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We Need to CUT Spending!

October 30, 2007 11:20:59 AM from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

This is the cry of most Republicans and some Democrats. It is time to stop making this generalized statement and take an HONEST look at the Federal Budget. To help with that please take a look at the following Web Site: www.thebudgetgraph.com . It will give you a very clear picture of just where the Federal Government is spending YOUR tax dollars.

I have looked at this issue as well at the major issues that face our country and will impact spending for the foreseeable future. The objective was to see just where the spending cuts can be made to solve the nation’s fiscal problems.

First we need to understand ALL Federal spending falls into one of two types. One is “mandatory spending” and the other is termed “discretionary spending”. Both types have been increasing at a fast pace. When we talk about cutting the budget we must understand the items which are mandatory are NOT subject to cutting without violating promises that have been made by the Government of the United States. The three biggest elements in this category are Interest on the National Debt, Medicare and Social Security. In round numbers that mandatory spending is about $2 Trillion Dollars per year.

The other category is discretionary spending and is made up of elements that CAN be cut without violating the promises made by our country. The amount of that type of spending is about $800 Billion per year. If you fail to look at what is included in that $800 Billion one can come to the conclusion we can solve our fiscal problems by simply cutting this discretionary spending. Now it is time to take a look at the budget graph I referenced.

You will see the largest element in that category which comprises more then half of discretionary spending is National Defense. Another large component is Homeland Security. Help for the poor for Food Stamps and Medicaid rounds out the major items. These three make up MOST of the discretionary spending.

Let’s take a look at the largest spending items within the budget and the prospect for cutting them in the future.

Mandatory Items:

Social Security- this will increase at a growing rate as the Baby Boomers retire which will start in February 2008.

Medicare – This will increase for the same reason as Social Security plus the addition of the Prescription Drug Program and the increasing cost of health care. This will increase far more then Social Security.

Interest – This will continue to increase so long as we add to the National Debt. The national debt on Sept 30, 2006 was $8.5 Trillion. The National Debt on September 30, 2007 was $9 Trillion. Despite the lie Bush told that the annual deficit was $168 Billion that actual amount we added to the total debt was $500 Billion in FY 2007. Go to the U.S. Treasury web site for the actual amounts to the penny.

Discretionary Items:

National Defense – That will increase substantially because of the increase in the Active Duty strength, pay increases and because of the replacement of most of the equipment for the ground forces.

VA- This will expand in a major way to pay for the injured veterans from the Iraq war.

Homeland Security - That will need to increase as we build the border fence and add the needed border guards. The new equipment and new ID cards and systems will also require added spending. The Coast Guard will see an increase in spending as will federal law enforcement and intelligence services.

Medicaid - As more and more people are becoming eligible and medical cost increase, the cost of this program will increase.

Pell Grants – The lower interest rates for student loans will increase the overall cost of this program.

Federal Road and Bridge maintenance – This will increase given the condition of the ageing roads and bridges.

The above are the areas that surely will require added spending. These items make up the BULK of the overall spending. When you look at the magnitude of these items it will not be a surprise that spending will continue to increase. I would like to have ANYONE provide specifics as to where and by how much the so called “spending cuts” can take place that will both balance the budget and then provide a REAL Surplus to be used to pay down the over $9 Trillion dollar national debt.


The time has passed for statements like - “the problem is our Spending”. We need to provide specifics areas and amounts where spending can be CUT to come up with the money needed to balance the budget and begin paying down the debt! I believe the chance of spending cuts solving our fiscal problems to be about the same as winning the Power Ball Lottery! Remember, mandatory spending is just that!
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COL Gene
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Reply #1 October 30, 2007 11:37:16 AM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
If I had a nickel for every promise made to me & broken, I'd be one of those rich people you want to steal money from. Nothing is "mandatory" if we so decide.
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COL Gene
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Reply #2 October 30, 2007 12:10:48 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
Reply By: Daiwa Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007
If I had a nickel for every promise made to me & broken, I'd be one of those rich people you want to steal money from. Nothing is "mandatory" if we so decide.

When you purchased a home and promised to repay the mortgage what would happen if you broke that promise? What would happen if we stopped paying the interest on the debt? What would happen if we did not pay Social security or Medicare benefits?

