Rand Paul (the only candidate to whom I sent contributions in 2010, even though I am not a Kentuckian) proposes the beginnings of a Rollback of the Federal Leviathan.
From the Wall Street Journal, a new generation of Paul leadership has "arrived":
My proposal would first roll back almost all federal spending to 2008 levels, then initiate reductions at various levels nearly across the board. Cuts to the Departments of Agriculture and Transportation would create over $42 billion in savings each, while cuts to the Departments of Energy and Housing and Urban Development would save about $50 billion each. Removing education from the federal government's jurisdiction would create almost $80 billion in savings alone. Add to that my proposed reductions in international aid, the Departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security and other federal agencies, and we arrive at over $500 billion.
My proposal, not surprisingly, has been greeted skeptically in Washington, where serious spending cuts are a rarity. But it is a modest proposal when measured against the size of our mounting debt. It would keep 85% of our government funding in place and not touch Social Security or Medicare. But by reducing wasteful spending and shuttering departments that are beyond the constitutional role of the federal government, such as the Department of Education, we can cut nearly 40% of our projected deficit and at the same time remove thousands of big-government bureaucrats who stand in the way of efficiency."
I'm holding my breath. Not...
ReplyDeleteI'm cynical of any decent outcome, too. But if anyone can lead the charge to actually DO something, I think Rand stands out. There are a number of honest, decent men who were elected this cycle, such as Rand Paul and Col. Allen West. Hopefully, enough of these freshmen will be able to motivate the rest. If not, let us hope they can throw a monkey wrench into the Congressional machinery and at least bring it to a halt.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I have no hope of any significant percentage of the budget being rolled back as long as there is no fundamental change in the government (statism as usual).
ReplyDeleteThe republicans are likely to make a gesture in cutting expenses, but it will be a drop in the bucket.
If we get to a hyperinflationary environment, as I expect is coming within 2-3 years, possibly within one year, we will have a volatile mixture in this country, because we will have large numbers of Americans going hungry or without heat for the first time in anyone's memory.
Rand is a little voice at present, but at least he has a stage to reach some people who keep an open mind. His audience, I suspect, will continue to grow and grow over the next six years. I hope he serves out his term before he runs for higher office. I have seen rumors of 2012, which is Tea party overreach, but also helps get the word out.