Charles Krauthammer: Republicans need to call Obama's sequester bluff

By Charles Krauthammer

Published: Sunday, Feb. 10 2013 12:00 a.m. MST

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Summary

For the first time since Election Day, President Barack Obama is on the defensive. That's because on March 1, automatic spending cuts ("sequestration") go into effect — $1.2 trillion over 10 years, half from domestic (discretionary) programs, half from defense.

Then we can take up real tax reform. Reprise the landmark Reagan-Tip O'Neill-Bill Bradley tax reform of 1986, a revenue-neutral spur to economic growth and efficiency, and to fairness for those not powerful enough to manipulate the tax code.

The country needs tax reform. But first it needs to rein in out-of-control spending. To succeed in doing that, Republicans must remain united under one demand: cuts with no taxes — or we will let the sequester go into effect.

The morning after, they should sit down with Obama for negotiations on real tax reform as recommended by the president's own Simpson-Bowles commission: broaden the base, lower the rates.

Any time, any place. Geneva, perhaps? The skiing is good. Skeet shooting, too.

Charles Krauthammer's email address is letters@charleskrauthammer.com.

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The Real Maverick

Orem, UT

A good barometer for what NOT to do would be chuck's columns. Thanks chuck for again, the weekly advice! Our country need to do exactly the opposite of what you suggest

10:16 a.m. Feb. 10, 2013
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Furry1993

Ogden, UT

I saw the article heading and thought it must be from someone who doesn't have a clue. I was right -- it came from Krauthammer, the guy who cares more about politicial "purity" than he does about the welfare of the United States. He More..

8:45 a.m. Feb. 10, 2013
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Hutterite

American Fork, UT

Why encourage continued obstinate behaviour in the republicans? Isn't there a more cooperative way to approach this?

10:10 a.m. Feb. 10, 2013
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