If your answer is to do any of these you have NO answer. When a country like the U.S. makes these types of promises, we do not have the option of failing to keep them. If you believe for one second that our government can or will do as you suggest, you not only refuse to address the issue but live in a world that to follow what you suggest would result in chaos!
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Reply #3 October 30, 2007 1:08:05 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
This is just another attempt at gene to try and justify his "tax the rich" nonsense that has been hammered in the last few days. He can't answer the questions posed to him so he starts another article about the same thing. Everything can be cut if needed. We can start with food stamps and welfare.
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Reply #4 October 30, 2007 1:34:03 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

No, WE don't need to cut spending, we need to hold CONGRESS accountable for IT'S out of control spending.  We need to quit making excuses for congress when they try to take care of a problem by merely throwing more money at it.

The first things that need to go are all the stupid pork barrel projects that the federal government has no business messing with in the first place.  Next, the states have become welfare wards to the federal government.  It is insane how much money is taken from the people, then sent back to the states.  Next, cut all federal programs that have no Constitutional backing.  Finally, all federal departments need to be held accountable for their spending.  It is CRIMINAL that most government agencies have no idea where their money is going.  Congress has been threatening to audit departments forever, but well, we see how rarely it actually happens.

The federal government has more money in the treasury now than ever before, but Congress is also spending more than ever before.  It does little good to blame "US" when "WE" have no say about how the revenue is used.  What we do have a say in is who we send to Washington to represent us; we do need to be more diligent in holding our own Congressmen and our State Senators responsible.

 

 

 

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COL Gene
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Reply #5 October 30, 2007 1:49:03 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

Everything can be cut if needed.

Isn't it ironic how us taxpayers are always expected to tighten our own belts, but when government bureaucrats are asked to cut their budgets, they can't seem to find a dime that can be cut.

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Reply #6 October 30, 2007 2:19:36 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums



Reply By: Island Dog Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007
“This is just another attempt at gene to try and justify his "tax the rich" nonsense that has been hammered in the last few days. He can't answer the questions posed to him so he starts another article about the same thing. Everything can be cut if needed. We can start with food stamps and welfare.”

That is not true. Everything I have stated is correct. I agree we can cut food stamps and Medicaid but that will not come close to providing the needed money. If you are so convinced we can resolve our fiscal problems by just cutting spending, show us how that can be done!
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Reply #7 October 30, 2007 2:28:29 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
Reply By: ParaTed2k Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007
“Everything can be cut if needed. When a country like the U.S. makes promises as we have done with the interest on the debt, Social security and Medicare we do not have the option to not keep those promises.


Isn't it ironic how us taxpayers are always expected to tighten our own belts, but when government bureaucrats are asked to cut their budgets, they can't seem to find a dime that can be cut.”

There are cuts that can be made from the discretionary spending but nothing close to what is needed.

When a country like the U.S. makes promises to pay the interest on debt or to pay the promised benefits under Social Security and Medicare, we DO not have the option to break those promises. If that is how you propose to balance the budget you have NO answer that is possible. To fail to keep those promises would be a million times worse then increasing taxes for those that have the resources to pay the added tax without causing them or their families any harm!
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Reply #8 October 30, 2007 2:32:32 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

“ The federal government has more money in the treasury now than ever before, but Congress is also spending more than ever before. It does little good to blame "US" when "WE" have no say about how the revenue is used. What we do have a say in is who we send to Washington to represent us; we do need to be more diligent in holding our own Congressmen and our State Senators responsible.”

Show us where to cut $700 Billion from the discretionary spending to balance the budget and pay down the debt. Last year we needed $500 Billion to just break even and if we add $200 Billion per year to pay down the debt we need $700 Billion. Show us where that will come from in Cuts?
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COL Gene
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Reply #9 October 30, 2007 2:44:37 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
I thought it was your position that Prs. Clinton was able to balance the budget. Are you saying now that it was impossible for him to do it, even with so much less in the treasury?
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Reply #10 October 30, 2007 2:52:22 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

If you are so convinced we can resolve our fiscal problems by just cutting spending, show us how that can be done!

We have gene, time and time again.  Your problem is you refuse to see that because you are obsessed with taxing a certain class of Americans. 

We spend so much money on useless social programs it's insane.  As Ted said, we first need to have major cuts across the board.

