Will it halt or even slow down the rapid growth of the deficit? No. Does it address any of the systemic problems with the current budget process? No. Does it impact any major spending program in any meaningful way? No. Does it account for any more than a tiny fraction of the current deficit? No. Is the proposal any more than a nakedly political, symbolic gesture timed for the State of the Union Address? No.

Should the Republicans therefore condemn the proposal? NO!

Even this symbolic gesture should be encouraged. It’s a step in the right direction, and even tiny steps are positive steps if they’re in the right direction. If enacted, it will demonstrate that the direction is a positive one, and will infuriate the left nonetheless. It’s one campaign promise (Obama opposed freezes during the debates) that we’d love to see the president break.