[Cicero]

He puts it very well. Not blaming Arnie but blaming Gray Davis, and saying that it's a choice and an opportunity.

What Arnie decided right now will be crucial. He needs more than a 1 or 2 billion dollar cut; he needs major surgery immediately.

Machiavelli said that when you need to something very unpopular, don't do it in dribs and drabs and stretch it out over a long time. Do it early and do it completely. Then the shock will be over and people will be relieved as things gradually get better.

[freekitty]

I hope the right thing will be done. If you have to cut deeply, do so. They did this during the depression which I am assuming was not a pretty sight.

[expatpat]

Right on. A 12% across-the-board decrease will cause some excessive screaming, but will force each department of state govt. to examine their spending and make their operations more efficient.

[Aquinasfan]

Machiavelli said that when you need to something very unpopular, don't do it in dribs and drabs and stretch it out over a long time. Do it early and do it completely. Then the shock will be over and people will be relieved as things gradually get better.

I agree completely. I remember when Reagan was being vilified in the press for months because of threatened cuts, which were actually decreases in the rate of growth of various government programs. I thought, if he's going to take the heat for imaginary budget cuts, then why not make real cuts and actually get something accomplished? Then when things turn around, the cuts can be justly credited.

[Salvation]

** He needs more than a 1 or 2 billion dollar cut; he needs major surgery immediately.**

Agreement bump!