The passing of the federal budget means we cut $38 billion in spending this fiscal year with a projected $315 billion over the next 10 years. For the first time in a long while the American government has cut spending. We still owe in the trillions. We need to cut much more.
Politics in Play
The Republicans can only claim a split victory - fitting, as it reflects the state of the party. One could say that extremists in both parties are making it hard to compromise with the other. Tea Party extremists split with the Republican leadership on this vote, but they did so without knowledge or wisdom. Anger is never good fuel for government.
The Way Forward
In the voices of our government are reasoned cries that deserve attention. We must provide care for our citizens, but we must do so in a fiscally responsible manner. More cuts must come. Politicians must work together to find the best way and maybe that involves cutting out the extremists at both ends.
Some Thoughts: Tackle the Hard Stuff
- If the Republicans are so serious about cutting the budget, why not cut our military spending by at least 50 percent? We spend more than the rest of the world combined on our military each year.
- If Democrats are so serious about cutting the budget, why not cut some entitlement programs? Many must be cut or revamped for better accountability and less fraud.
- Stop cutting education.
- Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid need reform to reflect new health figures and costs. Taxes will have to be raised in order to cover the actual costs of providing health care. Heck, the entire system needs a revamp to move towards preventative health care instead of reactive/emergency care.
- Pension reform - either larger worker contributions or get rid of them in favor of a 401k-type program.
- Tort reform - we waste a lot of time, money and energy over stupid lawsuits.
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