The Republicans aren't budging on tax hikes. We don't believe we should be raising taxes on the American people, especially in this economy, said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, speaking on behalf of himself and House Speaker John Boehner.

President Obama is insisting on getting some concessions on tax hikes.

As both sides dug their heels in, the grand bargain of reducing $4 trillion in government deficits over the next 10 years and raising the debt ceiling ahead of August 02 deadline looks doubtful.

However, this isn't a case of Democrats and Republicans have genuine irreconcilable differences. Instead, it's a case of Republicans being unreasonable.

The Democrats want tax hikes. The Republicans want spending cuts.

The Democrats said they're willing to agree to spending cuts. They even put Social Security and Medicare on the table. There isn't much more you can ask from them.

The Republicans, however, have refused to put anything on the table.

How on earth is that that negotiating?

The last time I checked, negotiation is about give and take, not take and take some more.

Also, the last time I checked, the American people voted in 53 Democratic-leaning Senators, 192 Democratic Representatives, and a Democratic President, so they didn't give Republicans the go-ahead to steamroll over the Democrats.

Republicans need to realize that democracy is about working with people who hold different views and making compromises with them.

They have a chance to cut $4 trillion in the government deficit over the next 10 years. They're obviously not going to get it done 100 percent along Republican Party lines because about half of the US voting population voted for Democratic representatives.

The Republicans need to give (i.e. concede to some tax hikes) and take (i.e. get concessions on spending cuts) to make a deal for America's future. Refusing to negotiate at all is irresponsible and childish.

Eric cantor U.S.