Bogie raised the point that, in my posting The Debt Ceiling "Crisis", the listing of what we learned during the debt ceiling debate (gleaned from postings on other blogs) seemed to be intent upon bashing Republicans. I agree. I had tried, in vain, to find another listing that was more balanced or more into bashing the Democrats (or Independents, for that matter).
Here are a few items that are my own personal opinion. Readers are free to agree, disagree, or ignore the whole posting! Since the following items are opinion, I make no attempt to shore them up with citations.
1. The Democratic party is woefully lacking in both executive and leadership skills. (At least, I have seen neither during the debt ceiling debate - or even before.)
2. Democrats (in government and bloggers) are intent upon demonizing Republicans. (They aren't alone in displaying a talent for demonizing.)
3. The administration seems to have ADD - they cannot seem to keep their priorities straight or stay focused.
4. Democrats don't seem to understand that a balanced budget is not sufficient. There must be a surplus to pay off the debt.
5. Independents don't have strong leaders, either.
6. Democrats bought into the Republican "thing" that beginning or continuing to fight unwinnable conflicts is a good thing to do. [It is a waste of time, money, effort, and (worst of all) lives.]
Things we all could learn/do (from my point of view) - domestically speaking
1. "It's the economy, stupid!" - Ross Perot
2. Negotiation is not ceding something for nothing.
3. Waiting for everyone to come to consensus is not leading.
4. Electing a rock star to do a serious job is less than intelligent. (We get what we ask for!)
5. Cut out all of the income tax deductions for home loan interest, etc.
6. Limit income tax deductions to two children. A negative tax deduction (in other words, a tax increase) should apply to any further children, above the two.
7. Social Security was meant to provide a safety net for those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves old and poor. There should be means testing to qualify for payment out of the SSA fund.
8. All wages should be subject to SS withholding.
9. Initiate a single-payer health care system. (Note that I did not mention an insurance system - insurance is a waste of money and unnecessary in a single-payer health care system.) I did not always advocate this; but, I find it a better alternative than the expensive mess that our health care system is, now, and better than other alternatives that have been presented.
10. Ban adding anything to an authorization bill that is an exception for one or two companies or geopolitical divisions. (I'm trying to say: ban the pork!)
Heads up: I don't normally believe in censorship; however, since this is an opinion piece and not subject to debate, no comments will be accepted.
I pretty much agree with you. I defer to your superior knowledge on how organizations work, or should work, since I don't have much experience there.
The point that you can't pay off debt without a surplus is well taken, but I do get confused, since so much of this "debt" is money we owe to ourselves. (Or to China).
I'm not very sharp when it comes to more elaborate matters of finance, either, as I'm sure you can gather!
Posted by: Hattie | August 08, 2011 at 01:52 PM