What is the biggest Waste of Tax dollars that you are aware of?

[Roy]

I'll start off with State Tax Dollars.   

In our State Parks two (2) rangers patrol the peaceful State Parks.  One is armed? for what reason I don't know.  However State Highway Patrolman patrol alone in a very dangerous job.


We need to start doing some Tax cutting and the City, County, State and Federal departments can't seem to figure out where to start.

[rodeo1]

obamas paycheck and retirements for congressmen

[Grumpy]

Obama, nuf said.

[PAVALKER]

I'll start off with State Tax Dollars.   

In our State Parks two (2) rangers patrol the peaceful State Parks.  One is armed? for what reason I don't know.  However State Highway Patrolman patrol alone in a very dangerous job.


We need to start doing some Tax cutting and the City, County, State and Federal departments can't seem to figure out where to start.

Hmmm... only one is armed?  Do they patrol at the same time or ??  If I was the unarmed one, I wouldn't want to be at a disadvantage like that..... I'd probably conceal carry just in case I needed to even the playing field.   

All the BS PORK the add to the various bills they want to get passed of course... and here is more of the infamous Shrimp on Treadmill stuff.

 http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/may/26/tax-dollars-shrimp-treadmills-jell-o-wrestling/
 
 Yea, lets get real with spending...... gimme a break.

[CajunRider]

#1: The United Nations - Somehow our government allows Iran to lecture US about women's rights?  

#2: The welfare system - I know people on food stamps who make more money than my Dad... and my Dad is NOT hurting.  (No, my Dad is NOT on food stamps.)

#3:  Many Many donations to foreign countries - How exactly does one give money away when your books are billions upon billions in the red??  

#4: ... ... ...

OK... Maybe the easier questions would be "What is NOT a waste of tax dollars?"

Now, I'll sit back and let the Libs rip and tear on me for the next 1000 posts.    

[The Anvil]

Iraq war anybody? I mean it should be a no-brainer for anyone (ironically) with a brain...

[Reb]

#2: The welfare system - I know people on food stamps who make more money than my Dad... and my Dad is NOT hurting.  (No, my Dad is NOT on food stamps.)

100% agree, I like to see more states input drug screening on welfare recipients, Florida is trying it
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/05/06/fla-lawmakers-require-drug-tests-for-welfare-recipients/

[RoadKill]

I'll start off with State Tax Dollars.  

In our State Parks two (2) rangers patrol the peaceful State Parks.  One is armed? for what reason I don't know.  However State Highway Patrolman patrol alone in a very dangerous job.


We need to start doing some Tax cutting and the City, County, State and Federal departments can't seem to figure out where to start.

I am all for saving money...but taking guns away from law enforcement just because crime is low ?   How far away is their back up and do they have any ?  Next you should take way those expensive shiny badges and while you'r at it take their pants too !   State park officers go thru' law enforcement training like the rest and I know they deal with more intoxicated people than most any other agency 'cept  college campus police. And state university cops are 'real' police too !

[Serk]

Biggest as in "On no they DIDN'T!?!?!?" or biggest as in the number of zeros to the left of the decimal point?

For the first one, this one still has a huge WTF??? factor in my mind:

http://www.cnsnews.com/node/75198

[R J]

The 1st place I'd start is the Obama's personal staff.
Then I'd turn all the czar's out to pasture.
Then cut the use of Air Force 1 for these damn vacation trips.

I'd then turn to these Legislators salary after leaving office.

Put all the Congress & others into the Social Security, Medicare and etc.

That would be the 1st dent I'd start with.

I think it is called FAT.

Then I'd cut a lot of this firkin foreign aid to hostile countries.

That should put a rather large dent in the deficit.

[PAVALKER]

Iraq war anybody? I mean it should be a no-brainer for anyone (ironically) with a brain...

Some might think that an obvious one.   However... considering the economy, the way it was the last few years (knowing they had a better picture of it up there on the throne) and is now, I would say that is keeping the American Fighting Force "employed" and money/economy flowing to some degree at least.  But if you would rather them all come home and slide in the employment application and unemployment lines  in an already reduced job market and skew the governments figures even more..... making Obama look even worse.... sure.... bring em all home and turn out the lights over there.  

There are reduction in force/manpower drawdown efforts already in the works now, so some will be joining those lines anyhow.  The unemployment figures don't/won't show the ones that have been unemployed for so long and no longer eligible to collect unemployment compensation, so adding a few more to the mix slowly but surely won't be too obvious..... but bring em all back and Whoa...  it would not be pretty.

