Why is it so hard for the government to come to grasp with the notion that the solution to budget problems IS TO SPEND LESS. Just about every family and individual has had to do this at some point, it's not that difficult.
What boggles the mind is the thought that government programs need real growth, because most don't. The average program should be budgeted this way: take the population of the country and divide it into the program's budget, the following year take the rate of inflation, add it to the per capita dollar amount and multiply by the population.
Why is it so hard for the government to come to grasp with the notion that the solution to budget problems IS TO SPEND LESS
Spending less doesn't buy votes. Especially votes from the ones not participating in paying the bills.
The Honorable James DeMint (R-SC)
United States House of Representatives
APRIL 5, 2001
- "There has been a shift in the relationship between individuals and government, he argues, such that fewer and fewer are paying taxes at the same time that more and more are receiving increasingly generous benefits. If it becomes the case that most voters do not bear a financial burden for this largess, then there will be little to restrain--and significant political incentives to encourage--the continued growth of government.
Bush touts relief as tax day looms
Another 3.9 million Americans will have their income tax liability completely eliminated, officials said.
That's 3.9 million Americans more added to the spending constituency of 70% of the public clamoring for more from government, figuring someone else foots the bill.
It's like me in the restaurant: What do I care about extravagance if you're footing the bill?
--- Walter Williams.
Yes. Baseline budgeting must be killed.
"government programs need real growth, because most don't"....its called politics...you see one congressman garners votes and cash by standing up for a program(increasing funding) while another tries to beat it down. If a guy beats it down, there's no cash to return to him for doing your favor...so growth is inevitable. Those benefitting from growth spin a chunk back to you....