C'Mon, It's Only (Our) Money!

As I write this, the U.S. Government is currently in the longest shutdown in history. “Since 1976 . . . the United States Federal Government has had funding gaps on 20 occasions.”

If you have been keeping score, 20 times (I counted 22 times - where a deadline for funding was missed and a “new” shutdown started) since 1976, the folks we keep sending to Washington outspend their agreed upon budgets. Before 1976, the last time the government shut down over funding was in 1933, and before that 1790. So, before Jimmy Carter, the Federal Government shut down twice. SINCE Jimmy Carter, the Federal Government shut down 22 times. You can whine all you want about President Trump and his wall, but the problem you SHOULD be complaining about is that the Federal Government, regardless of the party holding the reins, has driven this wagon right over the financial cliff multiple times. And it seems like their aim for that cliff just keeps on improving. The Federal Government has never met a dollar they didn’t like . . . TO SPEND!! Will somebody please explain to me how “Democratic Socialists” like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders can hoodwink a large number of American citizens to think their “Dire Straits” programs (“Money for nuthin’ and your chicks for free”) can ever work?!? With both the Democrats and Republicans bankrupting the country trying to provide “a car in every pot and two chickens in every garage” (or something like that), how are we supposed to “Make America Great Again”?!? Maybe we should force these bozos to do what the rest of us have to do: live within our means. Because sooner or later, the piper needs to be paid. © Emittravel 2019

Thank You Obama?

To be completely honest, I've only given a passing interest to the goings on of both political party primaries. As a registered Independent living in Ohio, voting for one or the other puts me in that party's affiliation. I'm too independent of thought for that.

Some of what I've grasped so far is that we need to build a wall of some kind, have Mexico pay for it, and provide free college tuition for those using the gender-specific bathroom stated on their birth certificate. Okay, as Lou Costello famously said, "I grasp it, but it keeps slippin' outta my hands!"

One thing that I haven't heard was something that was a main topic a number of years ago. It was more important than any other topic, and that includes man-made climate change. What topic? The thing that was going to destroy this nation. The thing that was going to bankrupt our children's children's children. And that thing was the NATIONAL DEBT!!

Remember that $17+ TRILLION behemoth? Remember when every cable talking head, every politician, and your so-right-wing-that-he-flies-in-circles Uncle Ernie, cried that if we didn't stop spending we'd death spiral out of control financially? Yeah, I remember it too. Whatever happened to that debt?

The Republicans don't seem to be talking about it anymore. As a matter of fact, I haven't seen one Tweet from Donald Trump about it. (Okay, for the record: I don't follow any of these yahoos on Twitter. Sometimes people I follow may reTweet something, but that's about it. And don't get me started on Facebook!) So what happened?

I'll tell you what happened: Obama happened! That's right! Barack Hussein (sometimes known as "Barry") Obama. He became President and not only did the oceans stop rising, but so did the national debt. He must have done it with that famous "Obama money".

And that's why the Republicans aren't talking about it anymore.

I guess it's okay for Congress to keep spending. Thanks, Obama!

(On a less funny note: You can still find the national debt clock here. And I was blown away when I looked at it. That $17 trillion has now reached just over $19 trillion as of this writing.) 

©Emittravel 2016

It's broke. Time to fix it. Article #7

It's broke . . .

There is a real lack of accountability when it comes to government spending.

If you ask the average person (by that I mean those with a job, and not self-employed) what they make, they will most likely give you the net amount. If you ask them what their gross is, they wouldn't have a clue.

I too, am an average person by that criteria. But, to be honest, without actually looking it up, I couldn't tell you what I made in gross OR net. That kind of info never seems to stick in my Etch A Sketch brain.

The difference between the gross and the net on your paystub is shown as a list of deductions: (where applicable) 401(k), medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, AND (always applicable) a multitude of taxes: local, state, and federal.

Once upon a time, we working stiffs would get a paper paycheck, along with a paystub attached that gave you all those deductions. Then one day the paychecks went direct-deposit to your bank and the paystubs became a thing you could only see if you logged into an account online and brought them up.

