Straight Talk on Balancing the Federal Budget

We are bankrupt.

Actually, that’s not true.  We are 16 trillion dollars beyond being bankrupt.  Trillion — with a “T.”  Think about that for a moment.  Let it sink it.

If you’re not mad as hell yet, then shut the page and go read something else.  Today’s column isn’t for you.

The so-called “fiscal cliff” debate happening in Washington right now underscores the reality that the two-party system has utterly failed us on every level.  Such a perverted system shows no capacity to either compromise, nor govern.  It’s a disgrace to the concept of democracy.  The two parties are fucking America in the ass and we’re all Ned Beatty.

Those of us out of the political mainstream, far removed from the dog and pony show, have been screaming for years that things would eventually come to this.  We foresaw the two major power brokers would eventually reach a stare down and come to what amounts to a political stalemate — where virtually nothing gets accomplished.

The debate goes something like this.  Liberals want to spend more money and expand the role of government.  Conservatives want to make budget cuts and decrease government’s role, opting to shift power to the private sector.

But that’s a gross over-simplification of what’s really happening.  In fact, it’s far more complicated.  There are plenty of government programs liberals would love to slash (you’ll see my list in a moment).  Moreover, many government programs receive their strongest support from conservatives.

The bottom line is — we’re in a crisis.  We have no choice.  Either make drastic cuts.  Or, increase revenues (taxation).  Or both.

Where the two parties fail is in not telling us the truth.  It’s time to level with the American people and simply announce that we all must all make some sacrifices.  Everyone.  We are all in this together.  I know, my socialism is showing again.  But these times demand shared sacrifices.  The sooner this nation is confronted with some kind of honest “fireside chat” moment where our leaders finally level with us, the sooner we can tend to the peoples’ business and get back on financial track.

Here’s my “wish list” of what should be cut (or added) to balance the federal budget: