You'll find it's NOT that hard. But unfortunately in DC, politics and partisanship get in the way !!
Also keep in mind that this exercise is an "all or nothing" choice on many budget items... in reality, Congress could also cut expenses by partial funding in specific areas of many budget items. So they can be much more precise than in the exercise.
I want to see if the GOP is really serious about cutting or just want to destroy certain programs they disagree with. (course we already know the answer) I want to see their hypocrisy exposed... well re-exposed !!
#587800 - 01/04/1312:01 PMRe: The Budget and National Debt
[Re: DLC]
steveg
Making a new reply.
Registered: 04/19/02
Posts: 27495
Loc: D'OHio
If you look at the rhetoric already coming from the right, the disinformation tap is wide open. Those who follow politics or are marginally conversant in Congressional process and fiscal management will spot the lies right away. But the less informed (read: majority of citizens) don't know that the POTUS has, by law, no control over the national charge account — and the right wing and its media mouthpieces are stating the opposite at every opportunity.
I would allow SS and Medicare to slowly increase the age requirement over the next 8-10 years. We ARE living much longer... so I don't see a problem with a 1-2 year age increase over the next decade. Point 1.- it's slowly adjusted, and 2. the age increase is small.
#588029 - 01/09/1302:21 AMRe: The Budget and National Debt
[Re: DLC]
MacBozo Nut Dood
Registered: 04/21/02
Posts: 17704
Loc: Pinellas Park, Florida
But, they shouldn't even be discussed as part of the debt or deficit. Both SS and Medicare are self-funded by payroll taxes, aren't they? The Republicans are still just trying to eliminate them altogether. They haven't liked SS since FDR.
#588047 - 01/09/1311:54 AMRe: The Budget and National Debt
[Re: carp]
steveg
Making a new reply.
Registered: 04/19/02
Posts: 27495
Loc: D'OHio
Quote:
My understanding is that the Gov, steals from SS and Medicare , to pay for other slicks.
Your understanding is incorrect (unless you subscribe exclusively to the right wing blogosphere). The article is a few years old, but still completely relevant — and the last two paragraphs pretty well sum up the facts.