This reply should be downvoted into gray. It includes a direct insult, and strong claims with no proof behind them. There is no logic in this post, only pure bitter emotion.
I believe in the principles involved in austerity, but would argue that those using that word in government are "doing it wrong".
- Do you believe the government is inefficient with its money? ( public school system)
- Do you believe that the government has its hands in too many pies and should be doing less? (NSA)
- Do you approve of the cost of the ACA website? What about the value we're getting for our money?
- How about Mr Presidents Million dollar golf trips while he shuts down the White House?
- How much good could be done with the $420 billion in interest payment we paid last year alone on our debt [1]?
There are many reasons to try to be more efficient/austere with our money. I personally strive to be debt free and self sufficient, and I would like my country to be the same. I don't think the power our foreign lenders have over us is a good thing.
I gave you an upvote even though you're factually wrong/misguided, because you don't deserve to be in the gray.
> I personally strive to be debt free and self sufficient, and I would like my country to be the same.
First of all, you are conflating country and government. Most of a government's debt is typically held by the country's citizen, so government debt is in fact private wealth.
Second, think about why you strive to be debt free and self sufficient, and then think about whether the same logic applies to a government that issues its own currency and is indebted only in that currency. A government that is monetarily sovereign is subject to different rules than private households and must therefore follow different strategies.
If you transfer the guidelines you have developed for your own personal dealings directly onto the government, you're making a mistake. It may feel good and morally right, but it's still wrong from a logical and rational perspective.
I believe in the principles involved in austerity, but would argue that those using that word in government are "doing it wrong".
- Do you believe the government is inefficient with its money? ( public school system) - Do you believe that the government has its hands in too many pies and should be doing less? (NSA) - Do you approve of the cost of the ACA website? What about the value we're getting for our money? - How about Mr Presidents Million dollar golf trips while he shuts down the White House? - How much good could be done with the $420 billion in interest payment we paid last year alone on our debt [1]?
There are many reasons to try to be more efficient/austere with our money. I personally strive to be debt free and self sufficient, and I would like my country to be the same. I don't think the power our foreign lenders have over us is a good thing.
[1] - http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2013/10/09/5-facts-abou...