OPINION: Nation still not serious about deficits

Watching the reports of the fiscal cliff negotiations, one might assume that the problem is political. If only it were so simple. Instead, self-indulgence and lack of discipline are endemic in our government and our culture. We’re programmed from an early age to be entitled to the latest in clothing, technology and whatever else the market offers — what we need and what we can afford are irrelevant to what we want. We expect full catastrophic coverage in healthcare, regardless of ability to pay, but refuse to be taxed for it. Our representatives and senators make their decisions, not on what’s best for America, but on the basis of what will keep them in the good graces of their constituents. No one gets elected by promising to balance the budget by raising taxes and cutting spending across the board.

Congress created the “fiscal cliff” because it could not reach consensus on dealing with the troubling deficit growth. Setting a timetable for a drastic consequence of failure was seen as a tool to force Congress to do what it had previously avoided. The down-to-the-wire negotiations are yet one more indicator that Congress — and the public — is not yet ready for a fiscal solution that involves inconveniences like true spending cuts or increased taxes.

America cannot make meaningful progress on trimming the deficit without higher taxes and significant spending restraints that will affect all Americans. Until the American public is willing to pay higher taxes and accept reduced government services, until people accept the reality that we’re living beyond our means and that we must all be part of the solution, Congress will just move from one fiscal cliff to the next. At this point, there is little evidence that Americans will support a real and significant reduction in the federal deficit.

It is unrealistic to expect Congress to solve a financial crisis until voters are willing to man up to the inconveniences that solving the crisis require. There is no indication we’re anywhere near that point just yet.