Spending Reform    - Our Position Spending Reform Contents Select from the right to skip to the sections that interest you Introduction and Scope Definition Goals Considering the Big Picture Selected Resources A Proposed Comprehensive Solution Our Position FAQs Summary Our Position (expanded) In a situation where overall government overspending must be cut, so that spending matches the taxes and fees it takes in, then those who advocate projects and spending that MUST NOT BE CUT are part of the problem. Thus, we are all part of the problem. We all want a government that is bigger than we can afford. We all want a government that will borrow or take from somebody else in order that we may have what we want from the government at less than the cost to provide it ourselves. Or, free. This is, ultimately, economically corrosive. When we don't "pay it back", someone gets hurt. There is less to lend again to another, and those who have lent have lost what they have trusted us with. Can we rationally believe that our communities, our states, or our nation will ever commit to paying back their debts if we never see sustained, if gradual, DECLINES in those debts? We do not pay debt down when we simply borrow from elsewhere in order to pay another off. We only "make good" on our promise to repay, to borrow temporarily from the future in order to purchase something today, when we return the money we owe using our own savings or income. For that reason, repaying a debt requires spending less on everything else. When we stop raising the debt limits, and stop creating and promising future obligations that we have not set aside savings for, then we will know what it is like for governments to live within their (our) means. Consider this - when you are approached by your favorite charity, the one you would give to if you could only give to one, the one who does the work you most support, and they ask for more than you have to give today, more than you have saved away ... ... do you take out a home equity loan to pay for it? Do you take out a loan that your children are obligated to pay? That your neighbor or your neighbor's children are obligated to pay? This is what we do when we insist that governments borrow to meet today's expenses that are in excess of the taxes and fees they collect today.      Using the same analogy, wanting to identify more money than you have yourself to give to your favorite charity ... would you ever walk over to your neighbors' homes and confiscate the money or the property you believe you need from them? This is what we do when we insist that government raise taxes on others to address spending priorities that we all do not share, and that all of us do not want to pay for. It is necessary to come together as communities in order to provide for a FEW of our common needs - roads, protection, parks, etc. The majority of our needs, however, common or not, we must take care of on our own. Thus, it is reasonable that ALL contribute a share of what they have in supporting a common infrastructure that helps our communities to prosper. When the scope of the foundation being provided becomes too large, however, the effect becomes corrosive to a community, a state, a nation. Overall prosperity erodes. Social cohesion suffers. With respect to government spending reform, a firm and considered approach, mindful of the sacrifices being required will work best. Back to the condensed Position Last Update: Nov 08, 2011 16:00 PDT