Sarcasm /humor intended.....

[PAVALKER]

Biggest as in "On no they DIDN'T!?!?!?" or biggest as in the number of zeros to the left of the decimal point?

For the first one, this one still has a huge WTF??? factor in my mind:

http://www.cnsnews.com/node/75198

Might not have been too bad had Americans vice Africans been taught how to wash themselves eh?  Any money going overseas (regardless of race/religion/gender etc) for stuff like that is... yea it's downright waste.... ridiculous waste of taxpayer monies actually.  I'd rather redirect that money to border patrol funding....   

[Jabba]

My opinion of this is the structure of the government.  Big on top... smaller toward the bottom.  Like an inverted pyramid.  The Fed collects the $$ and then we have to beg for it back.  Then we treat the beggars (congressmen) like hero's if they get SOME of what we paid back.

Then the local governments have to beg for some of THEIR money from the state... etc.

All this costs money.  The bureaucracy costs money.  Nannying ourselves costs money.  Medicare abuse.  Medicaid abuse.  Foreign aid to countries that would just as soon kick an American in the nuts. 

FairTax.  If people could face how much they pay in taxes, I really believe we would hold them to a higher accountability.  Facts is, there is NO WAY to know how much you pay in taxes... which is EXACTLY how they WANT it.

Jabba

[Chrisj CMA]

Probably financial aid to countries that dont like us and then the paychecks of the 40 or 50 paid assistants to the first lady.  Yes she pays someone(s) to make her look like a clown

[x]

The 1st place I'd start is the Obama's personal staff.
Then I'd turn all the czar's out to pasture.
Then cut the use of Air Force 1 for these damn vacation trips.

I'd then turn to these Legislators salary after leaving office.

Put all the Congress & others into the Social Security, Medicare and etc.

That would be the 1st dent I'd start with.

I think it is called FAT.

Then I'd cut a lot of this firkin foreign aid to hostile countries.

That should put a rather large dent in the deficit.

Your ideas would make virtually no difference in the deficit, no where near a 'large dent'.

Check out the NY Times interactive budget chart.  Your proposals fall far short of what is needed to do something about the deficit.  A comprehensive plan needs to include tax increases.

Cheers.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/02/01/us/budget.html

[fast black]

ditto rodeo1

[Chrisj CMA]

The 1st place I'd start is the Obama's personal staff.
Then I'd turn all the czar's out to pasture.
Then cut the use of Air Force 1 for these damn vacation trips.

I'd then turn to these Legislators salary after leaving office.

Put all the Congress & others into the Social Security, Medicare and etc.

That would be the 1st dent I'd start with.

I think it is called FAT.

Then I'd cut a lot of this firkin foreign aid to hostile countries.

That should put a rather large dent in the deficit.

Your ideas would make virtually no difference in the deficit, no where near a 'large dent'.

Check out the NY Times interactive budget chart.  Your proposals fall far short of what is needed to do something about the deficit.  A comprehensive plan needs to include tax increases.

Cheers.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/02/01/us/budget.html

I agree any of these ideas make little difference to 14 trillion dollars.

BUT! all of them working together over time will be the answer...ALL of them

Smaller government
reduce waste and fraud
stop sending money to people that hate us
stop paying for services to people that are here illegally
get out of wars that are none of our business
reduce the pay and retirement benifits for all government SERVANTS (if they dont like it we can find ones that do)
Kill Obamacare
torte reform now

The list is long of those things that wont make any difference BY THEMSELVES


I havent seen one suggestion yet that shouldnt be considered part of the fix.

[The Anvil]

Iraq war anybody? I mean it should be a no-brainer for anyone (ironically) with a brain...

Some might think that an obvious one.   However... considering the economy, the way it was the last few years (knowing they had a better picture of it up there on the throne) and is now, I would say that is keeping the American Fighting Force "employed" and money/economy flowing to some degree at least.  But if you would rather them all come home and slide in the employment application and unemployment lines  in an already reduced job market and skew the governments figures even more..... making Obama look even worse.... sure.... bring em all home and turn out the lights over there.  

There are reduction in force/manpower drawdown efforts already in the works now, so some will be joining those lines anyhow.  The unemployment figures don't/won't show the ones that have been unemployed for so long and no longer eligible to collect unemployment compensation, so adding a few more to the mix slowly but surely won't be too obvious..... but bring em all back and Whoa...  it would not be pretty.