Just look at what Hillary and other democrats have proposed already, and they aren't even close to the nominations yet.  $5000 per child born, universal healthcare, matching retirement funds, etc.  Where is your criticism of them!

 

 

 

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COL Gene
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Reply #11 October 30, 2007 3:12:54 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums


Reply By: ParaTed2k Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007
“No, WE don't need to cut spending; we need to hold CONGRESS accountable for IT'S out of control spending. We need to quit making excuses for congress when they try to take care of a problem by merely throwing more money at it.”

If you were in Congress where would you cut spending to solve the fiscal problem? You need to come up with about $700 Billion per year.

IslandDog - Are you saying it would be better for our country to cut or end food stamps and health care for families making less then $22,000 then to ask people with incomes ABOVE $500,000 per year to pay 4.5% more in taxes?
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Reply #12 October 30, 2007 3:30:58 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

IslandDog - Are you saying it would be better for our country to cut or end food stamps and health care for families making less then $22,000 then to ask people with incomes ABOVE $500,000 per year to pay 4.5% more in taxes?

Food stamps, welfare, other useless social programs should be cut.  The federal government should not be in the business of taking care of people.  End of story.

Raising taxes on employers and small businesses will put people out of work.

Are you going to answer how Hillary is going to pay for all these new social programs?

 

 

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Reply #13 October 30, 2007 3:56:52 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
“Are you going to answer how Hillary is going to pay for all these new social programs?”

I have no idea nor do I support any new programs that we can not pay for and until we pay for what we are doing. I could not disagree with you more about food stamps and Medicaid. There people need help and we as a society have a responsibility to help those that have so little. I see nothing wrong with asking those with great wealth to pay a little more so we can provide some help to those in real need. Any Family with an income below $22,000 NEEDS HELP!
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Reply #14 October 30, 2007 4:10:29 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

There people need help and we as a society have a responsibility to help those that have so little.

Why the federal government?  If you want to help people, that is great, but do it through charity and not taxes.

 

I see nothing wrong with asking those with great wealth to pay a little more so we can provide some help to those in real need. Any Family with an income below $22,000 NEEDS HELP!

Of course you see nothing wrong it, you liberals have no problem spending other peoples money.  People have a choice to better themselves, and relying on government handouts only creates more of a dependent society.  These people need to get out and better themselves, and stop leeching off other people.

 

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Reply #15 October 30, 2007 5:08:52 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
Ok ColGene, I'll see what I can come up with... but you still didn't answer my question...

I thought it was your position that Prs. Clinton was able to balance the budget. Are you saying now that it was impossible for him to do it, even with so much less in the treasury?
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Reply #16 October 30, 2007 5:18:57 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

Reply By: ParaTed2k Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007
I thought it was your position that Prs. Clinton was able to balance the budget. Are you saying now that it was impossible for him to do it, even with so much less in the treasury?


I said nothing about Clinton. I supported the Ways and Means Committee proposal to cut taxes for 91 Million middle class taxpayers and add 4.5% surtax for people with incomes above $500,000. I support a Balanced Budget and to begin repaying the National Debt at the rate of $150-200 Billion per year!
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Reply #17 October 30, 2007 5:23:09 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums




Reply By: Island Dog Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2007

There people need help and we as a society have a responsibility to help those that have so little.

Why the federal government? If you want to help people, that is great, but do it through charity and not taxes.


I support charities however the needs of the low income Americans FAR exceeds the help available from just charities. That is the facts and I support helping those that need help especially children! The shift in wealth under Bush needs to be reversed and we need to balance the budget!
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Reply #18 October 30, 2007 5:38:02 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
Hey gene why don't you start by refusing to cash your military pension check? If you are covered by the V.A. you should also turn this down and get your own insurance. Refuse to cash any tax returns you get too. then by example you can lead others to do the same.
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Reply #19 October 30, 2007 5:39:32 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
Of course you see nothing wrong it; you liberals have no problem spending other people’s money. (We have already spent the money- the issue is paying for it) People have a choice to better themselves, and relying on government handouts only creates more of a dependent society. These people need to get out and better themselves, and stop leeching off other people. Many have jobs that simply do not pay a living wage. Anyone doing that work will not be able to provide all that is needed for their families. IF we want to rely only on income from work, then we must have jobs for 100% and the jobs must pay enough for every family to provide for their basic needs including health care. Such is NOT the case. Many of the new jobs Bush talks about pay between $9-$12 per hour. That is between $18-24,000 per year!

