Conservatives Keep Quiet about Federal Debt

Fiscal conservatives are complaining once again about the rapid increase in federal spending. Even though the Sept. 11 attacks, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Gulf Coast hurricanes account for only part of the increased spending, the other factors are the military buildup, domestic spending, and the rise of benefits for the elderly, poor, and disabled.

Yes, we want to maintain national security and protect our domestic infrastructure, but the continual overspending cannot be sustained in the long run. Conservatives talk about cutting taxes more which would empower consumers to spend more money to help build up the economy, but if federal spending continue to outstrip economic growth, the consumer factor becomes moot.

The White House tries to point to recent domestic cuts and the elimination of many small programs, but this is not good enough. Even with slightly reducing Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, the federal government is still project at least $300 BILLION DEFICIT for this year.

This week, the House is scheduled to debate the $2.8 trillion budget for 2007, and they are already projecting an additional $3 TRILLION OF DEBT in the next five years. Ladies and gentlemen, this would mean our overall federal debt will exceed $11 TRILLION!

Why are the conservatives keeping quiet about this? They know that overspending cannot be sustained. They only choose to keep reminding the public that they are doing this to protect America's national security. The public is becoming ignorant because they want lower taxes but when government services start to fail and repairs are delayed, they argue about the need for more spending.

The House Budget Committee last week rejected a proposal that would require spending hikes to be offset by cuts in other spending or by tax increases. In time of war, the public would understand the need for tax increases to keep the terrorists at bay, but conservatives are trying the peaceful military approach. It is not working here.

The neo-conservatives and military hawks know this. Only the fiscal members along the right side believe they are going in the wrong direction, it's too bad the leadership are not listening to them.

Please, would someone cut the federal credit card for them?