Sarcasm /humor intended.....

Interesting angle. But I would argue that had we never engaged in Iraq and focused on the mission in Afghanistan then the primary goals of killing bin Laden, and smashing Al Qaeda and the Taliban would have been accomplished years ago and we wouldn't be looking at the deficit we are now. The bailouts that everyone loves to whine about are nothing compared to keeping a war going, nevermind two. So the situation might very well be different right now. In fact, we probably wouldn't even have Obama for a President.

And nevermind the MONEY. In the course of wasting trillions of dollars it we've also lost thousands of America's best young men and women. Money can be replaced. Those lives cannot. Now look at the men and women missing body parts and sanity that will carry on long after the war is over. Do you know why the amount of dead from the Iraq war is so much less than the total from Vietnam? It's not because we were so much better at it. It's because of body armor and equipment and combat theater treatment techniques. What would have been the dead are now the crippled and horrifically maimed. Their lives may get easier as they adapt to their missing body parts and the pain may ease as the wounds heal but they'll always have the scars, physical and emotional. But their care is going to have to be paid for too.

Also, the cost of the war has had a direct effect on our defense industry. While we're pumping out ordnance and UAV's our lead in next gen military hardware development and procurement has taken a major hit because investment funding has been decimated by exorbitant operating costs.

This is gonna be the gift that keeps on giving for many years to come and the lack of outrage over this and the misplaced anger over other things that will be far less damaging in the long view is very telling.

[G-Man]

How about people actually paying THEIR taxes!!!

Ever watch daytime TV and see all the commercials from accounting firms that "guarantee" to lessen the taxes you owe, that you never paid to begin with.  Not only should they pay their taxes, they should have to pay the penalty as well.

I know their are circumstances at times where one might not be able to pay, or pay on time, but they should have to be proactive and notify the IRS of payment delays before their due dates, and depending on the amount that will be delayed, a penalty should be applied.  The more money you owe, the higher the penalty, not the other way around.

And they also need to do away with 50% or so of the working population that pays no taxes.  EVERYONE should have to contribute, regardless of how little they make.  Only then will EVERYONE have a stake in what's going on in our country financially.  When I was a teenager and young adult, making minimum or a little better, I PAID TAXES.  I even owed taxes several years due to not enough being withheld from my paycheck.  When did this change?

[hubcapsc]

A comprehensive plan needs to include tax increases.

I agree with SE... but it needs to be voluntary... him and all his buddies would
trip over themselves sending in extra money to save the country...

-Mike "oh... I guess not..."

[hubcapsc]

Ever watch daytime TV and see all the commercials from accounting firms that "guarantee" to lessen the taxes you owe, that you never paid to begin with.  Not only should they pay their taxes, they should have to pay the penalty as well.

If I could use tax laws to legally pay no taxes, I would do it.

There's shouldn't be a way to use tax laws to legally pay no taxes. Roads don't
pave themselves.

-Mike

[bscrive]

Up here in Canada we should kill the money they spend on official bilingualism.  No one really knows how much is spent each year but it is about 1.8 billion each year for a country of 33 million.  We get no return for the money except to give the illusion that everyone speaks both english and french in Canada.  These days I think there are more people in Canada that speak mandarin than french, especially if you are west of Quebec.

[G-Man]

How about this little nit picky one:

Got a call and it was a recorded message from the county clerk asking if I was in need of a passport, then went on to give instructions on how and where to apply for one.  How many hundred thousands did this one cost?  I bet some secretary, who's job it is to answer phones and questions, got a dozen calls over a two month period and bitched that it wasn't her job to tell people where to go for a passport.

[solo1]

What is the biggest waste in government spending?  All of it! 

Second question.  Who does the most with our tax dollars?  Our SMALL local government.  Small cities like mine, New Haven, In. are doing their best to make do with the reduced tax dollars.  Local small town government is closest to the people and, as a required neccessity, listen.

Imho, the Fed government is no longer answering to the people. Bureaucracy, highly paid career politicians, special interests groups, The Party first attitude,  and power grabbers do as they want, our Constitution means nothing!

[PAVALKER]

Iraq war anybody? I mean it should be a no-brainer for anyone (ironically) with a brain...

Some might think that an obvious one.   However... considering the economy, the way it was the last few years (knowing they had a better picture of it up there on the throne) and is now, I would say that is keeping the American Fighting Force "employed" and money/economy flowing to some degree at least.  But if you would rather them all come home and slide in the employment application and unemployment lines  in an already reduced job market and skew the governments figures even more..... making Obama look even worse.... sure.... bring em all home and turn out the lights over there.  

