then again, most wars begin because one side (or both) underestimates their opponents, so it will likely happen.
Update: Ryan Grim details the utter stupidity of the Republican strategy.
mikethemadbiologist
“[Democrats] simply have to do nothing, other than agree to what already negotiated months ago.”
Are we sure we’re not overestimating our proud warriors?
No, it’s just a numbers game.
The ironically named Representative “Good” has said 75% of federal spending is unnecessary. Just a reminder 85% of federal spending is the (sacrosanct) military, Social Security and Medicare, and 65% of Seniors have *only* Social Security & Medicare to fund their retirement.
Impoverishing the population is the point of all such talk and deficit panics. About the deficit, see https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-federal-budget-is-not_b_457404
Why impoverish people? So vulture capitalists can pick up assets on the cheap. Mr. Potter, the evil villain in “It’s a Wonderful Life” is who these guys serve.
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