Living Beyond Our Means
I was contemplating what to write this week when I read a column by George Will. I almost always agree with his commentary, but, at the same time, sometimes it’s a struggle to follow. I’m not sure his mind works on the same plane as most of ours, and I mean that as a compliment to him.
In his column, he is pretty clear as he writes about the “fiscal foolishness” in the Illinois government. With no real surprise, the fiscal problems arise from government spending more money than they take in. Not for just a couple of years, but according to his column, the state hasn’t had a balanced budget in 25 years – even though their state constitution requires it.
Of course, again according to him, “Illinois Democrats are selective constitutionalists: They will die defending the constitution’s provision that says no government pension can be ‘diminished or impaired.’” I’m not here to slam government pensions but rather to highlight a government that continues to outspend its income every year for the last 25 years without addressing the underlying problems.
The same is happening year in and year out with our federal government. I find it extremely hypocritical that candidate Barack Obama in 2008 called President Bush “irresponsible” and “unpatriotic” when he added $4 trillion dollars to the national debt during his eight years in office.
But President Obama has added $10 trillion to the debt during his tenure . Does that mean he thinks what he has done is irresponsible and unpatriotic? I’m pretty sure he doesn’t, and I’m also pretty sure that somehow he (and other liberals) could find a way to blame George W. for that additional $10 trillion increase.
I read something the other day that said we live in a country where everyone thinks they have a right but no one thinks they have a responsibility. Of course that is an over-generalization, but it’s pretty close to the mark. We live in a society where far too many call anything they want a “right,” yet don’t think they have any personal responsibility – it’s always someone else’s problem.
Well, there is that little thing called elections where the voters are supposed to hold their elected representatives accountable by voting out people who aren’t doing their job. However, the liberals figured out a long time ago that the more you give people, the more likely they are to keep you in office so they can keep getting more “free” money from the government.
Any time any politician talks about cutting government spending, they hit a brick wall with many voters. Even staunch conservatives will sometimes complain if someone suggests cutting back on a program that they think is good. But most conservatives understand that not all government spending is good and think that we need to make decisions on which ones work — while most liberals think all government spending is good and should be increased. In fact, they usually promote more spending as an economic incentive – even though often it is just using tax dollars to manage programs that spend more tax dollars.
We have been blessed in Missouri that we are required by our state constitution to have a balanced budget and we actually follow that constitution. Unfortunately, what will end up eventually happening is that we will be paying for another state’s excessive spending when the federal government (with our tax dollars) comes to the rescue of Illinois or California or some other state that won’t live within its means.
Now, let me be very, very clear on this point lest someone say I am against Social Security and Medicare: These programs are not entitlements. They have been paid for by those who have worked for the benefits. The real problem with them is that politicians have not been able to keep their hands off the funds – but that is another column all in itself.
At some point in time, this country will pay for its overspending. That is inevitable, but it will be interesting who will be blamed for the fall. I guess it depends on whether you are the candidate or the one in office.
On a personal note, Melody and I recently celebrated 38 years of marriage. When Leon Riddle married us, we said we would stay together for better or for worse and in sickness and in health. I can say that the last four decades have been some of both – especially the last couple of years. But God gave me the perfect companion for the journey, and I thank Him for that. Happy Anniversary to my best friend.