The Deficit Commission

[robyrt]

I want so badly for there to be a bipartisan solution to our skyrocketing deficits, a real austerity plan that combines the best ideas from both sides and doesn't put us on the fast track to financial ruin. So I'm hesitant to criticize or naysay the preliminary suggestions from Erskine and Bowles on this issue

Comments

[ned4w]

I really respect the fact that you've pointed out shortcomings from all sides. I agree that we need to make defense cuts. It is such an overwhelmingly enormous part of our budget that we can't afford not to (but I say this realizing that my brother works to win defense contracts to keep his company afloat, so I hope this doesn't hit too close to home.) I think I've also said this before, but I'd like to see some of our entitlement (I cringe just to use that word) programs become contracts as well with private companies who bid for chance to provide say foster care in such and such county. That could cabin wasteful spending and be more effective. I think I'd even get the libertarian vote on that. I guess I get pessimistic when we start talking about SS and Medicaid, Medicare b/c NARP and other private interest groups just have too much pull, so Medicaid would be the first to go and that just does not seem right. Plus, I think that SS and Medicare have some internal problems that really need a structural overhaul that is not going to happen.

I'm indifferent about the farm bill. That's not going to make such a big difference. We can't cut taxes right now. But again, jacking them up is not likely to make much of a difference.

Thanks for your thoughts!

[robyrt]

Thanks! I agree our entitlement programs need some restructuring - as the whole health care kerfluffle made abundantly clear - but I'm not sure any of that is actually going to happen. I think the reason Medicaid is first on the chopping block is its weird federal/state payment structure, so both sides think they can just foist off their responsibilities to the other guy.
Hope you're doing well :)