The Uh-Ohs: A Decade of Conservative Failure

It's the New Year, and I'm celebrating by coming back to work after a three-month sabbatical from CAF. After four years of pretty consistent blogging, I needed some distance, some time to pursue a few errant passions, and the chance to recover my focus. As of this week, I'm back on the job with a fistful of new insights and research, and a head full of fresh things to blog about. more »

"Haven't we already given money to rich people ... Shouldn't we be giving money to the middle?"

-- President George W. Bush in November 2002, acknowledging to advisors that he knew his tax cuts were giveaways to the super-wealthy. (Source.)

If you were among the wealthiest 1-2% of Americans, it was the best of times. For the rest of us, it was "The Uh-Ohs," a decade of conservative failure and its aftermath. From the government surplus in 2000 and the ill-advised and poorly planned wars that helped transform it into a deficit, to the stagnant economy and growing economic inequality we face today — none of it just happened and none of had to happen.

It was all consciously chosen — a direct consequence of conservative politics and policymaking — and about 99% of us are worse for it.

"Stuff happens."
— Donald Rumsfeld on the looting of Iraq following the U.S. invasion.

Forget about "the Aughts." Never mind "the Naughts." The decade just passed — and which promises to leave a lingering, bitter aftertaste — deserves a far better, more descriptive name. So for what it's worth, I hereby dub the past ten years "The Uh-Ohs: A Decade of Conservative Failure."

It's as good as any of the others I've heard. Perhaps better. Here's why.