Taking it back

Once given, getting it back will typically elicit a firestorm.  While it is human nature to take a free benefit without question, letting go is an entirely different proposition.

Governments, in general, are great progenitors of the give and take syndrome.  On a very cyclical basis, often linked with economic cycles, governments will give only to later take back.

Government spending which can know no bounds during times of prosperity can be shifted 360 degrees on a dime with changing circumstances.

Avoiding Churn

The give and take cycle, particularly on the political front, has a long history of rollercoaster-like ups and downs.   For me, the most frustrating thing is the cost of this churn.

The taking back of political gifts has a cost.  Leaving things in place and working through them in a less draconian way (i.e., big bang cuts) will, in the long run, cost less and provide a more stable and consistent environment.

Governments support their actions with strong arguments of dire consequences but this is mostly meaningless rhetoric.   The harder strategy to carefully consider options that are less drastic is mostly put aside in the favor of the politicians’ favorite device – the cataclysmic rant.