Regardless of your political views, I think we can all agree federal government is no longer serving the best interest of the American people. Whatever happened to government of the people, by the people and for the people? What we have now is more like government of the elite, by the elite and for the elite!
While these individuals share their wealth and influence with us through funds for programs of their choosing and at times through special projects of our choosing, they do the sharing with our money primarily in hopes of securing re-election. Do they know the real cost of this sharing and do they understand who is paying the bill? Obviously not. Regardless of what they say, they are irresponsible when it comes to the use of our tax dollars. Just witness the soaring national debt.
Do you think it would be too much to ask if we expected Congress and the administration to work jointly to prepare an annual budget for the country? They have not done so for more than three years. Also, what about preparing a budget that would, over a few years, demonstrate fiscal responsibility by seeking a balance between revenue and expenditures? Most economic experts agree the poor economy and lack of good jobs is a function of uncertainty in world money markets.
Many companies have cash reserves that they would like to invest in businesses that would create new wealth and generate jobs, but the uncertainty of government spending and monetary policy makes them hesitant. As a result, they either hold their reserves or invest them in areas where returns are more profitable, often overseas, where costs of doing business are lower.
Imagine, too, how our own government agencies are run when they have no budget or, in some cases, unlimited funds to spend! These conditions frequently lead to subsidies for things we don't even want. Collapse of the housing market and disruption of the banking industry by trying to ensure home ownership for individuals without the ability to make mortgage payments is one. Another is making millions of people dependent on food stamps and extended unemployment where they would much rather be working.
Getting our own federal budget under some form of control, priority and direction would be a major first step in heading us all in the right direction.
Remember, as well, that the elite individuals running our country did not get into those positions on their own. We helped them get there. Not only did we vote them into office, we often support them when we receive grants or other benefits that help with projects or programs we feel are important. We sometimes even ask taxpayers from all over the United States to help pay for projects or initiatives that are only of benefit in our community or region. How do these priorities fit within a federal budget for our country?
Questions like these and others should encourage us all to study the candidates and issues and be sure to vote in the election this fall. Really, a lot is at stake. Continuing in the same direction as we are now cannot be good. Those of us who do pay taxes would not mind so much if the money generated was used wisely. Currently, it is not. See you at the polls!
(Just heard of the Supreme Court decision on national health care, another good reason you may wish to vote this fall!)
John P. Crumrine,
Tiffin
