We've all heard about the current impasse in our nation's capital concerning the national debt. Even people who are normally apathetic about politics are getting upset about the ongoing partisan feud. With the possibility of default looming ever larger and the seemingly deadlocked parties slinging enough mud to cake every single surface in the entire Capitol building, it falls to the American people to help guide their elected officials to a solution that works for everyone. The two main questions in this debate are as follows:
What cuts can reasonably be made to reduce spending?
What are some realistic ways to increase revenue?
Everyone has their own answers to these challenges; the trick is bringing them together in the form of a solution that benefits the country as a whole. Using respectful language, outline your views on solving these two dilemmas. Please be sure to cite any sources that you use to support your position.
***We are here to politely debate the pros and cons of any and all deficit-reducing solutions. Any libelous or offensive comment will be removed.***
Absolve Congress. Start anew. Hold special elections. When our elected officials fail to act we must act to fail them. Seriously, the problems of today require fresh minds, the sort that are not found in congress today.
ReplyDeleteI agree that new people would bring a fresh perspective. How much time would be required to overhaul the existing Congress? Would we be able to complete the process before the country goes into default?
ReplyDeleteWell I think it is less the fact that we need a political overhaul but we need people who have not sold themselves ... for example if I wanted to become a congressman, I need to start getting backers. If you look, many of the people who get elected are wealthy and have the backing of wealthy people. The people backing them do not want to lose there money and so they say if I get you elected then you make it so I keep my money. Look at how much taxes many of the wealthy actually pay. Look at how many millions is spent on lobbyists... look at what people in the oil industry (and other BIG industries) put towards getting politicians to help them. Look at political ads if you have the money you can put out an ad that says your view in a way that might appeal to most people. They might not even know the finer points of the argument, but your words of honey now makes the general population sway your way. There is also the "go with the herd" mentality where if some statistics say "oh person A is 2% over person B" they then have in SMALL print plus or minus 5-10% I am sorry but that is HUGE... Wow am I all over ... in short we need politicians who think more for everyone not just their better interest and also we need a population that is more correctly educated so they can cut thru the political crap and understand what is happening. Sadly I do not see either happening soon.
ReplyDeleteWealthy people, by definition, have more resources; therefore they are able to contribute more to the campaign of a candidate who will likely vote in their best interest. What can the middle and lower classes do to ensure that their voices are also heard?
ReplyDeleteAssuming we are not able to replace Congress by next week, what are some things that our current Senators and Representatives really need to hear at this point? What steps can we take to solve the budget crisis?