Addictions

There are many types of addictions. Some, the most commonly known, are those involving drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, etc. I suppose there can be exercise addictions, when people get up at 3 AM to run or bike, have rotten dispositions if they don't exercise, etc.

I read an interesting view today. The spending coming out of Washington (and many state capitals) is an addiction. Congress, the President, state legislatures and governors, have become addicted to spending--and spending other people's money! In turn, many others who receive other people's money, for doing nothing, have become addicted to these gov't handouts.

What's the cure? Is it to let the drunk loose in a bar, without having to pay for drinks? Is it to let the drunk loose in a bar, giving him a tab that will be paid by someone else?

What are the odds that Congress will cut spending, esp if the Reps don't win a sizable majority in both houses this fall...if the Reps who are elected act like the Reps of the Bush years? The plan, apparently, is now to make some superficial cuts and then raise taxes. Surely, to win voters' support, the Dems will go along with that--very superficial cuts. What about the Reps? Are they also addicted to spending other people's money? They have been.

I keep thinking about that Dem boob from NY who said, "Americans who live in this country [of course, that's why they're 'Americans'] should be more than willing to pay for the privilege of living in the greatest country...." First, it's not a "privilege" for US citizens to live here. Second, we don't have to pay dues to live here. Third, it's not spending per se, but it's the amount and the silly and wasteful programs. And....

I know I talked with a number of administrators in the local school district over the years about the bloated budget. Of course, their first comment was an almost condescending, "Where would you cut?" I would cite my 25 or 30 or more years in the district and ask for a copy of the budget and I'd make cuts all over the place. Ha Ha--the first might well be with administrators. I'd either cut the number of them or slash their pay! The same would go for state and federal budgets.

Yes, as the columnist wrote, "Washinton can't cure itself of [its] spending addiction." But, as usual, far too many of us just sit here in silence.