Between The Lines...

So the Republicans presented their budget to the President over the weekend with all of the pomp and circumstance.  They cut a few million from here and a few million from there.  On paper, it all looked good.  Of course, the cuts were in areas that are sure to raise the ire of the voters - construction projects, food stamps, medical for the elderly - the hot button issues.  If you have not figured it out by now, this is a strategy our lawmakers use to present cuts that give the appearance that Congress is serious about reducing waste, but they know will never pass.  It is also called window dressing.

To add insult to injury, the President came out and said the cuts are not deep enough and added more cuts - adding his own cuts which he knows will never see the light of day.  Then he threw in a some spending - high speed rail, for example.  The President used this strategy to show that he is moving toward the center - he is for ALL people.

Now here is what will happen...

The high speed rail will probably pass because, well, it costs money and Congress loves to spend money.  This will give all of these lawmakers something to go home with and say, "I brought jobs to the state."  But these are government jobs and government jobs do not grow an economy.  They simply take money from one taxpayers pocket and "redistribute" it.

The spending cuts?  Who is willing to stand up and say they will pass?  Who can name one person in Congress that will be willing to go home and say, "I am the reason you do not have food stamps".  Good luck with that. 

Now, if I am right, that will mean, much more government spending, period!  Oh, there may be a token cut here and there, but nothing near the level discussed on the weekend talk circus.  The problem is, until we propose and enact serious cuts, the problem will continue to worsen.  I admit, a high speed rail would be a great benefit to the country, but we just cannot afford it!  I would like to have a landscaping service take care of my lawn, but just because I want it, does not mean I should have it.  Like the high speed rail, I know if I have a landscaping company take care of my lawn, it will put people to work, it will benefit the neighborhood and it will make my life more convenient.

It is time for this President, this Congress and frankly, this media to get serious about the budget and stop "working" the American people.  When we talk about spending freezes, let's talk about freezing ALL spending!  The job of the U.S. government is to keep us safe.  Provide for our military, keep them stocked and keep them safe so they can keep us safe.  Everyone else should have their budget cut absolute necessities and nothing more - no private jets, no first class tickets, no cell phones, no extravagances at all!  Heck, Jarod lost a lot of weight eating at Subway and you can eat there for $10/day.  Cut the per deim to $10/day.  Nobody in Washington will starve.  If they need staples or paperclips, bring some from home.  After every penny has been cut, and only after every penny has been cut; then should Washington look at cutting other programs.

The media can help by emphasising the non-emotional cuts a little more and the emotional cuts, such as social programs, a little less.  I know they are just reporting the news, but all of us share the responsibility to bring this country out of our financial mess and as long as the media is working against our progress, we will never be able to move forward.  It is not about suppressing the media, it is about shared responsibility.

As for the rest of us, listen carefully to what is being reported, but be careful to read between the lines.  Rest assured, whether Republican or Democrat, they all have their agenda.  Regardless of what is said on talk shows or campaign trails, the proof is in the pudding.  These people are in it for themselves.