As you can see, I am pretty upset about the latest in the political games being displayed in DC. Not that this is the first time Congress has passed un-constitutional legislation (Social Security, Medicare, etc.), but this is in a time where Americans are already being asked to bear a heavy tax burden. Local cities, municipalities, STATES, are going bankrupt (http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=711).
This article above shows that the 2010 projected states shortfall totals $196.2 BILLION. This represents 28.6% of the 2010 US General Fund total taxes received. Explain how passing another federal bureaucracy and social program helps us in the near or distant future while 48 out of 50 states are in financial trouble? This also has the effect of trickling into the debt markets, Wall Street, health care companies, universities, etc. etc.
I'm worried, but not concerned as we have a loving God who takes care of us. Pray for our leaders...
PLW
My gosh. Where to begin?
ReplyDeleteThe $196.2 billion you cite is NOT 28.6% of the US General Fund. It is 28.6% of the STATES' general funds, and is NOT a projected shortfall. It WAS the amount of shortfall states had to (or, for $38 billion of that number will have to) close. Yes, all but $38 billion has been closed for the current fiscal year. Certainly the next fiscal year for each of the states will bring new budgetary challenges, and they will deal with them, as they are (legally, in most cases) required to.
Since most states have balance budget amendments or mechanisms, they CANNOT go bankrupt. And I'm fairly certain that none has--ever. About 500 localities have since 1930, but most were not even blips on the radar. Orange County, Calif, in 1994 was the last big one I can think of. That was about $2 billion.
When you use terms like the "socialization of America," you should explain to your readers that America has been a socialist country, in your view, for quite some time, that this newest piece of legislation wasn't the start, but is merely an addition to.
As for the constitutionality of the Patient Protection Act, time will tell. But we are still waiting for such constitutional challenges for Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. I'm sure they'll happen any day now.
Since a new poll suggests that 24% of Republicans believe the president is the Anti-Christ, pray indeed.