real politics is always about power. an example.
i've read recently that the republican-led congress is in the process of passing out further tax cuts. for the most part, opposition comment has focused on the enormous current deficit and the regressive nature of the cuts.

i think, though, that these fiscally and/or socially rational concerns have little or nothing to do with it. i think the proposed deal is a ruthlessly pragmatic political ploy... a landmine, placed in advance of future electoral cycles. the republican party line against the democrats has always relied heavily on the "tax and spend" epithet. having lost a good deal of its force in recent years, mostly due to their own corruption and profligacy, they seek to recharge the term, by passing any large tax cut - and the more absurd, the better, because that will almost require the response - so that when a possibly-democratic-led congress seeks to reverse it, they can then be stamped with the "tax raisers" brand again.