[TheRealThing]

The only thing that Boehner cares about is maintaining his grip on power. He has been too eager to make deals with Obama and has punished conservatives who have stood in the way. It think that Boehner is one of those Washington politicians who believes that he is sent to Washington "to get things done." Often, gridlock is better than the alternative. With Obama and Reid, it almost always beats compromise.

I didn't quite mean to defend Boehner. I think Paul's budget is written in the context that would afford as much fiscal responsibility as one might expect in the face of opposition from a substantial coalition of takers. The racist congressional black caucus, defenders of illegal immigration, gay rights activists, pro-choice activists, living document zealots, liberals, progressives (both parties), environmentalists, you know, the entirety that make up the left.