This is real general but in the spirit of Refman's post of the public support for tax cuts I wanted to put out three priorities. For the poll pick your #1 priority, but what would be best is if you separately ranked them 1-2-3. Granted I know they are general--and some would say but I want to cut this tax or that one, or cut this federal expenditure but not that one, but I wanted to stay purposely general so that choices are tough. Also, I don't want to get into economic philosophies, they are not set them up as mutually exclusive, simply what are your priorities among them. Another thread can be about the best way to meet those priorities. What would your federal fiscal priorities be for 2003 if you were a congressmen or the president? (rank 1-3, 1 being top priority) a-Cut taxes across the board b-Maintain/increase federal spending (the biggies are social security, defense [military and home], social security, health [medicare, research] and debt interest which is not avoidable) c-Bring in a surplus or at least close the budget deficit as much as possible (to help us reduce national debt to the greatest degree possible)
My priorities would be: 1-c (deficit reduction), 2-b (maintaining spending) & 3-a (the last priority for me would be tax cuts).
1. Tax Cuts 2. Debt Reduction 3. Maitain Spending (actually I would like to reduce spending, but three is the lowest priority)
Wow...good idea. Hopefully this will put the issue to rest. Seriously...thanks for the idea of polling our own little cross-section.
Ref-So far it is tax cuts, I really like to see more people rank the 3 in addition to the poll. Stupid (wow, I never knew I would say that w/o it being an insult)- I think it is reasonable to conclude from you top two priorities you would want to cut federal spending. Across the board cuts in spending or which areas (of the major budget area discussed before) would you want to cut?
Yes..tax cuts are in the lead...but this is just the early returns. For me...its' increase spending (SHORT term - once we are out of the recession reduce spending) and then reducing the debt.
I voted for tax cuts but I really would like to increase defense spending. Since that's the only form of spending I want to increase, I voted for the tax cuts. 1) cut taxes 2) increase defense spending (would be 1 if that was the only form of spending we were talking about) 3) tackle deficit
Well, I am for both an across the board reduction in spending (mostly through the elimination of bureaucracy, but I would target major spending cuts in Social Security (get rid of it, someone is gonna be screwed and the best way IMO, is to just do it quick, like a Band-Aid.), both corporate and social welfare, and health care spending.) Ideally, I would like to have taxes pay only for National Defense and put everything else on a per use basis, but I don't think it is going to happen.
Ok, I only have ranks from me, Ref, Freak, & Stupid. So far we have average rankings of: cutting taxes- 1.5 (highest priority) deficit reduction- 2.25 (tied for lowest) maintain/increase spending -2.25 (same as above) I'll re-rank them, but I like to get more participation: max, RM95, Major, Jorge, Manny, Batman, Jeff, Dimsie, Hayes (where has he been), others with eco/political discussion interests--if you don't mind where do you stand?
Um, no. I pretty sure a multi-millionaire doesn't <B>need</B> and extra million as much as those making $30,000 a year <B>needs</B> an extra $1,000.
It took me a while to decide. I voted to maintain/increase spending. I ranked them 1) Maintain/Increase Spending - A necessary evil for now. Defense is a must, so is Social Security to me. I am also in favor of some sort of healthcare/prescription plan for everyone in America. (Yes I am Republican) 2) Reduce National Debt - This is a must. After we address Social Security/Defense and the economy recovers, we have to shift to paying off the debt. It is not going away. 3) Reduce Taxes - Even though I have already paid over 6700$ in Federal Income Tax, I don't think I need any tax cuts right now besides the Marriage Penalty being removed. I want more done with less, how about a full examination of the budget and let's cut out the fat (Dave style! )