There are reduction in force/manpower drawdown efforts already in the works now, so some will be joining those lines anyhow.  The unemployment figures don't/won't show the ones that have been unemployed for so long and no longer eligible to collect unemployment compensation, so adding a few more to the mix slowly but surely won't be too obvious..... but bring em all back and Whoa...  it would not be pretty.

Sarcasm /humor intended.....

Interesting angle. But I would argue that had we never engaged in Iraq and focused on the mission in Afghanistan then the primary goals of killing bin Laden, and smashing Al Qaeda and the Taliban would have been accomplished years ago and we wouldn't be looking at the deficit we are now. The bailouts that everyone loves to whine about are nothing compared to keeping a war going, nevermind two. So the situation might very well be different right now. In fact, we probably wouldn't even have Obama for a President.

And nevermind the MONEY. In the course of wasting trillions of dollars it we've also lost thousands of America's best young men and women. Money can be replaced. Those lives cannot. Now look at the men and women missing body parts and sanity that will carry on long after the war is over. Do you know why the amount of dead from the Iraq war is so much less than the total from Vietnam? It's not because we were so much better at it. It's because of body armor and equipment and combat theater treatment techniques. What would have been the dead are now the crippled and horrifically maimed. Their lives may get easier as they adapt to their missing body parts and the pain may ease as the wounds heal but they'll always have the scars, physical and emotional. But their care is going to have to be paid for too.

Also, the cost of the war has had a direct effect on our defense industry. While we're pumping out ordnance and UAV's our lead in next gen military hardware development and procurement has taken a major hit because investment funding has been decimated by exorbitant operating costs.

This is gonna be the gift that keeps on giving for many years to come and the lack of outrage over this and the misplaced anger over other things that will be far less damaging in the long view is very telling.

Ok... I get it... you are against the Wars and think it is too expensive.   I'm not pro war mind you, but am pro military obviously.  Loss of life is an unfortunate cost of war... but when just the city of Chicago has a higher US casualty or death rate than Iraq, maybe we should be redirecting that body armor and such to Chicago and other US cities when the troops come back?   Contrary to your statement.... Lives are replaced, every day as a matter of fact..... if not we would have ceased to exist with all the loss of life in the previous wars, natural loss, accidents and murders here.    War does create jobs tho, at a price,.... those serving in the military are employed, those providing services, beans and bullets are also being employed and not in an unemployment or application lines.   Not saying the wars are a good thing, they have their time and place and should be as short lived as possible IMO, more like a job or task than a career.  But sometimes those guys in government aren't smart enough or  just love to do the wrong thing.  I do believe they look at economy/employment stats etc, when making some of those decisions too (right or wrong).  

There are many things we pay for that we shouldn't, individually they might not be a significant blip on the Radar Screen or of concern to many, with so many other issues at hand ...... however when taken as a whole it's a big chunk out of the budget and should be looked at being eliminated.  A penny on the ground might not seem like much, but pick all the loose change up that you see and put it in a bottle with the change that I and others collect.... and soon it amounts to a good bit.

[ValhallaIamComing]

In National politics, it is a given that you must already be rich to run... so I agree with many folks here.  Lets make ALL Federal political positions, including the President, a pro bono salaryless job!  Then let's limit all political positions to just one term in office... you get 4 years and that's it!  No more pandering for votes and ignoring the country's needs in favor of personal political gain, not to mention the blow it would deal to PACs and special interest groups!  A complete end to "career politicians!"

[designer]

Iraq war anybody? I mean it should be a no-brainer for anyone (ironically) with a brain...

Some might think that an obvious one.   However... considering the economy, the way it was the last few years (knowing they had a better picture of it up there on the throne) and is now, I would say that is keeping the American Fighting Force "employed" and money/economy flowing to some degree at least.  But if you would rather them all come home and slide in the employment application and unemployment lines  in an already reduced job market and skew the governments figures even more..... making Obama look even worse.... sure.... bring em all home and turn out the lights over there.   

There are reduction in force/manpower drawdown efforts already in the works now, so some will be joining those lines anyhow.  The unemployment figures don't/won't show the ones that have been unemployed for so long and no longer eligible to collect unemployment compensation, so adding a few more to the mix slowly but surely won't be too obvious..... but bring em all back and Whoa...  it would not be pretty.

