It seemed like an exercise straight out of college life. It wasn’t an all-nighter, but close. It was caffeine-driven senators—ultimately, a simple majority of 51–looking like a bunch of delinquent crammers trying to finish a term paper by deadline.
All they were doing was changing a document that defies Cliff noting, the U.S. Tax Code.
But they did it in a way that makes one ashamed of government.
The GOP tax bill’s passage on Friday was an appalling display of how money and politics work, with senators jamming through a tax bill that fundamentally serves its patrons, rich corporations and individuals, while neglecting broader societal needs like health care and education.
The Senate bill, criticized by non-partisans for adding $1 trillion to the national debt, was going through so many last second revisions, it’s not clear what was in or out.
Changes were literally scribbled on the margins. And when the 500 word document was delivered to the entire senate, many complained about being forced to vote on something they hadn’t even digested carefully.
But it didn’t matter. The core goal was intact. It would serve the wealthy.
One thing for sure, education wasn’t a priority. Higher education officials were already aware how the bill would impact schools throughout the country.
