Cuts-only doesn’t cut it

Isn’t it about time our leaders get serious about the federal budget?

Here in the state of Washington, and evidently in Washington, D.C., everyone agrees that the current level of federal budget deficits is unsustainable. But as our lawmakers debate how to cut the deficit, shouldn’t we insist on truth telling and a serious consideration of all federal spending, including the Pentagon’s budget? And along with curtailing spending, the government should also make sure that we have sufficient revenues to cover our nation’s needs.

The plan proposed by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) reduces the $15 trillion federal budget debt by about $155 billion over 10 years – that’s hardly a drop in the ocean. According to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Rep. Ryan’s plan would cut $4.3 billion in federal spending – two-thirds of that directed at programs for people of low and moderate incomes. The plan would then give $4.2 billion of that away in tax cuts that benefit primarily wealthy individuals and corporations.

Cutting waste, fraud and abuse makes good sense. But so do fair and adequate taxes and examining other government programs including Pentagon spending.

Nick Block

Spokane