Let me see if I understand this. As a country, we are spending more than we are taking in. So instead of cutting our spending, we are getting loans from other countries so we can continue to spend. We have done this for years and we think it is a good idea.
Still, we continue to increase spending.
Executive Branch +2%
Legislative Branch +9%
Judicial Branch +7%
Department of Justice +6%
Department of Homeland Security +11%
Department of Defense+2%
Except in areas that take care of our citizens.
Department of Health and Human Services -1%
CDC -2%
Public Health Emergency Fund -45%
To me the solution is simple. Stop spending more than we make. This doesn't mean increase taxes, but instead reduce current spending. When a corporation is faced with the same situation, responsible leaders make hard choices to reduce spending to save the company. For example, no pay increases, in fact some executives have reduced their pay to $1.00 per year.
I would like to see our Executive and Legislative branch incorporate a $1.00 per year salary until the nations multi-trillion dollar debt is paid off.
I would also like to see any program that does not have objectives that are specific and measurable, so we can determine success, cut.
Next, I would like an audit completed to determine government departments that have the same or similar charters. Then explore options to reduce costs by rolling them into one organization. Obviously, this cannot happen before we need to resolve the current issues, but should happen within the next 12 months.
I realize this may be an over simplification of a difficult issue, but everyone knows you can't spend more than you make. We need to make it clear to our elected officials that we expect them to make responsible choices to establish solutions to this out-of-control spending. Next year is an election year, if you’re not happy with the decisions made today, go to the polls and change it. Remember our Legislators work for us, and election year is a time for their job review.
well said, Janene. One point I have not heard through all of this mess is"No one can run their households like this". Let's bring the conversation down to a 5th grade level so everyone can understand it. That's what Christian's father was told when he was a radio DJ..".Keep it like the commercials, 5th grade level." Your point is so true!
Posted by: Geri Lou | 07/30/2011 at 07:19 PM
What a bright lady! Your comments and attitude are so comforting in these troubled times. I believe the opening of the Desiderata reads "Go placidly amid the noise and the haste and remember what peace there may be in silence". At the 5th grade level that means it's time to shut up, cut up the credit card and get back to work!
Christian's father
Posted by: Jerry Reno | 07/30/2011 at 07:31 PM