America Faces Another Shutdown?

When a commentator says that government spending is out of control and on autopilot, today's reader becomes bored and moves on to a different article.

I've personally been pounding the table with this message since my commentary became a part of Wall Street Daily nearly two years ago.

But it's different this time…

You see, Congress and Obama are venturing off into dangerous territory – leaving little time before America self-implodes.

I need you to read carefully to understand what's happening…

Losing Control

Spending used to be the most significant part of government oversight conducted by the U.S. Congress.

But over the years, Congress has given up more and more authority and responsibility to the executive branch and the courts. Today, members of Congress have a mere shadow of the authority they once wielded.

The reason is simple: Members of Congress do nothing but campaign. The next election starts the morning after one election is won.

And in today's high-stakes campaigning environment, issue management is supreme.

John Boehner is a master of issue management, which has made him extremely successful as Speaker of the House. Basically, John Boehner is good at keeping members of Congress from having to take tough votes.

Congress still has plenty of votes. In fact, Congress is always voting. But the votes involve secondary issues or measures that have nochance of final passage.

These are nothing more than feel-good votes – and Congressmen know that they're just for show.

Think about it… you've surely heard a member of Congress say, “I've voted to repeal Obamacare 400 times.”

These were all stage-managed votes that everyone knew had no meaning. These are essentially a waste of time, but they make great theater and are part of an extensive issue management regime.

Every issue possible is pushed to the administration or the courts for the real decisions. If Congress makes no decisions, then it has no responsibility. If it has no responsibility, then it can look the voter in the eyes and say: “Isn't it terrible what Barack Obama did on immigration, but I have no power to stop it. But if you send me back for another two years, I will do my best to stop it this time.”

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