Keeping Score

For those of us who like to keep track of such things,
Following is a list of events in Washington
Which may indicate a return to fiscal sanity.
It is open-ended to recognize new developments.

A bipartisan agreement fostered by
Senator Mitch McConnell and VP Joe Biden
Made permanent the present income tax rates
For all but the highest one percent of payers.

A small reduction in federal spending
Required by the President went into effect.
Unless deliberate action otherwise is taken,
Reductions will increase annually.

A funding resolution for continuing the
Operation of the federal government
Passed Congress, without alteration to
The previous acts described above.

Now the battle of budgets unfolds.
None will be sufficiently acceptable.
A "compromise" may be passed that
Will be face-saving but ineffectual.

(Updated April 11, 2013)