Solutions? Start here

Republicans leading the tea party? Remember whose policies got us into this financial mess? Democrats prove again they can’t control spending. Solutions? Take financial decisions away from our politicians.

Corporations, not individuals, need to pay more of the overall tax percentage since their rate has dropped from 40 percent to 26 percent in the last 20 years. Adjustable tax rates tied to GDP. Higher GDP growth creates higher corporate tax rates to cool the economy and vice versa. Flat tax rates so everyone pays their fair share. State government’s spending and cuts should be tied to GDP growth too.

Stop fighting wars we can’t afford. No more pork attachments to bills.

Cut Social Security entitlement payout obligations in return for tax-free retirement withdrawals in IRAs and the like.

Cut medical entitlement programs. Tax fat grams in food and have deductible gym memberships, giving incentives to people to get healthier. U.S. government needs to own a generic drug company to supply drugs at cost, lowering drug costs and insurance rates for everyone. Limits on medical malpractice judgments. Jail time for medical fraud.

Any economic benefit received not taxed should be for fairness, including employer health insurance plans, matching employer retirement contributions.

Gregory Ruff

Spokane