New Common Sense: The Fallout Behind the Fiscal Cliff

DECEMBER 11, 2012    |   Discover more at Heritage's First Principles webpage Is the Liberal Welfare State in Decline? The deeper issues lurking behind the fiscal cliff debate is the crumbling edifice of liberalism. With Obamacare in place, the left has finished building its dream: a liberal welfare state. Yet that dream seems likely to turn into a nightmare. Without massive tax increases on the middle class, the welfare state is simply not affordable. “The foundation is falling out from beneath the building just as they have finished construction,” observes Yuval Levin editor of National Affairs. What do liberalism’s troubles mean for the fiscal cliff debate and the prospects for a conservative agenda? Ryan, Rubio, and the Promise of American Opportunity It’s too early to begin selecting presidential candidates for 2016, but it’s never too soon for politicians to display statesmanship. Even in the midst of the seemingly endless fiscal cliff talks, two top conservatives are doing just that, and demonstrating how the right should think and, more importantly, talk about poverty. Lincoln, Slavery, and America Steven Spielberg’s latest movie, Lincoln, features the Great Emancipator negotiating, persuading and cajoling the House of Representatives to pass the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery. There has always been intense debate about the continued existence of slavery in early American history, precisely because it raises questions about this nation’s dedication to liberty and human equality. The 13th Amendment was ratified in December 1865, years after the Constitution was written and enacted. The question arises: If slavery was contrary to the principles of the American Founding, why wait so long to abolish it?  Quote of the Week "The challenge of statesmanship is to have the vision to dream of a better, safer world and the courage, persistence and patience to turn that dream into a reality." - Ronald Reagan For more quotes, visit westillholdthesetruths.org     About The Heritage Foundation Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute — a think tank — whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. The Heritage Foundation | 214 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002 | 202.546.4400 | heritage.org