As for any tax cut, forget it. Of course, we should try to simplify the system and spur economic growth by cutting top rates and ending tax breaks. Even this will be hard, because many breaks — such as the mortgage interest deduction — are popular. But to balance the budget, we'll still need to raise more, not less, tax revenue from the income tax or other taxes. Since 1972, tax revenues have averaged only 18 percent of GDP. I should have been more candid with you during the campaign.
The chasm between stump rhetoric and governing realities will haunt whoever wins. It also defines a dilemma of democracy. People want their leaders to tell the truth; but they often don't want to hear the truth. Genuine leaders escape this trap by persuading public opinion to acknowledge distasteful problems. But these leaders are rare. Most pursue immediate popularity over truth even if this deepens long-term public mistrust.
Robert J. Samuelson is a Washington Post columnist.
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Truth sounds a whole lot like that other word our politicians have a problem with - compromise.
It is sad. We want to be told the truth, but usually elect the best liar.
The truth is even worse than Samuelson describes it. He doesn't even hint at the $222 trillion in off-budget and unfunded liabilities hanging over the economy. There is a government default in our future regardless of what we do. The politicians More..