OutTake: "It's foolish to be afraid of Norquist" - John Avlon on Norquist Pledge

Today’s OutTake: John Avlon on his CNN.com column, Don’t Fear the Grover.

With 36 days until across-the-board cuts and major tax increases - both sides of the aisle in Congress are feeling the pressure to compromise on a deal to avert the fiscal cliff.

Democrats want tax increases and Republicans want entitlement reform. Recently, a few Republicans have decided to break away from a no-tax pledge spear-headed by prominent anti-tax activist Grover Norquist.

In his latest column for CNN.com, John Avlon argues Republicans should not fear retaliation for breaking with anti-tax activist Grover Norquist.

TRENDING: Graham says he'd break no-tax 'pledge'

"The only pledge members of Congress should take is the Pledge of Allegiance," says Avlon.

John Avlon is also a CNN contributor and member of the OutFront political strike team.

Republicans wisely break with Grover Norquist

Who's afraid of Grover Norquist?

Fewer and fewer Republicans, thankfully.

In recent days, the declarations of independence from Norquist's absolutist anti-tax pledge have been coming fast and furious.

Add Southern Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Lindsey Graham to the growing list, along with Reps. Peter King, Steve LaTourette and Scott Rigell.

Chambliss kicked off the most recent outbreak of common sense by telling a Georgia TV station, "I care more about my country than I do about a 20-year-old pledge." He added, "If we do it (Norquist's) way, then we'll continue in debt."

On ABC's "This Week," Graham doubled down by saying, "I agree with Grover, we shouldn't raise rates, but I think Grover is wrong when it comes to we can't cap deductions and buy down debt. ... I will violate the pledge, long story short, for the good of the country, only if Democrats will do entitlement reform."

FULL POST