Mitch McConnell just said...

...something that might actually be true. (I guess even a broken clock is right twice a day. Or, in Mr. McConnell's case, at least once in a lifetime.)

From "For McConnell, Health Care Failure Was a Map to Tax Success" in the Times (my emphasis):

“[The Democrats] are convinced it is good politics to be against [the tax bill], and we believe it is good politics to do it,” he said. “We either get the growth rates or we don’t. In other words, one of these sides is going to be proven wrong.”

And that to me is the silver lining to the story of this tax bill. (And maybe to this entire era of political polarization in which we live.)

In today's world, unlike the past, when you vote Republican or Democratic at least you know what you're getting. And, as demonstrated by this Congress, more and more the party in power is able to enact their policies and we're able to find out once and for all if they work or not. (I'd argue that the "Kansas experiment" of the last few years has already answered it, but now the whole country is going to see for themselves.)*

Despite projections the legislation could cost the government $1.5 trillion, [McConnell] insisted it ultimately would not add to and might even shrink deficits because of the economic expansion he expects it to generate.

“We are pretty confident this is going to get the country up to a higher growth rate, which will improve wages because demand for employees will go up and improve the government revenues as well, which makes the deficit shrink,” he said.

And, again, Mr. McConnell is right: we'll actually get to see if this radical approach improves wages and government revenues and makes the deficit shrink. I happen to think not, but at least we'll all have our answer. (And, if I am indeed wrong, I hope I have the maturity to say so, and be happy that the country is prospering.)

But if I'm right, then hopefully the Democrats will take back the House and Senate, the White House, most state legislatures and statehouses and eventually the courts. (That sounds like a lot to take back, doesn't it?) And if there's any justice in the universe (or at least this country) that will happen and more progressive policies will be put in place. (Although between gerrymandering and voter suppression I have my doubts.)

Am I angry about the process? Absolutely. (Just as I'm angry about the whole Merrick Garland affair.) But, as they say, paybacks are a bitch. And the Democrats, who will surely ride the pendulum back to power at some point, will probably be just as ruthless as the Republicans. My guess? The filibuster will be toast and legislation will be passed in the Senate by simple majority rule. (Say hello to Medicare for all.) And that's ultimately a good thing. Voters will know what they're voting for, they'll get it, and we'll all get to see if it works or not.

P. S. Here's a good thread on "process."

* Still not sure if the "Kansas experiment" was a success or not? Then ask yourself, why is its architect, Gov. Sam Brownback, leaving office early to be the nation’s "international ambassador for religious freedom" (whatever that is)? If it worked, wouldn't he be sticking around to take bows for it?