Hmmmm... simple comment raises some additional comments.
The fiscal problems this country and every other industrialized country now faces is daunting!! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
The Federal, State, and Local gubmints have been living high on the tax base for so long that they have not figured out how to cope with the issues facing them with the growing number of seniors and dwindling number of employed to cover the programs on the books. There have been attempts but no real solutions.
What does a family or business do when money is tight, cut expenses. What does gubmint do when money is tight, raise taxes!! Huh!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif And, when gubmint does decide to cut back in their expenses, in most cases, they do not cut across the board or look at departments/projects/programs which could be trimmed. Yes, they do make cutbacks here and there, but as soon as the coffers begin to fill, it's time to expand - more people, more programs, etc.
The guise of cutting SS, Medicare, and other social programs is always thrown at the public to stir emotions. Fake right, go left!!! Believe me, I'm not in favor of dropping needed social programs, but something has got to give. And I think that it is about time that ALL governements take a good hard look at what is absolutely necessary and cut the programs/projects that are not necessary. Or at least, cut back the funding equal to the loss of revenue.
I'm sorry - I had to pair back and watch my expenses and found out that I can live comfortably on a lot less. So can the Government. We have gotten to use to an expanding economy that has fallen on bad times and have forgotten or not have had to live with a little less. Watch out for the deflation that is occuring now. It has an upside and a downside. And I do not know if the upside is good or bad. The same goes for the downside. Does anyone have a good understanding of deflation (other than a flat tire!! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif)
Terry