What about the deficit?
James Gensterblum
Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: Opinion
One of the most important issues that has been overlooked in the 2008 presidential election, an issue that has been covered up by the war on terror, the faltering economy and any number of absurd, inane nonissues (flag pins, anyone?) is the disastrous mess that is our massive federal deficit.
Other than attempts to demonize the other side as responsible and vague assurances that they will reduce the deficit, somehow, neither side has even really touched on the subject. At the same time, both sides have talked about expensive new initiatives that seem to be at odds with any attempt at deficit reduction.
Sadly, that's largely how it's been since our last government surplus in 2000 under Bill Clinton. Over the last eight years, Republican and Democrat politicians alike have enacted reckless and costly spending measures, and the American public's attitude has been one of indifference.
And yet, so many of our problems stem from this one issue.
What caused the current financial crisis but ordinary people emulating their government and spending well beyond their means, while banks indifferently and uncaringly watched on?
Another factor in the economic downturn is undoubtedly the ever-weakening dollar, a problem which stems directly from our bloated deficit. The entire system is unstable and headed for a collapse that may be far worse than the recession we are in.
There's only one way to fix this problem, and that's by holding our leaders accountable. There's no better time to do that than in an election year.
So question everything Obama and McCain say about spending and taxes. If McCain says he wants to cut taxes, then ask him what he plans to cut to make that possible. If Obama says he'll start new initiatives, then ask him where the money's coming from.
Demand politicians who will stick to a budget and stop the endless cycle of deficit spending. It's the only way that anything will change.
Other than attempts to demonize the other side as responsible and vague assurances that they will reduce the deficit, somehow, neither side has even really touched on the subject. At the same time, both sides have talked about expensive new initiatives that seem to be at odds with any attempt at deficit reduction.
Sadly, that's largely how it's been since our last government surplus in 2000 under Bill Clinton. Over the last eight years, Republican and Democrat politicians alike have enacted reckless and costly spending measures, and the American public's attitude has been one of indifference.
And yet, so many of our problems stem from this one issue.
What caused the current financial crisis but ordinary people emulating their government and spending well beyond their means, while banks indifferently and uncaringly watched on?
Another factor in the economic downturn is undoubtedly the ever-weakening dollar, a problem which stems directly from our bloated deficit. The entire system is unstable and headed for a collapse that may be far worse than the recession we are in.
There's only one way to fix this problem, and that's by holding our leaders accountable. There's no better time to do that than in an election year.
So question everything Obama and McCain say about spending and taxes. If McCain says he wants to cut taxes, then ask him what he plans to cut to make that possible. If Obama says he'll start new initiatives, then ask him where the money's coming from.
Demand politicians who will stick to a budget and stop the endless cycle of deficit spending. It's the only way that anything will change.
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anonymous
posted 12/17/08 @ 7:52 PM EST
James Gensterblum is an excellent writer and deserves to be recognized.
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