Let's face it. Washington's "adult conversations" are to real conversations what "adult movies" are to real movies: The plots are simplistic, the characters are shallow, and before it's over a whole lot of people will get screwed.
The Simpson/Bowles recommendations are virtually identical to those proposed by Pete Peterson in the 1990's: Deep and unnecessary cuts in Social Security, tax reductions for the wealthy and corporations (in a deficit document!), and tax increases on the middle class. (More here.)
The motivation for these Senators is clear: A flow of campaign contributions, enormous visibility, and a future filled with cushy jobs like those given to fellow ex-politicians like Simpson, Bowles, Pete Domenici, and a host of others. The Senate's undemocratic structure encourages hostage-takers to pose as statesmen. Eighteen months ago a different "gang of six" was hard at work gutting health care legislation. Next year there'll be another one.
As long as money talks in politics, there will always be a Gang of Six.
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