The American people went to the polls and made their choice. I believe they made the wrong choice. But it is what it is.
So what's ahead for the president's second term? I find it interesting that the only suggestions seem to be coming from the media and various politicos, and less so from the president himself. Normally, an incumbent would make that case during the campaign, but that did not happen - or if it did, it was lost in the negative assault.
Still, from reading around, here's what I see:
- Obamacare is coming, and it will come with a vengeance. Despite all the promises, premium costs are going up. Higher premiums or fines, choose your poison.
- Immigration reform. Not saying it’s a bad thing, just pointing out that if there is political hay to be made from it, you can expect it.
- Global warming prevention. No, really. The EPA is already on the move with new regulations on energy companies. Which in turn means that we can expect energy prices to continue to rise, increasing the costs to businesses and individuals.
- Tax Reform / Fiscal Cliff. This is a near term crisis that will immediately test the bi-directional promises to "reach across the aisle." Bottom line is this: unless Washington finds a compromise of sorts, taxes are going up. Way up. On businesses and individuals. Broad spending cuts will also go into play, across the board. Many predict that if we go off this cliff, the economy will fall back into recession early next year, and it won't get better for a while. But you can almost rest assured that whatever "fix" comes into play in the next couple of months, it will simply add more to the national debt.
The sad thing is, in looking at this list, is that the priority seems to be on anything but the economy and jobs. Sure, these agenda policies intersect with the economy, but for an election where the bulk of the voters stated the economy was the number one concern, it doesn't seem to really be on the agenda. The American economy is remarkably organic and dynamic, largely able to respond to changing conditions in the economic climate. But the weight of government regulation (particularly on energy and healthcare) is going to push companies to reduce the costs of doing business wherever they can. Which means, less jobs, less hours for the jobs that are there, and fewer benefits for those employed. I'm no expert, but from where I sit, I expect the economy of 2016 to look a lot like that of 2012, and possibly a little worse. We'll see. (To be fair, this would have been likely even if Romney had won).
Culturally, I have come to the conclusion that the balance has been tipped, and we are no longer a "center-right" country. Voters have put in office a party that supports policies (present in Obamacare) with mandates that businesses and taxpayers provide for free abortion and contraception coverage. No conscientious or religious objections allowed. There are other examples, but the bottom line is this: for now, the conservative argument has been rejected by the majority (not that Romney made a big case for it, by the way). With their vote, the majority has declared that they are willing to accept more government involvement in their lives. They'll get what they want, but it will be a while before they figure out what we all lose in the process.
Which brings me back to fiscal matters. The people want their entitlements, and they want others to pay for them. That came through loud and clear in this election. It doesn't matter that Social Security, Medicare, Obamacare, and so forth are not financially sustainable and are doomed to collapse without reform or crippling taxes that in turn will severely suppress the economy and jobs. The voters put a party back in power, in the White House and in the Senate, that has failed to produce a budget for 4 years. Four years. I can guarantee you, the House Republicans will pass a budget each and every year, and the Senate will shelve it. I will eat my hat if you see a legitimate budget come out of Congress to be signed by the president in the next 4 years.
It is fiscally irresponsible for Washington to fail to pass an operating budget. I can only conclude that most voters don't mind. Astonishing.
In re-reading the above, it is probably clear that I didn't allow enough time to pass in processing Tuesday's result. My mood is admittedly dour on the state of our nation. I will not invest in the petty, juvenile vitriol that seems to be all around, but I will also not stop calling things as I see them, pointing out issues and arguments and direction that concerns me.
Benghazi, anyone? Anyone? How about Iran? Afghanistan? Russia?
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