The Sage Observer

Our Debt Limit

Very soon, our Congress will be back in session and will be discussing the possible extension of our national debt limit. I say to you, we should have no debt limit. None! We should eliminate it and eliminate it now. Lest this cause you to jump up and down and shout, “Goodness, gracious–these people have already spent us to the verge of national bankruptcy. We should keep these people under control–shouldn't we?” Maybe we should, but let’s just slow down and think for a moment. Who is it who is responsible to manage the finances of our nation? Isn't the answer to that question our Congress? Mmmmmmmmm! And we want Congress to control Congress? I know. Congress has already passed a law to control themselves. Now, they are merely discussing the pros and cons of increasing the amount they allow themselves to spend. Oh! I’m glad I said that. I almost forgot. I almost let it slip by. This is money they have already spent. Wow! I need to give myself permission to spend that which I have already spent? Ridiculous! Absolutely ludicrous! And it’s only a game–political chessmanship. I ask you. Do you know how many millions upon millions of dollars and lost man-hours have been spent, wasted, arguing this issue every time it comes up for renewal? In total, since the debt ceiling law was first passed, I would guess that our nation has spent billions of dollars on this ridiculous charade. Think about it. That amount of money would go a long way to decreasing the deficit; now wouldn't it? Did we hire school children to represent us in Congress whom we have to send to the corner for chewing gum in class? Is this the caliper of people running our government? I’ll tell you this. Sometimes, you can’t tell by looking (as someone said).

Our elected government should always have the ability to competently manage the affairs of the people without their hands being unnecessarily “tied behind their backs”. There are times, such as war, catastrophes, etc., when we really need to incur a deficit and, thereby, incur debt. When this happens, it should act accordingly with due prudence; and, with that same prudence, the debt should be repaid as soon as is practicable, thereafter, on a timely basis, effectively maintaining (on an average) a balanced budget. That’s how mature, competent, responsible people (not school children) manage money. Those who do not are irresponsible and unworthy of our trust. Our budget should never be used as a bargaining chip for political ideologies and self-enhancement. Never!

That’s my point of view. What’s yours?

Ronald Miller

mtss86@bellsouth.net