Would we be discussing deficits and sequesters if Bush tax cuts had not been extended?

[Johonny]

37. Yes

I haven't seen an economic model that suggested in the recovery the economic revenue growth was enough to offset the current deficit. Remember not only did Bush cut revenue, he increased spending, and the recession saw a net decrease in revenue due to a net decrease in jobs. All of which means we would have hit the debt ceiling eventually.

More to point even when Clinton was president and he created balanced budget, we had a huge economic growth spurt, amd were on track to pay of the debt. The Heritage foundation was still calling for more cuts to "save" social programs. The other side basically plays the same cards over and over. There is no reason to think they wouldn't play the same ones.

Like most people, my tax cut is mostly been offset by my stagnant wage, inflation, and tax increases at the local level to offset decreases in federal spending. I understand the spirit of your message but I actually don't think Obama's tax extension deal factors heavily into the sequestration. Even if Obama had created a surplus somehow they'd still want to cut Social security and medicare and other welfare programs. Why, because they always have argued against them since before I was born. The actual economy of the united states doesn't factor into their policy making.