So, what does this have to do with the lack of accountability when it comes to government spending? Plenty.

Most folks have no idea how much they are sending to the government each pay period. Out of sight, out of mind. Because of this, the HOW money is spent by our government becomes less impactful. Don't think so? Remember back in 2009, when President Obama's stimulus spending was kicking into gear? When asked, some people thought it was "Obama's money". They had little-to-no idea that the money being shuffled around was coming from their paychecks, or of someone close to them.

Because of this lack of connectivity, people have very little understanding of WHY the government shouldn't be spending money on whatever sounds good. Your grandma was right: money DOESN'T grow on trees!

Like I say in the bio of my blog, I am socially liberal, but fiscally conservative. What does that mean? I'm okay with the government providing social services to better society, but they had better be financially sound (a.k.a. "in the black") when they do it. And we are NOT financially sound. How much is the deficit? Remember when the multi-trillion dollar deficit was trumpeted on the news? Do you have any idea what it is now? Take a look. And WHY isn't it cried about anymore?

Because it is gone! No more debt! It was completely wiped away with "Obama's money".

(Okay, I kid, I kid!!)

So, what's the solution? You are not going to like this (but the self-employed people already know what I'm going to say): Eliminate automatic deductions of payroll taxes. Make people write the checks.

Do it for one year. Each payday make people have to pull out their checkbooks and write a check to EACH of their governments (federal, state, AND local). And, since it is normally taken off the top, make them write the checks FIRST! BEFORE they put gas in their car, or food on their table, or pay for the roof over their heads. Write it first.

Only then will people feel the impact of what they send to their governments, and only then will they force their representatives to be a little more responsible with "YOUR NAME's money".

. . . time to fix it!

© Emittravel 2015

Stuff My Brain Says #67

Looking at the state of this country (foreign relations, government overreach, national debt, etc.), you come to one of two conclusions: either the Republicans are complicit and jointly responsible, or the Democrats did it all by themselves and the Republicans have proven themselves as completely inconsequential as a party, and should go AWAY. Of course, if they keep on the track they are on (TALKING small, limited government on one side of their mouths, and expanding it at a record pace out of the other side), they WILL go away completely on their own.

Hey Republicans, if you want me to support liberal ideologies, I'll vote Democrat - they are simply better at it!

© Emittravel 2013

The President's Novel Idea

President Obama has a unique plan to handle the financial crisis, but it will only work if Republicans will get off of their high horses and embrace it. For every $1 in tax revenue (a.k.a. "increases"), there will be $2 in spending cuts. Novel! And it will work! The solution to the growing debt has been found. President Obama has shown his incredible, breathtaking intellect at work.

Not so quite. Here is what I want to tell Republicans (and fiscally-minded Democrats - and I know you are out there!):

Ronald Reagan was offered the same plan. He found that the only way to get significant spending cuts would be to accept this and raise taxes.

George H.W. Bush was offered the same plan. Mr. "read my lips: no new taxes" embraced this plan as the only way to get significant spending cuts.

How did that work out? They both accepted tax increases (hurting Reagan's reputation of limited government and literally eliminating Bush's chances for re-election). The promised spending cuts? NEVER HAPPENED. And what did you get? The Democrats trumpeting how the non-tax-increase Republicans LIED and increased taxes when election time came around. They don't care about the debt: they only care about getting votes (and unfortunately, so do you Republicans.) The ruse? "Compromise." In order for the media to show that you are willing to compromise, you need to accept what the Democrats are dishing out. If you don't, you are obstructionists to progress.

If I were you, I would demand to see those cuts put into action FIRST, and THEN allow the tax increase. You know, "show me the cuts, and then I'll show you the money".

Hurt me once, shame on you. Hurt me twice, shame on me. Hurt me three times??

© Emittravel 2012

Stuff My Brain Says #51

The major problem facing the Republican Party is integrity. They talk a good talk, but don't follow through in office. We didn't get to $16 trillion by just the Democrats holding the checkbook. I was going to mail a pen to President Bush (GW), but I kept hoping he would find his veto pen. Took way too long for that.

