Bush sends Congress $2.57 trillion budget

AP ^ | 2/7/5 | MARTIN CRUTSINGER

[from occupied ga]

What about BATF and FEMA? Can we get rid of those too?

[cdrw]

Right.

I haven't looked at the GDP numbers is a couple years but last I remember a 2.5 trillion budget would be nearly 25% of GDP. And that doesn't include state or local taxes. That's a huge cut to take out of the economy (even if our European socialist counterparts make even larger grabs).

Your calculations are probably accurate. That means the average family of four has to cough up $34,000 in taxes each year (by means of direct taxes plus taxes that are built into the price of everything they buy). Across the board cuts won't work. Entire programs need to be scrapped or radically restructured to achieve their goals in more cost effective ways.

[k2blader]

The (R)'s are attempting to "advance" fiscal conservatism via a 10-steps-backward-2-steps-forward kind of approach.

[pickemuphere]

cutting health care payments for poor people and veterans

Why the hell is he messing with veteran's benefits?

[grapeape]

Hell you should here what is happening to us here at FreedomsTavern.com. We are automatically branded as racists, sexists, bigoted, homophobes... The Blacks, latinos, and Arabs who are conservative have something to say about that!!

[malakhi]

The (R)'s are attempting to "advance" fiscal conservatism via a 10-steps-backward-2-steps-forward kind of approach.

Well, you know, as long as we're making progress. [cough, cough]

[staytrue]

I wish we could get rid of PBS. Does anyone watch PBS ?

[WhiteGuy]

If 'conservatism' is no longer about fiscal restraint, then what is left?

I think today's definition of "conservative" really translates into expansion of the nanny state, especially into areas of "moral" concern.

Fiscally, there is only the slightest scent of any commitment to responsibility.

Once again the ONLY positive spin available continues to be:

"It would be worse of democrats were in power."

or

"Some cuts are better than none at all"
Unacceptable

[malakhi]

Yep.

[staytrue]

Is this the first strike at seriously rolling back government spending? I doubt it.

Excluding Social Security, homeland defense, defense, interest payments, and medicare, all other spending growth was held to 0.5% and that is less than inflation.

[MikefromOhio]

Cynics and malcontents are never satisfied.

truer words have never been spoken.....

[wallcrawlr]

Totally agree...the kill and starve mantra begins today.

[Hank Rearden]

Finally, some fiscal responsibility from our President.

That's absolutely hilarious - thanks for the laugh to start my day!

[ny demimonde]

the budget cuts for domestic programs must be cut, after all we've got to find a way to bring "democracy" to the newly elected shiite majority in iraq. and that isn't cheap.


SARCASM


this is beyond ludicrous, our pockets are being picked again.

[Ben Ficklin]

Thanks so much for your un-informed analysis.

[quack]

You can read some highlights here:http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2006/overview.html

Honestly,I'm amazed at the money thrown at some of this crap.

[Hank Rearden]

Honestly,I'm amazed at the money thrown at some of this crap.

You are absolutely right; everyone needs to look over your much-appreciated link.

Here's a clickable version: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2006/overview.html

And an example: $3.7 billion for a new economic and community development program that consolidates 18 ineffective or duplicative programs into a flexible and targeted program.

Don't shut down ineffective pork; "consolidate" them and throw more money at them in a new program!

Who elected these idiotic parasites?

[Reagan Man]

LOL Control yourself!

In historical terms, this is the most serious proposal by a POTUS to control federal spending since Reagan actually cut non-military defense discretionary spending his first three years in office. I'd say that is worth a kudo or two.

[ohioWfan]

White Guy is a liberal.

It may not be a good idea to agree with him.

[Destro]

Finally, some fiscal responsibility from our President. Reducing the size and scope of government is one of the major tenets of conservatism. Good move

Bush has been accused of spending like a drunken sailor - I guess this budget represents the morning hang over.