Monthly Archives: July 2011

Budget Blues: How much do we need to borrow?

That is not as easy a question to answer as I have been thinking. While doing more exploring of the federal web sites, I came across a page at the GAO (Government Accountability Office) that informs as follows: Measuring the … Continue reading

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Barney Frank: Why didn’t the Republicans fix (fill in the blank) when they had control?

I find it very difficult to disagree with someone, specifically Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.), who asks the same questions as those that pop into my head. The Republican establishment seems to have the same degree of difficulty understanding why they … Continue reading

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Jim Garvin: Are you kidding me?

Speaking for “Everyman”. . . What part don’t you understand, Mr. Boehner? Thank you for your thoughts, Mr. Garvin. h/t: Cliff S.

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Budget Blues: Reality Check

From today’s Wall Street Journal ‘Morning Brief’: July 27, 2011 — 9:00 a.m. EDT Boehner Plan Faces Rebellion House Speaker John Boehner, facing a rebellion among conservative Republicans and questions about the amount of spending cuts in his plan for … Continue reading

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Tacoma Travesty: Someone, please, say it ain’t so! . . . or document it.

Is there anyone out there who can confirm or disprove the accuracy of the following video clip from a “Dr. William B. Mount“? Anyone know of any other sources for this information? If this clip is even partially true, it’s … Continue reading

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Budget Blues: Presidential reassurance

This morning’s Wall Street Journal opinion page headlines the following: Toying with Default The President isn’t serious about real spending cuts. Barack Obama was in full-scold mode Friday night, summoning Congressional leaders to the White House to “explain to me … Continue reading

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Budget Blues II: Deficit reduction? Why not Debt reduction?

That implies, of course, a negative deficit, as one might say in gov’ment speak. For most people it makes no sense to borrow more money to pay back money and then not pay it back. But that’s what countries all … Continue reading

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Budget Blues: Intragovernmental Addiction

No, I’m not Neil Simon and this isn’t coming to you from Biloxi. Africa-hot though it be. All sane persons, that doesn’t include mad dogs and Englishmen, are either in the shade or in the water. In a way, working … Continue reading

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To what should we put the budget axe?

Spend a little time perusing federal budget details and you’ll easily find much to prune chop out. One item I find especially interesting is the increase in the budget for the Capitol Police since 9/11. In 2001 that totaled $120m. … Continue reading

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How much does the Federal Government actually spend?

And how much does it actually take in? These questions are not quite as easy to answer as one might assume. After all, “income” minus “outgo” equals “surplus/(deficit)”, right? “Eh!! Wrong answer, Hans”, as Bruce Willis quipped once-upon-a-time. And when … Continue reading

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