tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9999692.post113960615372048545..comments2023-10-16T02:46:52.844-07:00Comments on palosverdesblog: Budget BluesBill Lamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02092428206818183253noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9999692.post-1139670786827585142006-02-11T07:13:00.000-08:002006-02-11T07:13:00.000-08:00It is easy to blame Republicans since they are in ...It is easy to blame Republicans since they are in power. But the tradition of screwing the American people goes back many years and crosses party lines.<BR/><BR/>Our government is corrupt. Individuals spend millions to attain representative postions paying less than $200,000.00 a year. Why?<BR/><BR/>They get favors and contributions from lobbyists in exchange for favorable treatment on legislation that generate billions in profits for the special interests.<BR/><BR/>The one special interest frequently ignored however is the US Taxpayer. Somehow footing the bill isn't a significant enough contribution because we're only kicking in a couple of hundred grand per legislator, plus retirement.<BR/><BR/>These guys get gifts, trips, and contributions. They form PACS that pay consultant fees, a popular way to wash the money.<BR/><BR/>Once retired, the legislator goes on a speaking circuit droning on about something or another for rediculous fees. Then they write a boring book about nothing and all the copies are purchased by some unidentifed third source.<BR/><BR/>This is not to mention the generous pension plan they have voted for themselves.<BR/><BR/>All in all, if you go to congress middle class you will come out rich unless you are a complete moron.<BR/><BR/>Not every government program is bad however. Consider the state of labor before unions forced minimal labor laws in this country. Consider the state of the environment before people demanded the government insist on clean practices by chemical and other dirty processes. Consider the clearcutting of forests if loggers are left to their own devices.<BR/><BR/>Though I am conservative, I am not naive enough to believe some Corporations will put the public good ahead of profits when left entirely to their own devices.<BR/><BR/>But I digress.<BR/><BR/>Government is a neccessary evil, ours is corrupt, and we have and will continue to get ripped off.<BR/><BR/>The US taxpayer is still the boss, but only when we speak loudly with a unified voice.<BR/><BR/>You think the partisanship in Washington and the divisivness in the country is an accident?<BR/><BR/>Divide and conquer. We are divided, and we have been conquered, by our own government no less.SactoDanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13470385230177618364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9999692.post-1139616319943133702006-02-10T16:05:00.000-08:002006-02-10T16:05:00.000-08:00Vic,You have a good point about the Republican's b...Vic,<BR/>You have a good point about the Republican's blame. When it comes to the discretionary budget, I hold the Republicans more guilty than the Democrats. I'm ashamed of the pork barrel and earmarks.<BR/><BR/>But that is the smaller part ($871B/$2770B = 31%) of the budget. I was talking about the entitlement part (69%) that is growing so fast. The Dems stopped Social Security reform and are proud of it. That's just irresponsible.<BR/> <BR/>I think a flat tax would be fine, but most people regard it to be "regressive." One question: Do you think every wage earner should pay some income tax? Right now approximately 40% pay none.<BR/> <BR/>We will have to agree to disagree on the war.Bill Lamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02092428206818183253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9999692.post-1139616184426716782006-02-10T16:03:00.000-08:002006-02-10T16:03:00.000-08:00As I understand, Republicans own congress so why b...As I understand, Republicans own congress so why blame Democrats only? Maybe a "flat tax" would help rather than the regressive tax we have today. Why not end the war in Iraq saving, as I understand, millions of dollars a week and IS NOT included in the budget. "pork barrel" items are predominate in the "red" states. Hmmmm, is that consistent with your philosophy?<BR/> <BR/>Vic, The OracleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com