But the legislators are trying to minimize the pain (selectively anyway) because they can't get re-elected if they cause too much pain. I've been known to kick a can or two down the road, but not down such a dark road. I think it's crazy, irresponsible, and unnecessary to take the "pain first" approach, however if that's the only way to avoid the deep darkness then bring the pain on hard and fast. Let's see how well that works for us.