Sunday, February 7, 2010

Rich seems to argue that because we are not willing to comb through the budget we are unable to opine.

Some points, random at best.

The left of this country has consistently stood in the way of spending controls.  This is where I usually trot out the grandma eating dog food example.  What evidence is there that they/we will ever change.

I'm all for reductions in corporate welfare but just like earmarks, that is not where the meat of the budget lies.

He also seems to agrue that we cannot cut our way out of the deficit and therefore need to raise taxes (he really does!).  However, and while I am glad to admit that I am not anxious to pour over the budget, (could however) he seem oblivious to the fact that spending has spiked and a great way to cut the budget is to reduce it to former levels.  After these orgies of spending increases, spending cuts never happen.  If we tax more, we are just going to ratchet spending up even more!

The left always ignores what has happened to CA and Greece (and France and Spain and New Jersey).

So to be clear Mr. Cricket, I have answered your question, many times.  So have the Conservatives Mr Will speaks about.  You just chose not to hear.

2 comments:

Baxter said...

Jim ~

You will better be able to understand the budgets if you just read the Bruce Bartlett book I gave you. Honestly, it will make you smarter and far more able to intelligently discuss the topic. Never mind his conclusions - just read it for the economic story - 1920's to date. You will have an informed perspective that you do not enjoy now. (IT IS QUICK READ - DAMMIT!)

If you spend a few minutes and look at the two-page budget summary, it will immediately dawn on you that we need a lot more revenue and in a hurry. You are businessman. You will figure it out on your own.

Don't worry - heaven forbid - it doesn't necessarily mean that you will agree with me! I doubt you will - but I think our positions will be closer.

BTW - once we are up and fully running again, I will support wholesale cost cutting - eliminate of whole programs and departments. I will support entitlement changes. All that said and done, we will be upside down without art least 5% GDP more than we are getting now. The 20% that carried Clinton won't be enough - it will need to be 25% or more.

We MUST get a handle on our long term fiscal affairs. I think the market will insist and it just may be that 2010 is the year.

Jim G. said...

OK, next up.