Geithner’s Spending Cuts Fail the Pinocchio Test
Geithner is mixing up apples and oranges. He suggests that he is talking about spending cuts in entitlement programs, when in fact a huge chunk is in other areas ― and is not spending cuts.
Rather than the $600 billion figure, the Treasury secretary should have specified a precise figure for reductions in health-care entitlements and then explained that the administration was seeking additional savings through fees and other initiatives. His language on the Sunday shows, especially on CNN, was too cute by half.
Source: Washington Post.
Remember, this is the “liberal” Washington Post.
The calculus of politics is such that politicians can fudge or misdirect with impunity. Lies by omission are not lies at all in their eyes. Not only does the media not call them on it; the media is complicit as though dishonesty is an acceptable method when used to further your party’s mission.
I have to agree with Buster. Whatever my opinion of Geithner, he’s a sharp guy. Dissembling is an art form.
Sounds like another fallacy…but this time not coming from Krugman. Oh boy..
The lack of clarity from both parties is staggering. It seems that politicians increasingly betting on the populace listening to them and failing to check on the actual wording or mandates of a bill.
It’s true that most people don’t actually read legislation and receive their information on the mandates of particular policies from whatever party mouthpiece they hear first.
Geithner might’ve put a fiscal cliff compromise back quite some time with his language right after Boehner began opening up to increasing revenues.
Terrible job by both sides. I’m not looking forward to the end of the year