You Fix the Budget. :)

[Sandy Eggo]

So, is fixing the budget as simple as lowering taxes and reducing spending? I think one person said something like that.

The New York times has a "Budget Puzzle" so you can put your ideas to the test.

Today, you're in charge of the nation's finances. Some of your options have more short-term savings and some have more long-term savings. When you have closed the budget gaps for both 2015 and 2030, you are done. Make your own plan, then share it.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html

[kimmi]

Get rid of income tax and bump up sales tax.  That way if you are here illegally, you will still pay taxes and you will have a choice whether or not you pay taxes based on purchases.  Maybe this will also help curb some people's outlandish spending habits. 

[Henry Hawk]

Yeah, I think it is pretty much that simple.  REDUCE spending is a no brainer and keeping taxes low, especially during a recession and hard times is a no brainer....we have to increase the federal revenue, and RAISING taxes will NOT accomplish this...I think we need to keep the Bush Tax cuts as they are...I think this will encourage businesses to invest and hire new workers, hence increasing federal revenue.

Chris Christie of New Jersey is on pace to accomplish this task of fixing the budget.....He is cutting spending and lowering taxes, and he will have a balanced budget over the next couple of years.

Now, when I say simple, it really is not simple as far as making some tough decisions and cutting some programs that some people will get hurt, but you have to look at the big picture and it will be a tough job to do, but simple as far as the basic strategy.

[Sandy Eggo]

Did you guys try out your theories in the simulator? H ow did it work out in the long term?

[Henry Hawk]

Did you guys try out your theories in the simulator? H ow did it work out in the long term?

13% savings in tax increases
87% savings in spending cuts
Left the Bush Tax cuts alone, didn't disturb the Military spending, except reducing forces in Afganhistan..

Not sure about the accuracy, I'm sure they are leaving out some intangibles that could have some serious effects, but it was kind of interesting.

[The Troll]

13% savings in tax increases
87% savings in spending cuts
Left the Bush Tax cuts alone, didn't disturb the Military spending, except reducing forces in Afganhistan..

Not sure about the accuracy, I'm sure they are leaving out some intangibles that could have some serious effects, but it was kind of interesting.

  With Henry's tax cutting Anderson and the rest of the cities won't have enough money to turn on the lights.  Henry seems only interested in saving the super rich and the corporations.  I haven't seen one thing on the disastrous damage to the American workers from foreign imports.

  Nothing about rebuilding America.  If they, the Republicans don't start helping instead of pulling dirty tricks and saying no.  We're going to be in another Republican Herbert Hoover depression.  We are flat on our ass right now.  Were are broke.

[Henry Hawk]

  With Henry's tax cutting Anderson and the rest of the cities won't have enough money to turn on the lights.  Henry seems only interested in saving the super rich and the corporations.  I haven't seen one thing on the disastrous damage to the American workers from foreign imports.

  Nothing about rebuilding America.  If they, the Republicans don't start helping instead of pulling dirty tricks and saying no.  We're going to be in another Republican Herbert Hoover depression.  We are flat on our ass right now.  Were are broke.

and WHY are we broke?  because we are SPENDING TOO MUCH!!!!... why is this concept hard for you to grasp?

another thing, why is it Sandy's responsibility to make sure Anderson has lights?  she lives in San Diego.....why should her tax dollars go to Anderson to pay for lights that Anderson cannot pay for?  THIS is the liberal mentality that drives me nuts!!

Troll, I think you must be on dope, I have several times, even just recently stated, that I am in favor of taxing or raising tariffs on imports....not sure if you really even read what I say, or you just to lazy and jump to your own conclusions....I got news for you, the republicans ARE here to help...that is why they have declared an end to earmarks (as of yesterday)....they are going to make sure the Bush Tax Cuts are NOT going to expire, at least on the middleclass Americans....we are going to avoid a depression because of their efforts....but, you are so "democrat" you have blinders on, and cannot see the whole picture.

[Palehorse]

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html?choices=sj105bqq

You will see my choices at the above link

[Henry Hawk]

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/13/weekinreview/deficits-graphic.html?choices=sj105bqq

You will see my choices at the above link

so you believe in raising taxes to fix our problems?  I'm not being argumentive, just an honest question.

[Palehorse]

so you believe in raising taxes to fix our problems?  I'm not being argumentive, just an honest question.

Of the choices presented, yes. I'd raise taxes before I'd punish those already beaten down by eliminating or cutting of social programs like medicare and social security* (*With the singular exception of reducing payments to those with high incomes on social security).

I don't see a sustainable way out of this short of raising taxes on those making incomes above 250k, and for those making over 106k via payroll tax.

Some say some of these measures would stifle growth, but I fail to see any growth without them right now.

[The Troll]

  WOW, the Republicans are here to help.      Their going to cut ear marks, 1% of the entire budget.  But they want to give the super rich Millionaires a Multibillion dollar tax cut.  What a joke.   

[Henry Hawk]

  WOW, the Republicans are here to help.      Their going to cut ear marks, 1% of the entire budget.  But they want to give the super rich Millionaires a Multibillion dollar tax cut.  What a joke.   

and those rich will supply jobs for the 20 million currently unemployed, and generate a prosporous economy....

it is THAT f'ing simple Troll, it really is....

[Palehorse]

and those rich will supply jobs for the 20 million currently unemployed, and generate a prosporous economy....

it is THAT f'ing simple Troll, it really is....

If that were the case, where are they right now?? Why haven't they materialized in the previous 8 years???? Why did this happen in the first place?

[Henry Hawk]

If that were the case, where are they right now?? Why haven't they materialized in the previous 8 years? ??? Why did this happen in the first place?

You will not agree or like what my answer is, but this is my honest answer, and it is shared by many others who have the same belief system....
for most of the previous 8 years, the unemployment was around 5%.  Then we had a Bank bailout and a Auto bailout, and these very investors have put the brakes on spending.  This added with a trillion dollar stimulus bill, and a trillion dollar health care bill, that has stuff in it that Nancy Pelosi herself was not sure what all is in it, until we passed it (so she says).....add the possibility of the Bush Tax Cuts not being extended....we have a bunch of investors who are willing to sit on their investments until they have "confidence" that this economy is going to survive...

That is why I say the tax cuts and spending cuts will spur these very investors into spending this private money once again.