The other difficulty is their message of limited government and spending cuts doesn't sell. But that is politics. You don't get elected threatening to take away all of the goodies that were given out to get elected.

Some say the problem is that Republicans are too right wing. Some say they are not right-wing enough. And still others say the secret sauce is to move to the center. I think the Republican party has the center in their sights and have steadily been moving that direction. From George Bush's "compassionate conservatism" (a.k.a. "liberalism"), to John McCain's not knowing on which side of the "aisle" he belongs, to Mitt Romney's flip flopping so much he's worn himself out evenly on both sides, the Republican party has been moving closer to the center with hopes of capturing more voters. Keep in mind, for the Republican party to move to the center means they have to move to the LEFT.

Republicans don't need a new message; they need to follow through on the one they've touted for years.

© Emittravel 2012

Time to Stop Compromising

(Time for a good rant:)

Now is a really good time to stop compromising. You heard me Washington: stop compromising. Stand for something! Don't do what is politically expedient. Who cares if you lose votes. Do what is RIGHT! Even if it turns out to be wrong, do it anyway.

Everyone knows the old saying: "When your outgo exceeds your income, your upkeep becomes your downfall." Everyone knows that, except our so-called leaders in Washington. Congratulations. You raised the debt ceiling. Do you know what that means? It is a breather to give us time. Time for what? Time to fix it, for crying out loud. But do you know what will happen instead? They will outspend that ceiling as well. Guarantee it. As sure as politicians are unable to tell the truth, it will happen.

Do what will probably cost you votes: cut spending. We all know that those "evil" rich people need to be punished for succeeding. But if you take ALL of the net worth of all of those "evil" rich people (according to our leaders, that is any couple earning over $250k/yr) and apply it to the non-existent budget (thank you Democrat-led Senate), it wouldn't even dent it. It's not a supply-side issue. It's an expense-side issue.

And don't cut future spending. Cut current spending. And when all of those living with their hands out start whining, buck up and tell them it's your fault! If you wouldn't have tried to give everyone a free lunch, we wouldn't be starving ourselves now. Tell them you really wanted to make a socialist utopia here in America, but mathematically it just doesn't work, and now its time to stop the gravy train before it derails (or more likely, runs out of track).

We do know that the socialist dream will eventually arrive in full here in America. It’s a given. A shot won't be fired. A war will not be fought. We will simply be OWNED by China. Funny thing is, if it wasn't for capitalist policies implemented in China over the last twenty years or so, China wouldn't be the power it is. Like I said, mathematically socialism/communism/Marxism NEVER works.

So get off your compromising butts and do what is right. We are waiting.

© Emittravel 2011

It's broke. Time to fix it. Article #4

It's broke . . .

Cost savings idea: Congress must PROVE that any bill they present is explicitly permitted in the Constitution. How is this a cost savings idea? Think of all the time and money saved in not having to prove that such-in-such law is NOT Constitutional.

I like to think that sometimes great minds think alike, but since I’m comparing myself to members of the House of Representatives, "great" may be a bit of an exaggeration! One of the House Rules being run up the flag pole is exactly the topic of this post: Constitutionality for any bill proposed. The reasoning for each may be a bit different: they are trying to reign in the size and cost of government as a whole; I'm looking at it from the legal battle side.

(Side note: I have a list of topics for this blog that are in the queue. This particular item has been waiting for me to stop eating holiday leftovers and get down to the business of writing it. I heard of the House announcement after this item was placed in the queue. Thus the above paragraph . . . )

I wonder if the main reason our government does things is so that lawyers have work. And I understand that they have families to feed, but honestly, can we really consider it a major loss to the world to have less of them? Lawyers; not their families. Unless they are raising "little lawyers". Then I retract the clarification.

Why does our government insist on ignoring the very document that gives them ANY authority in the first place? They pass bills that are clearly in violation of that document, and find it tied up in the court system forever, for what? In the hopes that nobody is paying attention? Really? Honestly? If you folks are that dense, please don't give speeches on how you are men and women OF the people. You insult us. Maybe they hope that the "Supremes" will actually go along with their blatant disregard of Constitutional law and rule in their favor. At that point I think the "Supremes" need to stop and reconsider what branch of the government they are supposed to be, and stop legislating!

