Just say no, and die

It must be grand to push a political agenda without bearing any responsibility for it. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman wrote, “Democrats have tried to push a compromise: let tax cuts for the wealthy expire, but extend tax cuts for the middle class. Republicans, however, are having none of it. It’s all or nothing, they say: all the Bush tax cuts must be extended.” What should Democrats do? Krugman: Just say NO. “If G.O.P. intransigence means that taxes rise at the end of this month, so be it.” Krugman admits such a move would be bad for the economy and politically risky. But he says do it anyway, Mr. Obama. “Giving in would be risky, too — especially for a president whom voters are starting to write off as a man too timid to take a stand. Now is the time for him to prove them wrong.” So, let me get this straight. At the risk of sabotaging a recovering economy and igniting middle class voter anger, Obama should become Rambo to salve the left’s delusional need for machismo. Right. That will get him reelected in 2012. Mr. President, please ignore Mr. Krugman. His gadfly is loose again.