Of course, a movie needs more than a good ending. The most important thing is controlling the narrative so that the story unfolds as its author intends. Politicians know that as well as screenwriters, and that probably explains why there has been so much more scene-setting than fiscal resolution this year.
Like most people, I have my preferred ending to the fiscal cliff (including who I would cast as Gollum). Yet, at this point, I think I would take any ending that doesn’t invite a sequel — or that doesn’t remind me of the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote.
John Harrington is a member of SNR Denton’s tax practice and previously served as international tax counsel for the Treasury Department and tax counsel on the House Ways and Means Committee.
Rep. Bill Cassidy has his blood drawn by Alesha Barbour during a free hepatitis screening in the Rayburn House Office Building hosted by the Congressional Viral Hepatitis Caucus to recognize "National Viral Hepatitis Testing Day."
Roll Call has launched a new feature, Hill Navigator, to advise congressional staffers and would-be staffers on how to manage workplace issues on Capitol Hill. Please send us your questions — anything from office etiquette, to handling awkward moments, to what happens when the work life gets too personal. Submissions will be treated anonymously.
