Doesn't it seem more likely that negotiations, especially those whose outcome raise taxes in light of a situation where IT IS spending that is out of control, are doomed to failure. I sincerely hope so. It is not really about $ and ¢ per se, but rather about future direction and principle. If we continue to bankroll the wayward largesse of the out-of-control federal government, the ones that think they can just continue to reach deeper and deeper into the pockets of the people to finance their failing system will win... for a time at least. It is time to stick a fork into the backs of their hands like they were reaching for the last piece of fried chicken.