I believe we should help our people So long as they work, assuming they are physically able to work and can find work. I see nothing wrong with asking those with huge incomes to shoulder a little more of the burden given the way they have benefited. Health care for children, Food stamps and Health care for the poor benefits our society and balancing the budget will mean a stronger future for everyone in our country. Rolling back the tax cuts for the top 10% is the best way to get these things done. T No one can make a case that the top 10% can not afford top return to the tax rates on the 1990's. They may not want to pay more in taxes but the higher taxes will not cause them or their families any harm and those higher taxes will help those in need and the financial health of the country!
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Reply #20 October 30, 2007 5:42:13 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
NONE of you has shown where we will cut $700 Billion per year from the budget to solve our fiacal problems. What is the Problem?
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Reply #21 October 30, 2007 5:50:30 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
I said nothing about Clinton.


Not in this thread, but are you now denying that you have stated in other threads that Clinton balanced the budget? If you think he did with Billions less in the treasury, then how can you now say that it's impossible?
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Reply #22 October 30, 2007 5:51:49 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

 

That is the facts and I support helping those that need help especially children!

That is not "fact".  Most of the poor are just lazy and leech off the government, and don't want to help themselves.  Charity could easily cover people who genuinely need help.

 

IF we want to rely only on income from work, then we must have jobs for 100% and the jobs must pay enough for every family to provide for their basic needs including health care. Such is NOT the case. Many of the new jobs Bush talks about pay between $9-$12 per hour. That is between $18-24,000 per year!

And?  Many people live just fine off those wages, the problem is you think people should have way more than what they need.  Why should people who are successful have their income shifted to someone else, there is absolutely no reason for it.

 

I believe we should help our people So long as they work, assuming they are physically able to work and can find work.

Gene, go to your local welfare/food stamp office and tell me how many of the people going in and out of there are physically able to work?  Then get back to me.

 

I see nothing wrong with asking those with huge incomes to shoulder a little more of the burden given the way they have benefited.
 

As I said, you liberals have no problem spending other peoples money.  Successful Americans should not be forced to pay for the laziness and irresponsiblity of others.

 

Rolling back the tax cuts for the top 10% is the best way to get these things done. T No one can make a case that the top 10% can not afford top return to the tax rates on the 1990's.

Raising taxes on successful Americans is not going to help anyone else.  We don't need any more social programs, and that is just what you are proposing, but you have one class of people paying for it.  BS!

 

NONE of you has shown where we will cut $700 Billion per year from the budget to solve our fiacal problems. What is the Problem?

We have shown how you can cut the budget, the problem is you don't listen.  You still haven't answered questions posed to you.

You are a socialist gene, plain and simple.

 

 

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Reply #23 October 30, 2007 5:57:09 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
Not in this thread, but are you now denying that you have stated in other threads that Clinton balanced the budget? If you think he did with Billions less in the treasury, then how can you now say that it's impossible?

It is a FACT - we had a balanced budget in the 2000 without counting the Surplus in Social Security and Medicare! You may not like it but we did, the first year Bush took over we returned to deficits and have had one EVERY year he was President. In fact he will have added MORE debt then ANY OTHER PRESIDENT! You can not cut taxes and increase spending without creating a deficit. Both Reagan and Bush 43 proved that!
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COL Gene
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Reply #24 October 30, 2007 6:10:44 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums
Any Family with an income below $22,000 NEEDS HELP!


Piss off, Col. Although my income now exceeds that, it hasn't always. And I truly resent people like you telling me what I "need"!
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Reply #25 October 30, 2007 10:07:02 PM
from JoeUser ForumsJoeUser Forums

There you go again, you say that it's a FACT Clinton balanced the budget, but you now say that it can't be done now without raising taxes.  Are you so blind you can't even see your own blatant contradiction?

 

Any Family with an income below $22,000 NEEDS HELP!

Ok, so families in this income bracket need help.  Since when is it the government's job to steal money from someone else in order to "help" them.  It is IMPOSSIBLE for the government to be charitable.  Charity is a private decision. 

Where you a total Communist during the Cold War too?  That must have been rough, training to nuke Communists when you were one yourself.

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