Sarcasm /humor intended.....

Interesting angle. But I would argue that had we never engaged in Iraq and focused on the mission in Afghanistan then the primary goals of killing bin Laden, and smashing Al Qaeda and the Taliban would have been accomplished years ago and we wouldn't be looking at the deficit we are now. The bailouts that everyone loves to whine about are nothing compared to keeping a war going, nevermind two. So the situation might very well be different right now. In fact, we probably wouldn't even have Obama for a President.

And nevermind the MONEY. In the course of wasting trillions of dollars it we've also lost thousands of America's best young men and women. Money can be replaced. Those lives cannot. Now look at the men and women missing body parts and sanity that will carry on long after the war is over. Do you know why the amount of dead from the Iraq war is so much less than the total from Vietnam? It's not because we were so much better at it. It's because of body armor and equipment and combat theater treatment techniques. What would have been the dead are now the crippled and horrifically maimed. Their lives may get easier as they adapt to their missing body parts and the pain may ease as the wounds heal but they'll always have the scars, physical and emotional. But their care is going to have to be paid for too.

Also, the cost of the war has had a direct effect on our defense industry. While we're pumping out ordnance and UAV's our lead in next gen military hardware development and procurement has taken a major hit because investment funding has been decimated by exorbitant operating costs.

This is gonna be the gift that keeps on giving for many years to come and the lack of outrage over this and the misplaced anger over other things that will be far less damaging in the long view is very telling.

Ok... I get it... you are against the Wars and think it is too expensive.   I'm not pro war mind you, but am pro military obviously.  Loss of life is an unfortunate cost of war... but when just the city of Chicago has a higher US casualty or death rate than Iraq, maybe we should be redirecting that body armor and such to Chicago and other US cities when the troops come back?   Contrary to your statement.... Lives are replaced, every day as a matter of fact..... if not we would have ceased to exist with all the loss of life in the previous wars, natural loss, accidents and murders here.    War does create jobs tho, at a price,.... those serving in the military are employed, those providing services, beans and bullets are also being employed and not in an unemployment or application lines.   Not saying the wars are a good thing, they have their time and place and should be as short lived as possible IMO, more like a job or task than a career.  But sometimes those guys in government aren't smart enough or  just love to do the wrong thing.  I do believe they look at economy/employment stats etc, when making some of those decisions too (right or wrong). 

There are many things we pay for that we shouldn't, individually they might not be a significant blip on the Radar Screen or of concern to many, with so many other issues at hand ...... however when taken as a whole it's a big chunk out of the budget and should be looked at being eliminated.  A penny on the ground might not seem like much, but pick all the loose change up that you see and put it in a bottle with the change that I and others collect.... and soon it amounts to a good bit.

Interesting string, but if your baseing your opinions on what the media has allowed you to know then I would just leave this converstion closed as far as the Iraq war goes.  Your not well informed on what was going on there and what good we did.  I don't think most people know the actual mission other then WMD. 

The article is really one sided... "payoff"?  really?!  I recall a reconciliation act that was more like a small business grant to get jobs started, inturn local communitys were able to develop police and private security firms to secure routes.  Since thier culture isn't like ours it more like dealing with the teamsters or long shoremen... I don't see anyone yelling they are taking payoff for working the dock for military contracts. 

Sorry, Please feel free to voice your opinion, I forgot for a moment what country I was in.....   

As for wasted tax dollars, Ethanol would be one I think is crazy.

[The Anvil]

Ok... I get it... you are against the Wars and think it is too expensive.

I'm not against the wars. I'm against the war in Iraq. The war in Afghanistan was justified. The reason why Afghanistan is relevant to the cost argument is simply because had we never engaged in Iraq and focused our might and effort on the just war then it would have been over years ago. I'm against involvement in Libya for the same reason that I was against involvement in Iraq; we have no stake there.

Just saying they're "too expensive" is comical understatement.

And when I say that "lives cannot be replaced" it should be obvious that I'm speaking from the perspective of the families that have lost them, not in terms of the human race's ability to multiply.

[The Anvil]

Interesting string, but if your baseing your opinions on what the media has allowed you to know then I would just leave this converstion closed as far as the Iraq war goes.  Your not well informed on what was going on there and what good we did.  I don't think most people know the actual mission other then WMD. 

Exactly what "good" are you talking about?

[Roy]

Thanks for all the ideas.  Will pass along to my Congresswoman...who I'm holding personally responsible for my wifes SS check to arrive on time.

