Fiscal Irresponsibility
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Set aside, for a moment, the Republicans' disastrous Iraq strategy, its pandering to the most extreme religious elements in the country, and its surrender to anti-immigrant forces that have succeeded in getting government approval for a wall between the US and Mexico.
What's most troubling about the Republican-dominated legislative and executive branches (and, arguably, judicial branch) of the government today is its complete disregard to the rules of basic economics. It spends, spends, and spends, and gives greater and greater tax cuts. What exactly covers, in their minds, the gap between their profligate spending and their diminishing tax revenues?
Ironically, when a Democrat was in the White House, government deficits eventually disappeared, and we had a surplus for the first time in a long time. Why were the Republicans in Congress, who were a majority then like they are a majority now, so careful about public finances then, but so reckless now?
I think it has everything to do with having a Republican in the White House. There are no checks and balances anymore. Our ingenious political system, which was devised to prevent any one political party or interest from seizing total control of the government, is, unfortunately, unable to prevent the abuses of one political party.
I can only hope, since a Republican will still be in the White House for another 2 years, that Congress reverts back to Democratic control, so that the government will be forced to rethink its decisions, especially those that compromise our country's future.
Blogs on Fiscal Irresponsibility in today's Congress
- Andrew Sullivan: Real Moral Values
"Here's what i consider a basic moral value. You do not leave your children and grandchildren the debt that you have accrued to buy yourself a few votes." - Rolling Stone: The Worst Congress Ever
A detailed account of all the fiscal, and other, abuses by the current Congress. - Blog of the Moderate Left: Fact Checking the GOP Fact-Check
Interesting rebuttal of GOP's attack on Minnesota's Amy Klobuchar. - Statecraft Informer: Call It The Next American Revolution!
Another conservative can't support the Republicans.
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I agree completely with your post, vic.
I enjoyed reading your perspective. W. has brought roughly $5 trillion worth of debt. Now in our economic crisis government has to spend to get us out of this mess according to most of noted economist. Congressional responability is critical!
It's up to 45.5 trillion now and rising (fast).
wow, you really called it way back when. this hub remains relevant, even more relevant now. I'm watching the Ron Paul introduced legislation now regarding auditing the Fed. The Bush admin put the foxes in charge of the hen house and now it's up to Obama to try to clean it up.
The only question to me on the audit which may or may not result in removing some of the Fed's power is which is worse, having the Fed in charge of spending or Congress. :O
the cause of the problem is imo a top down morality lapse. I suspect this new era will be one of relearning fiscal and personal responsibility.
vic says:
3 years ago
Unfortunately the real impact of this monopoly on governmental power and reckless spending won't be felt for another few years.
I am also hopeful that under a new and wise leadship we will be able to overcome this politically motivated polarization and begin to work together towrad a fiscally responsible government that represents every citizen regardless of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation.