Patch Blog: U.S. Should Cut All Spending to Mid-90s Levels

I've watched and read countless articles and programs that talk about our debt and deficit problems. This is the greatest tragedy facing our nation and if we don't control this immediately we will cease to exist.

Edward Gibbon's fantastic books, "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" chronicle what happens to great nations and societies when they do the very thing we are doing as a country. 

What I'd like to do is tell you who I believe you should vote for to begin the process of getting our spending problems under control. I'm not going to do that in this post, but rather, offer solutions.

The first thing I'd do is go back to where we were during President Clinton's state of the union address when he said, The era of big government is over." If only that had been the case. Many Americans admire President Clinton as his approval ratings proved when he left office, and how well thought of he is today. So for those very reasons, I am proposing we go back to the budget President Clinton and the Republican Congress proposed.  

I also want spending back to those early to mid 90's levels as well.

If that is too harsh for our nation, then my next plan would be to cut all federal spending by 10% and immediately tell every single part of the federal government, if you don't balance your budget within one year, then we cut your department to the level stated above.

Taking it further I wouldn't give any money to any state, county or local governments until their budgets no longer run deficits and their debts are paid off as well.  

The first thing someone could say to punch holes in my plan is what about the pensions owed to the various employees? Great question! Pay the existing pensions, declare bankruptcy, or unfortunately you have to take the unions to court to get them to renegotiate. The next great bubble to burst in our nation is not only medicare, medicaid and social security, but our unfunded pension liabilities to local, state and federal employees. California's problem is well over 500 billion dollars in unfunded pension liabilities.

In summary, cut all spending to mid 90's levels or cut spending 10% every year and salaries as well, until the budget is balanced. Once the budget is balanced then pay off the debt within five years or continue cutting every part of government. Taxes do not need to be raised; it is our spending, entitlement and pension problems that need to be fixed immediately.

There was a plan put forth over a week ago by Tea Party Republicans in the house that was voted down by Republicans and Democrats. Those members of Congress in both parties should be voted out of office for a dereliction of duty.

All of us need to make hard choices. I look forward to hearing your feedback and ideas along with telling me where I'm wrong or if you believe I'm correct.