9 Trillion Reasons to Still Distrust Your Government(reprint from 16 March) That’s roughly 30,000 reasons for each man, woman, and child to resent the government that pretends to represent their interests. The Senate voted to raise the debt ceiling to $9 trillion today (March 16). Some hailed this as a courageous move to ensure the integrity of US debt instruments (bonds, t-bills, etc.). Some make a valid point that this debt load is not as extreme as previous levels when viewed as a ratio of the overall economic output. The question I think we should all ask; Am I getting my money’s worth? And are we getting the best return on our investment? The Senate passed budget guidelines for a 2007 budget of $2.8 trillion after adding $16.5 billion to original drafts. That’s about $9,300 for each American for next year. Sure, we all get something for that money. How do you put a price on security, roads, parks, schools, fire departments, etc.? But consider what the constitution mandates for the federal government compared to what might be more effectively delivered by state and local governments. The Concord Coalition, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget all seem to draw similar conclusions, even from different political perspectives. The current budget processes are dysfunctional and wasteful. The Republican Party has long advocated that the government which governs least governs best. I propose a corollary; the government which spends least spends wisest. Michael (Sorry for the reprint but I thought this was a big enough issue to dust off. After a long day at work I didn’t feel like I had anything new to say that was any more clever than this.) Previous: Any Theocracy is Oppressive -- Next: Moderation Fails in Principle. Comment from : JustaDog: I agree. The biggest reason government spends so much is because it is increasingly trying to be big daddie to everyone. I’d propose: Dump the Dept. Of Education – it’s worthless; Dump all of the handout programs – the billions spent in New Orleans was totally wrong; Dump any thoughts of socialized (governmentalized) medical care – keep it private; Dump all programs that give the hard working money of the American taxpayer to other countries; Withdraw that $15 BILLION for AIDS relief in Africa – a total waste with most of it going to corrupt governments there; I could go on and on. STOP the government from heing so charitable with OUR money! STOP the government from sticking it’s big head into the private sector. STOP the government handouts. Now I wonder if Mr. Smith will permit my freedom of opinion to be posted, or will I get censored? Posted by : JustaDog Aug 15, 01:30 PM # Comment from Michael Smith: j-dog, A key part of my platform is cutting the government to just constitutional responsibilities. btw. You’re free to hold your opinions. Just as I’m free to manage my blog for constructive debate. Posted by Michael Smith Aug 15, 01:58 PM # Comment from dan l: Constructive debates? This is a blog! We don’t have constructive debates! Here. Have Dan’s nifty lil’ comic strip on bloggers having a constructive debate: http://www.moveonandshutup.org/?q=lost_episode_of_welcome_to_america_now_speak_english It’s actually a true thing, too, making it all the more funny. Fair warning: Language is, at times, quite blue. But you will laugh. Oh yes. You will laugh. Posted by dan l Aug 16, 12:17 AM # |
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