Thanks to Kevin for this:
Washington will spend $24,106 per household in 2007, the highest total since World War II, and an inflation-adjusted $4,000 more than in 2001. The federal government will collect $21,992 per household in taxes. The remaining $2,114 represents this year's budget deficit per household, which, along with all prior government debt, will be dumped in the laps of our children.
Social Security/Medicare: $8,301
Defense: $4,951
Anti-poverty programs: $3,550
Interest on the federal debt: $2,071
Federal employee retirement benefits: $907
Health research/regulation: $664
Veterans' benefits: $627
Education: $584
Highways/mass transit: $418
Justice administration: $392
Natural resources/environment: $305
International affairs: $304
Unemployment benefits: $299
Community and regional development: $282
The remaining $451 is allocated to all other federal programs, including farm subsidies, social services, space exploration, air transportation and energy
Every single expense is, without a doubt, absolutely necessary for the Common Good.
Now this I enjoy more.
ReplyDeleteThings that would get axed entirely:
Anti-poverty programs, including the big one Medicaid.
Education
Highways/mass transit
Natural resources/environment
Unemployment
Community and Regional Development
Things that would be greatly reduced:
Defense - We shouldn't have a large standing army in peace time. Leave the Marine Corp be. Mostly disband the Navy and make the Coast Guard our Navy, giving us the largest Navy in the world. Move the air force to the States.
SSC/Medicare - The only reason I don't have it being axed is that we do have some present obligations. Means test both programs.
It may not be a perfect solution, and most things would end up being provided for by the states, but it would be a good start.