For the second time in days, a leading Republican -- this time South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham -- edged toward violating something that has been sacrosanct: a longstanding pledge signed by many in his party never to raise taxes.
WASHINGTON -- As Congress prepared to dive back into "fiscal-cliff" talks on Monday after the Thanksgiving holiday, there were encouraging signs that Republican intransigence on tax increases could be easing.
For the second time in days, a leading Republican -- this time South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham -- edged toward violating something that has been sacrosanct: a longstanding pledge signed by many in his party never to raise taxes.
Strings were attached -- concessions by Democrats on social-welfare programs such as health care for the elderly. But his change of heart was a hopeful sign that the Republican leadership is ready to make tough choices in order to strike a deal.
Both Republicans and Democrats are well-aware of the need for the country to get its fiscal house in order, as America tries to rein in a huge debt that has been growing bigger by the day and reduce deficit spending.
If no deal is reached before the end of the year, a poison-pill law of tax hikes and massive spending cuts -- including slashes to the military -- comes into effect with potentially catastrophic effects for the fragile U.S. economy.
