Sense on Cents

Recent polls regarding confidence in our public officials in Washington are at historic lows and with the can having been kicked down the road for only 3 to 4 months, I do not see those polling figures improving anytime soon.

If those in Washington on both sides of the aisle actually care about the public interest and the need for an adult dialogue, they may want to start by addressing the points raised by David Malpass. His recent commentary is overflowing with a host of basic principles of real sense on cents.

At its core, the shutdown is part of a much bigger battle to restrain the federal government. It is spending $3.6 trillion per year without a budget, and its expenditures are expected to increase rapidly in the years ahead.

Meanwhile, the government has piled up $17 trillion in debt and $60 trillion more in unfunded spending promises. The Federal Reserve will borrow $1.1 trillion in 2013 alone to buy bonds—and it reserves the right to borrow unlimited amounts for future bond purchases without congressional or presidential permission. (more…)