So let's stop clogging the court drains with avoidable lawsuits, and the expense of fighting them. Especially when you consider who is filing (and paying for) the lawsuits! Example: if a state files suit who do you think picks up the legal fees? That's right! The taxpayers.

Fixing the legal system - where do you start?

Come to think of it, there is something to the "clearing clogged drains and government" analogy above - snakes!! If you keep 'em clear, you won't need the lawyers!

. . . time to fix it!

©Emittravel 2011

Taxing into Oblivion - Is That Even Possible?

It is funny to me that the environmentalists have been screaming that we need to find alternative sources of energy and that we need to cut back our energy use drastically, due to the limited amount of oil in the earth, but politicians believe that there is an endless supply of tax dollars to be had, and they think they need to spend more so that we don't run out.

Just let that (incredibly long sentence above) soak in for a minute. I guess that goes to prove that opposites do indeed attract; environmentalists and big-government politicians do seem to spend a lot of time together . . .

Now I do not consider myself an environmentalist. Heck, the way the city I live in got me to recycle was by a monetary incentive: the city pays (we pay via our tax dollars) for trash pickup by the pound - the company that picks up our recyclables does not charge the city, for they make their money in the processing and selling of said recycled materials - for every pound we recycle we save tax dollars - incentive!! But I do believe we are called to be good stewards (managers) of what we have.

(willing to save a buck!)

In MHBAO, fossil fuels ARE limited and we will EVENTUALLY run out - but not tomorrow. So, we SHOULD be looking at alternative energy sources, but without panic and ESPECIALLY without government mandates. And I also believe, and common logic verifies this, that eventually the feeding of government will exceed the sources of food (taxes).

During the last presidential election, the definition of what was considered "rich" was questioned. If the money to pay for everything was to only be taken from the rich, what, exactly, would make a person fall into that category? Would $500k? Or $250k? Maybe it was $150k? How about $100k? Is that combined income for couples, or is that for singles? And is that amount adjusted for inflation? But hey, as long as I make less (and resign myself to NEVER making more) they can punish those "evil" rich.

(the truly "evil rich" - who are exempted from most of what they dish out)

Just a quick look at Social inSecurity would tell you that the government is incapable of keeping their word on anything. Social inSecurity was designed for a tiny percentage of the population, and was to be paid for by a tiny percentage of the population - the most wealthy (a.k.a the "evil rich"). Today I'm not considered part of the "evil rich", according to the gyrations of the oh-so-wise-and-benevolent politicians, but when I look at my pay stub I see quite a large amount being taken for Social inSecurity. So, what am I?

Oh, and let's not forget that the "trust" fund that originally held the money put in, so that there was something to draw from upon retirement, has been sucked dry already. That's right folks, nothing but I.O.U.s. (Quick lesson: there is NO such thing as being taxed and having that money going ONLY for a certain purpose - it is all just one big pie to the politicians.) You and I are paying for those currently receiving it. Think about the effect unemployment has on that!

Before you think I'm just meandering in this blog article, I do have a point to make. The money for all of these "necessary" bailouts, stimulus, and other programs, is supposed to be coming from those "evil rich". We are told that is one of the reasons for eliminating those "evil" Bush tax cuts. But like Social inSecurity, what happens when that oil well runs dry? They start drilling in YOUR wallet. At one point, and we are darn close to it now, there will be more spending taking place than revenue sources.

The solution is simple: you can only raise taxes so much (before you cripple the economy and cause a major collapse). Politicians need to do the unpopular and cut spending. I know, I know - that is political suicide! After all, isn't that what they were elected to do? Spend your money better than you can? They say that if you rob Peter to pay Paul you are guaranteed Paul's vote. What happens when you run out of Peters? Will they decide we've spent enough at that point?

There is an old proverb: When your outgo exceeds your income, your upkeep becomes your downfall.

©Emittravel 2010