BUDGET AND THE DEBT CEILING

I think the best quote from the 2006 Congressional vote to extend the budget ceiling was the following, “The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. Government can’t pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government’s reckless fiscal policies. Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that “the buck stops here.” Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better.” Too true! Barack Obama nailed it when he said that. Yeah, THAT Barack Obama, y' know the one who promised to cut the national deficit in half by the end of his first term¹. Reid was adamantly against raising the debt ceiling, also². 

A GLIMMER OF HOPE

In February the President enacted an Executive Order thereby creating the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform - this is a bipartisan group with one mission, reduce the deficit.  He has given the commission until 01 Dec 2010 to provide their recommendations.  Publicly nothing has been ruled out, in fact the opposite is true, with President Obama stating, "Everything is on the table.  That's how this thing is gonna work."  So they may recommend raising taxes or cutting programs (yes, even Health Care Reform is on the table), or they may recommend a combination.  But according to the President, "I'm going to be standing with them as they come up with the recommendations."  This press conference excited me with it's possibilities, although I am fully aware this could just be lip-service.

PAYING BACK OURSELVES

Just couple videos this time, cause videos are more fun than reading ;)

REPUBLICAN SPENDING?

I've been meaning to research this for some time... and now I have.

The current administration loves to blame Bush for the deficit.  I decided to take a little walk down down memory lane... won't you come with me?

HOLY COW...

OK, here is just one of the people that voted "Yes" for health care reform (you have to watch this)...

TAX MASTERS

I guess I'll start by ensuring all of you know of whom I speak.  I refer to Patrick Cox's organization called Tax Masters whose motto is, "We solve your tax problems." Before I go on, you must watch the most recent commercial if you haven't already (this may take a moment to load)...