Grasping at straws

as I hit the road this morning...maybe the cuts are backloaded to allow some space for recovery. Maybe defense cuts in the trigger will constrain Republicans more than commenters think. Maybe programs that benefit the poor are adequately protected. Maybe there's less to the first round cuts than meets the eye Maybe Obama will find his spine and push forcefully for tax hikes in the upcoming gang of 12 negotiations--if only because the downside of enraging progressives may now finally outstrip the consequences of bucking GOP intransigence. The mendacity of hope?