We Get What We Want

From Economist:
"A Bloomberg National Poll conducted Dec. 3-7 shows two- thirds of Americans favor taxing the rich to reduce the deficit.

Even though almost 9 of 10 respondents also say they believe the middle class will have to make financial sacrifices to achieve that goal, only a little more than one-fourth support an increase in taxes on the middle class. Fewer still back cuts in entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare or a new national consumption tax."
http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2009/12/bloomberg_headline_of_the_day?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+economist%2Fblogs%2Ffreeexchange+%28The+Economist%3A+Free+exchange%29

TW: The poll validates a frequent lament here at the White House. Our deficits are the result of our own selfishness, not politicians acting irrationaly. Do I support raising taxes on the wealthy back to where they were in 2000? Absolutely. Would that be anywhere near enough to end deficits? Absolutely not. Folks want to raise taxes and cut spending on anyone but themselves. They are also pretty adament about voting OUT of office anyone who does not pander to their selfishness. Hence, we have budget clusterfuggery seasoned with demagougery.