Has Grover Norquist given Republicans wiggle room for compromise?

According to a Washington Post editorial, Grover Norquist, the head of the "Americans for Tax Reform" “Not continuing a tax cut is not technically a tax increase,” Mr. Norquist told us. So it doesn’t violate the pledge? “We wouldn’t hold it that way,”(ThinkProgress.org). Can this new revelation, from Grover Norquist, whose pledge obstructs any increased revenue measures from being inserted into the debt talk, help Republicans come to a compromise.

In 2010, when the Bush tax cuts were extended for two more years, it cost the federal government, 860 billion dollars in tax revenue (CNN Money, 2010) Making the tax cuts permanent would further cost the the treasury, 3.7 trillion over the next 10 years, in  lost revenue. This pledge that Republicans have signed, not to increase taxes in any sort; which allowing tax cuts to expire, doesn't violate, controls the entire budget talk. This loophole, offers Republicans a chance to allow 3.7 trillion in revenue raising options to occur over ten years. This 3.7 trillion doesn't cut anything from entitlement programs, that help countless American families in need. This 3.7 trillion would raise more then enough to cover the 3 trillion in debt, the U.S incurred as a result of Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Grover Norquist, one of Congresses greatest obstacles to revenue raising, has given Republicans a chance to reclaim their vote that they sold out to him with their pledge. Instead of continuing down a course that surrendered this vote to special interest, they can represent the people who placed them in office. These voters, never elected Grover Norquist, to any office. With the room that this offers House Republicans, compromise can be reached.

The Bush Tax Cuts have starved the Treasury of funds needed to operate. The full faith, and credit of the United States requires this revenue, to make good on faith in her credit. According to John Dyer, MSN Money article: "Cost of Bush Era, 11.5 trillion" the Bush era spending cost have drained our resources. When you incur debts, you pay these debts. 3 trillion on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, 700 billion from the TARP bailout of Wall Street, 5 trillion in debt assumed from Fannie Mae and Fannie Mac, are just a couple of the costs that Bush spending cost us, while lowering tax rates on the wealthiest Americans. 

President Obama is willing to make concessions, that his base cannot stomach in order to broker a deal. Senate Majority Leader Reid and Minority Leader McConnell, are working hard to get a compromise through the Senate. However, House Republican leadership continues to obstruct compromise, especially with their recent passing on cut, cap and balance; a measure that would be vetoed by the President, if it even had a chance to pass the Senate. Grover Norquist gives Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader Cantor, space to regain their vote on compromise. This compromise is what America needs; not posturing.  I, for one hope the faith we place in our elected officials, is not misplaced. Compromise is what our constitution and form of government requires to operate. Let's hope this compromise can come.