Michael Ramirez for December 17, 2013

Not easy reversing a long line of deficit spending congresses, unfunded wars, and 800 military bases around the world for the purpose of extending the empire. Obviously taxes will have to rise since the reality is you need money to pay the bills. Unless you want to continue living in a fool’s paradise.

People who pay taxes are the only ones concerned with how Washington spends, be that on military adventures, social welfare, or solar-powered cars.

“And harder to find a liberal that wants to fix it by cutting spending instead of throwing my money at every problem.”

You found one, right here. We are at this moment having tanks built for one purpose only: because the plant that builds them is in Ohio, and Ohio is the only state important in a presidential election, it appears. We are also spending multiple billions on a missile defense shield which—-if it had a chance of working, which it does not—-addresses a problem far down on the likelihood list. It is much more likely that our future threats will come from drones and the contents of backpacks and briefcases than from a missile attack. We also fund tens of billions in subsidies to oil companies, which are showing record profits each quarter. We prop up agribusiness, and refuse to close loopholes in tax laws that allow businesses to pay absolutely zero dollars in taxes.

“Remember those unfunded wars would not be if the Democrats had voted “NO:!”

Agreed. The democrats were spineless enough to vote both for the PATRIOT act (both one and two) and unfunded wars. To be fair, it wasn’t their idea. Also, at the time, the “lamestream media” (run only by liberals, of course) was parroting the presidential theme of “you’re either with us, or you’re a terrorist”. Or, you’re a surrender-monkey, a Neville Chamberlain, or similar hippie peace freak if you’re not 100% for war, in the minds of many in Congress. Remember also that democrats at the time were willing to believe the “evidence” that was presented to them at the time, which was far from the truth.

This does not excuse their spinelessness, but it does put things into better perspective.

Both parties are guilty of spending too much, and spending in places they shouldn’t be. Again, to stop this hemorrhaging would mean that jobs will be lost. Although you have to break some eggs to make an omelet, no one is willing to be the chef, because when you terminate worthless programs and people lose their jobs, Congressmen may lose theirs as well.

Our only hope is to make our “representatives”, those of both parties, understand that this current level of spending cannot continue, and that they were elected to make the tough choices that need making. If they are unwilling, time to vote for a replacement. It is up to us, because they won’t do it without our demanding it. All those who don’t communicate with their representatives about this are a part of the problem.

You obviously not only drink the liberal kool-aid…you are drowning in it. Here are some facts:

CNBC (hardly a right wing organization) says that “when it comes to individual income taxes, the top 40 percent of wage earners in America pay 106 percent of the taxes. The bottom 40 percent … pay negative 9 percent.” These figures were calculated by the Congressional Budget Office using data from 2010 and released in a report on federal income tax distribution among U.S. households.

When factoring all other taxes in (state, local, sales, etc) it has been determined:

The poorest 20 percent of households, which generate only $11,000 of annual income on average, pay 13 percent of their total incomes in taxes.

While the wealthiest 1 percent pay 43 percent of their total incomes in taxes and the middle quintile of earners pays 25 percent of total income in taxes.

These are facts, not the kool-aid induced rantings you keep spewing.

While there is no doubt that welfare/government assistance is financing many cheats for far too long, and the problem is long past needing a reassessment and overhaul, ignore corporate welfare at your peril. Each one of those tanks that is going directly to the Nevada desert, never to be used, equals a lot of food stamps. It may be harder to see on a daily basis, but it costs our society significantly.

I would favor cutting all govt expenditures 50%. People that want to restore funding to their favorite program should create a PAC and collect voluntary contributions. No More Spending Other People’s Money.

It is time to collect a 15% capital gains tax at time of sale of Stocks, Bonds, Commodities, etc. Don’t wait until the Congressionaly created tax loopholes shelter the profits.

Everyone likes their own Representative and re-elects them. Everyone is willing to cut the govt spending that benefits the ‘other guy’.

Simple physics says he needs to be on the other side of the dike. Simple economics says Ryan is an idiot.

“…..Wow, you sure are gullible, Gysy!…”.Your logic, or lack thereof, is about as lousy as your spelling.

The “small leak” is discretionary spending that doesn’t have to happen and in total over time is no small leak. The “large flow” is program spending largely approved by previous administrations.

The so called Obama failures were largely engineered by Republicans who took a pact that he would fail and be a one-term president.

Please share this list of a thousand or so millionaires and billionaires who have avoided all income taxes. I wold like to learn their secrets.