Super Committee to Save the Day?

Right now in Congress there is a so-called “super committee” working to create a debt reduction plan. The committee is composed of twelve member’s six Democrats and six Republicans, almost all men. They have until November 23^rd to submit a proposal to reduce the deficit by $1.5 trillion. If the committee fails, as much as $1.2 trillion in across-the-board cuts would initiate and be evenly divided between defense and non-defense spending.

            First of all I have to comment on the committee name. The “super committee”, are we in the fourth grade? I’m guessing Congress is hoping they will live up to the name. I digress. Surprise, surprise the committee is at a deadlock. The Democratic Party submitted a proposal and it was not well received by the GOP. It was a $3 trillion plan designed to cut the federal deficit within a 10 year span. The plan was presented to the committee by Senator Max Baucus, (D- Montana) the Finance Committee chairman. A majority of the six democrats supported the proposal. The plan would cut entitlement programs such as Medicaid and Medicare and would require $1.2 and $1.3 trillion in new tax income. The proposal by the Democrats was at least non partisan and their part of the compromise was cutting entitlement program funds. The Republicans have made their opposition to new taxes very clear.  The GOP responded with a proposal that took enormous cuts out of the entitlement programs, and would generate new revenue through government sales and fees. No new revenue would be generated through taxes. Needless to say negotiations are not going well. The Democratic Party is willing to compromise on entitlement programs but the Republicans are not willing to compromise on revenues.

            The committee has been having private meetings for two months. Without a steady flow of information it has left this observe wondering if the committee will succeed. To make matters worse the two parties’ are bickering.  One GOP aide accused Democrats of leaking details of their offer to the press. The Democrats have denied the accusation. It seems to me that the differences between these two parties are getting the best of them. The deadline is approaching fast and there is no evidence of progress. I for one am skeptical that any proposal will be agreed upon on time. Looks like Congress won’t have any deficit reduction plan to consider.

The Facts of Occupying Wall Street

I looked through a lot of the suggested sites for the editorial I wanted to critique. I first started on the right-winged more conservative list. I was trying to see what the Republicans had to say but I found it to be a difficult read. I realize that I have a more liberal frame of mind. There were plenty of editorials on the thousands of Americans protesting on Wall Street and around the country. The Smirking Chimp had an editorial by Walter Brasch, Occupy Wall Street: Separating Fact from Media.

                The title is what first caught my eye it was exactly what I wanted just facts. I normally don’t follow political events or issues that closely. I lose interest quickly. I was aware that people were protesting Wall Street due to economic hardships but that was about it. I knew no real details or facts. I learned a lot from reading this blog. Mainly how the average American has reached his/her breaking point. The greed of Congress, Wall Street, and the wealthy has reached epic proportions. I was not only educated as to why people were protesting but also how poorly the bailout was handled. I think everyone should read this blog it covers a lot of ground. Brasch backs his opinions with quotes from representatives, journalists and even the vice President Joe Biden saying, “In the minds of the vast majority of the American the-middle class is being screwed”.  This blog is definitely geared for a more democratic audience.  When I was reading a blog from Ann Coulter she called the protesters blood sucking leeches. I was wondering if she had a point. Did these people in fact have a reason? And if so, was it a good one?  After reading Brasch’s blog I strongly agree with him. This is not just a mob of disenfranchised rebels.  These protesters are the middle class Americans feeling the brunt of the economic crises. It is clear they are not looking for just a handout. They are looking for opportunity. There are still not enough jobs and the bailout helped companies that didn’t need the help. What gives? I don’t understand how the government gives millions to a company that already has profits in the millions. This bailout system doesn’t seem justified. It seems that the help and money never reach those who needed it the most.  Walter Brash made his point very clear, yes the protesters are united. Yes their actions are justified. Yes they have one voice.

Taking a Bite out of Spending

In keeping with my last blog, I have found another article about our government and its debt. This article is in our very own Austin American Statesman. It is another example of the government’s appalling overspending.  It is definitely “Time to take a bite out ofwasteful spending” in all areas of our government. We as rational individuals realize that in politics and government money is mismanaged.  Ciaran Griffin points out how ridiculous and sever this mismanagement has become. It all starts with a $16.00 muffin.

                Last month a report was released by the Justice Department’s acting inspector general, Cynthia A. Schnedar. This report was an audit of the excessive overspending that is occurring during government conferences.  What first caught my in this article was the title and the picture of a muffin.  I was intrigued; I thought what’s with the muffin?  As I began to read the author got straight to the point. In the author’s first sentence her point of view was very clear it started with “Our latest outrage”. Allowing the reader know her own feelings of the situation.  It is implied that anyone reading this article is her intended audience and in agreement with her opinion.  I find that it is an opinion that is hard to disagree with. She cited facts and listed some of the overpriced treats attendees were enjoying at these conferences. Along with the $16 muffins there were also $10 cookies and brownies.  Throughout the article she stayed true to her opinion but wasn’t unreasonable. In one of the paragraphs she writes that the conferences were for “worthy topics” like drug enforcement and violence. However, the conferences did not need to be held at such extravagant locations. The Hilton Justice Department, really?

                   The information she obtained were from reputable sources such as the Associated Press and the Justice Department. The article was clear, informative, and to the point. There is no mistaking the author’s opinion. The facts in the article only cemented her opinion and mine. It would be crazy for me to say that I don’t agree with Ciaran Griffin. Or for anyone else who has read the article. She gave me undeniable facts and plenty of examples. The example I found interesting and irritating was the $400 hammers, and the $600 toilets the Pentagon felt was necessary. C’mon now! Look I love indoor plumbing as much as the next girl but, boundaries and common sense need to be exercised. The evidence was overwhelming. I found the read to be informative but also enjoyable.  I enjoyed her comment towards the end that the administration should be embarrassed. Yet again, another reason Americans are cynical about government.