Issue #2 Spending What We Can Afford

A big concern with our nation today is spending. Not only by the American people but the American government. In 2007, Congress passed a pay-as-you-go budgeting measure to try and solve the budget deficit and excessive congressional spending. This measure is also known as "paygo." In order for this idea to work effectively a tax cut or increases on entitlement spending would need to be put in place. Supporters for this paygo idea believe that it is a good idea to show people the Congress understands the deficits and that they should be contained. Supporters also believe that Congress will only spend what they have and not spend money they don't have which will in turn eliminate wasteful spending and collecting unpaid taxes.And as a result of this the government will be able to raise funds for new initiatives without causing the US to go farther into debt. One final point in support of this idea is the fact that paygo can be suspended in times of crisis or recession. On the other hand, those not in favor of this idea argue that the government will only spend more and more money that we don't have, and as a result the government will have to pass more tax hikes to pay for everything. They also are concerned that this idea will constrain Congress from being able to reach for the Alternative Minimum Tax, while some also argue that paygo will restrict the governments ability to react to a national emergency. One final argument is that this paygo idea will only anger voters because of the tax hikes and program cuts.

I agree with those who oppose this idea. I think that this country has enough taxes and we really don't need any more. I really think that it comes down to the simple idea that if people are given the option of spending more than they have and are ensured that its okay that they do that, then they are only going to spend more and more money until its too late to dig themselves out of debt. If the government is given the option to spend more money than they have they are going to because of all the debt we need to pay off. If the government is allowed to do so they are only going to get the country farther and farther into debt until a point where we won't be able to get back out of it. Brian DelGrosso, who is a republican State House member in Colorado, is also against this idea of pay-as-you-go. He explained to those who were for this idea of paying as you go, that there are many other ways that the state of Colorado can demolish their debt. He also tried explaining to his fellow House members that this would only put their state farther into debt, and as a result the whole idea died with DelGrosso's final vote.
 

Issue #1 War Dollars
http://roseyerickson.blogspot.com/2011/02/war-dollars.html
Issue #3 Social Insecurity
http://kmtelste.blogspot.com/2011/02/social-insecurity-3.html