I worked in Law enforcement for ten years and didn't carry a gun while walking the crime laden docks California.  I applaud State Highway Patrolmen and Patrolwomen that ride alone and save the taxpayers Big Bucks.

[G-Man]

Thanks for all the ideas.  Will pass along to my Congresswoman...who I'm holding personally responsible for my wifes SS check to arrive on time.

I wouldn't worry about that.  He was lying through his teeth and just using scare tactics to instill fear on the very ones the libs profess to try and protect.  They've demonstrated over and over again how much the gov't collects in taxes each month and it more than cover S.S., Medicare, Medicaide, and everything VA there is. 

[JimC]

THE IRS
We need to eliminate them and go to a fair or flat consumption tax

Jim

[designer]

Interesting string, but if your baseing your opinions on what the media has allowed you to know then I would just leave this converstion closed as far as the Iraq war goes.  Your not well informed on what was going on there and what good we did.  I don't think most people know the actual mission other then WMD.

Exactly what "good" are you talking about?

Whether in Afghan or Iraq we took the fight to Al Qida.  They have publicly said they would fight us on all front, and even U S if we wouldn't come out to  play.  I can't say for a fact they could of brought a fight to the street of the US, but as open as our borders and I woudln't doubt it. 

I've seen great things in Iraq that noone will ever know about, it wasn't horrible so not news worthy. 

[alph]

my father-in-laws skank girl friend (collects a dissibility check but is completely cabable of sitting infront of a slot machine all day) and my sister-in-law, collects a dissablility check 'cause she lost hearing in her right ear while in the air force.  one of our old employee's, she makes money to pop out babies (welfare) she quite working for us on her 18th birthday cause she made more in welfare (as she declaired it).  

there are a lot of people taking advantage of free government money.  i believe they should all be investigated.

[designer]

my father-in-laws skank girl friend (collects a dissibility check but is completely cabable of sitting infront of a slot machine all day) and my sister-in-law, collects a dissablility check 'cause she lost hearing in her right ear while in the air force.  one of our old employee's, she makes money to pop out babies (welfare) she quite working for us on her 18th birthday cause she made more in welfare (as she declaired it). 

there are a lot of people taking advantage of free government money.  i believe they should all be investigated.

++++++++++++++1

[Bobbo]

my father-in-laws skank girl friend (collects a dissibility check but is completely cabable of sitting infront of a slot machine all day) and my sister-in-law, collects a dissablility check 'cause she lost hearing in her right ear while in the air force.  one of our old employee's, she makes money to pop out babies (welfare) she quite working for us on her 18th birthday cause she made more in welfare (as she declaired it).  

there are a lot of people taking advantage of free government money.  i believe they should all be investigated.

I agree we should find a way to reduce welfare and other government program cheats, but expanding investigators, drug testers, and other policing forces could lead to bureaucracies that might cost even more, and would be harder to get rid of!

[Clark]

The 1st place I'd start is the Obama's personal staff.
Then I'd turn all the czar's out to pasture.
Then cut the use of Air Force 1 for these damn vacation trips.

I'd then turn to these Legislators salary after leaving office.

Put all the Congress & others into the Social Security, Medicare and etc.

That would be the 1st dent I'd start with.

I think it is called FAT.

Then I'd cut a lot of this firkin foreign aid to hostile countries.

That should put a rather large dent in the deficit.

R.J... YER A FRIGGIN JEANIUS.. I LIKE IT

[Brad]

Got a brand spanking new fire station paid for with stimulus money.  It is sitting empty and probably will be forever because the county can't afford to staff or equip it.  They are closing other fire stations and laying off fire fighters to save money.

[Brad]

Your ideas would make virtually no difference in the deficit, no where near a 'large dent'.

I agree that each little idea only saves a very small amount of money....but each penny saved is a penny earned so to speak.  If every American could come up with a way for the government to save or cut a measly $10,000 then we could save/cut 3 trillion from the budget.  I am sure that I could come up with enough ideas to cover my familys $60,000 in savings!  The fire station I quoted earlier was 3 million and a local (for profit) hospital just got a grant from the feds yesterday for 500,000 dollars.  Their profit last year was in the millions.

[TwoDogs]

Most of the federal government. Let's reduce it to the constitutionally mandated Departments of Treasury and Defense, and lose all those bloodsuckers at Education, Energy, Commerce, HUD, EPA..... you get the idea. Can the lot of 'em and turn it over to the states. I think we would find out we could get along just fine without them.