While we are taking lessons from the ugly compromises FDR accepted in order to get Social Security passed, we might also consider other events. FDR, you probably don’t recall because it has oddly been erased from conversational history, pursued almost as an idée fixe a cap on incomes of $25,000 (call it $360K in today’s money). The idea was as divisive then as it would be today, and despite dogged efforts, the proposal did not succeed. But, as Sam Pizzigati reminds us.…You always want to start negotiating from the strongest position. Count on counter-parties to do so.
Interfluidity
There’s nothing smart in surrendering bargaining power for policy details
Steve Randy Waldman
You always want to start negotiating from the strongest position.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. And that's why I stubbornly push for my pet issues even if I'm fully aware they have little chance of passing and/or would be watered down and compromised if they do pass. There is nothing to be gained by pre-emptive surrendering.
I wish the "left" fought as hard for it's agenda as the right fights for theirs.
I agree. But it's not just that. The compromises that come out are an absolute mess that are just pandering to factional groups. Because the whole lacks any cohesion people just naturally reject it out of hand.
ReplyDeleteIn this the right has an advantage. Because the one thing they can all agree on is that its all about the money.