Brushfire of Freedom
Ram Rants
Those of you who have been following politics for any length of time may well remember the “call to arms” of the Clinton campaign. While President George H.W. Bush was focusing on our global policies, Bill and his buddies said, “It’s the economy, Stupid”. Clinton’s point was that there should be more focus on the US economy and less focus on the global geopolitical climate. We’ll ignore the fact that the two were then and are now fairly well intertwined and accept for a moment that, well, it’s the economy.
Our economy is in a recovery, or not, depending on who you talk with, what numbers they use, the phase of the moon, the alignment of the planets, and which voodoo spell they cast this week. In other words, no one knows. There are some indications that we may be coming out of the recession, but even the brilliant minds in Washington that normally declare the beginning and end of various economic cycles are hesitant to say the recession is over. With unemployment still near double what it was in 2007, it’s hard to say things are improving. If you consider that the unemployment number excludes those who have fallen off the rolls, not just those that have found jobs, then the number is most likely over 10%.
In conjunction with the economic malaise, we’ve got a deficit hitting new record levels every day, and there’s no sign of even a slow down. This weighs heavy on the economy, and on the country, and on the taxpayer. The response from Obama and company to the deficit and all of this economic trouble is?
More taxes.
That’s right, if the government just had more of our money, why things would be spectabulous and fantacular. The birds would sing, the sun would shine, the recession would end, and the economy would hum along at ever improving levels.
Let’s ignore the fact that most Americans feel they are taxed enough (or more than enough). Forget the fact that taking money out of the economy will slow the economy, not accelerate it. Taxing something reduces the use / consumption of that something. This is why Congress wants to tax companies that charge you for carry-on bags. It’s why they tax cigarettes. Ignore the reality that tax reductions actually spur economic growth (Reagan, Bush). Pay no attention to the CBO and other groups who’ve clearly stated that no amount of tax increase will fix the deficit or the economy. If we want to help the US economy, we need to take more money away from those that make the economy work. That’ll fix it.
Hey Barry, it’s the spending, Stupid. Or, to be more specific, it’s the stupid spending. If we could eliminate just a fraction of the stupid waste of tax dollars we have pouring out of this regime, then the deficit would begin to decrease. You see, there’s two sides to the budget equation. The income side, for the government, is based on tax revenue. That’s our money, taken against our will, and given to the government. The other side of the equation is the spending side. This is the piece that most liberals can’t see, unless it’s going to the military. They know how to cut our national defense, but stupid spending, that’s another issue.
So exactly what do I mean by stupid spending? Well, here are some examples for our friends on the left:
$2,908,000 for shrimp aquaculture research in seven states. Over $70 million has been spent on shrimp research since 1985.
$4,841,000 to research how to use wood, to be conducted in 11 states. This funding was requested by 13 senators and 10 representatives and has cost taxpayers $100 million since 1985.
Over $50 million for 29 projects by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, including $1,200,000 for the Alternate Energy School of the Future and $800,000 for a program to research algae-based renewable energy for Nevada. Algae. In Nevada.
Over $4 million for nine projects for financial literacy/education programs including $3,150,000 for a financial education and pre-home ownership counseling demonstration project. Note, that’s $3 million for a demo.
Over $100 million for FEMA. You know, the guys who showed up late (and never) to several major US disasters. Yes, them. Perhaps they could be more effective if they only received funds when they helped people in flood-ravaged Rhode Island. This did NOT include the additional $24 million for FEMA pre-disaster mitigation, like the levees in New Orleans.
$24 million for projects supported by Diane Feinstein including money for a lawnmower exchange program and instructions on how to create an eco-friendly kitchen.
There’s more of course. $693,000 for beef improvement research (bottle of A-1, less than $5.00), $200,000 for a small business incubator, $500,000 to control snakes in Guam (I thought that was sinking), $2,000,000 for potato research. Money for the Ritz Hotel in New York, money to teach under privileged kids how to get a job in the movies, and money for the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens.
Overall, over $16 billion is slated to be spent for pet projects for various Senators, Representatives, and states. While some of these projects may make sense, is this really the smart way to spend federal funds? Should we be doling out $16 billion in taxpayer funds, in one year, while our deficit climbs, people are losing jobs, and tax revenues are dropping?
Reality check for Congress. You have been entrusted with the money that We, The People, have earned and surrendered to you. We are the economy, and it’s our money. If you want to help, if you want to reduce the deficit, if you really want to see the economy improve, you will address the out-of-control spending. Stop opening new parks and naming them after yourself, Robert Byrd. It’s time the people in Congress began acting responsibly, like all Americans do, when times are tough. Time to cut the stupid spending, reduce the deficit, tighten your belts, and balance the budget. Do that, then come talk to us about more taxes. You do your part, we’re already doing ours.
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