The Norquist Paradox

Is it just me, or is there a twist in this?

As you all know, one of the drivers of Republican solidarity during their ascent to policy domination in Washington was the legendary Norquist ‘no tax increase’ pledge. Every member of the Republican caucus, both House and Senate, signed on to the pledge. ‘No tax increase’ became a near religious mantra as the GOP drove to starve government of the funds it needs to maintain our favorite social programs.

So successful was Grover Norquist in getting Republicans to sign up to his pledge that he became king maker and pre-eminent in GOP Washington circles. And his pledge became the unifying theme of the party. Reducing taxes ended up being the sole policy the Republicans deployed to resolve each and every economic problem we faced.

So yesterday’s vote to increase taxes on the top 2% on income earners presented a monumental religious moment of angst. Did it break the pledge? Would Norquist rain down fire and brimstone on those who voted yes?

No he wouldn’t.

You see there is a clever ruse to be played. A fig leaf to be drawn discreetly over GOP embarrassment. Since the Bush tax cuts had expired before the vote, a ‘yes’ vote for the deal was technically a vote to decrease taxes. So by this sleight of hand Norquist exonerated his devotees.

Now comes the problem.

What about the two-thirds of Republicans who voted ‘no’?

If those who voted ‘yes’ are exonerated, are those who voted ‘no’ not committing a sin? This has almost Talmudic complexity. Were they not, by voting no, breaking the pledge? After all they were voting to endorse the tax increase that those voting ‘yes’ were voting to get rid of.

And if both the ‘yeas’ and the ‘nays’ are being given a pass by Norquist, what value is the pledge any more?

None.

A paradox worth pondering.