Most Americans know that our federal spending is a mess. What most of us don't know is why. Nearly two-thirds of the federal budget is allocated to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, other health services, and interest payments on the national debt. Approximately 1/3 is what's called discretionary spending, which is basically everything else.

The Problem:

The federal government is over-spending by about 1/3. By that I mean we would have to cut everything in the budget except Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, to balance the federal budget. We bring in a variable amount every year, but somewhere around 5 Trillion a year, and we spend about 6.8 Trillion a year. In addition, we have a national debt of about 37 Trillion that is increasing by nearly 2 Trillion per year.

One Option:

We simply need to make reductions in Social Security and the other health programs to balance the budget and start paying down the national debt. These social programs could be significantly reduced if they were based on people's income. People with a net value of over a million dollars could live just fine with no Social Security and no Medicare. We need a graduated payment schedule based on net worth for all social programs. Not popular but it needs to be done. My hearing was significantly damaged while in the Army. I get $150 per month based on my hearing loss. I would likely live just the same without this money, but it's offered so I take it. My brother was constantly on patrol in Vietnam and his team's only water source was being sprayed with Agent Orange. As a result, he now has Parkinson's disease. The VA pays him $1600 per month. Does he need it, probably not, but it's offered so he takes it. These social programs are great, but they should be based on real need.

Taxes:

The other option, of course, is to raise taxes, which almost none of us want. The Congressional Budget Office gives congress a list of options every year they could do to reduce spending and increase taxes on select items. Congress almost never takes their professional advice. Nearly all Senators and Congress members try to bring home the bacon for their state or congressional district, so instead of making tough decisions and cutting programs, they continually pay for projects for their constituents. Congressman Simpson is a classic example, giving millions of dollars to the City of Pocatello, the INL, and other communities in his district. It's referred to as buying votes, and it's very effective, if you want to get reelected.

Our Tax Code:

Many countries have a simplified tax code, which is easy to understand, and makes it easy to file their taxes. Some countries even calculate your taxes for you, they simply send you a printout at the end of the year based on your income. You can still contest it, but at least it simplifies paying taxes for most people. And it results in nearly everyone contributing something based on their real income. Our tax code is so complex that it encourages people with the most money to hire tax attorneys to reduce or eliminate their tax commitment.

Trump and Musk:

Now Trump and Musk are taking a meat axe to the budget, cutting entire agencies and reducing federal employees, based on their perceptions of what should be cut. Many of the cuts will eliminate anything to help address the climate crisis, education, the environment and the overall economic and physical health of the nation. Undoubtedly not the best way to reduce spending. We need to remember that Trump cut taxes for upper income people during his first term as president. The national debt increased by 8 Trillion in those four years, thanks in part to that tax cut.

Citizen Responsibility:

We as citizens need to let our Senators and Congressional representatives know our thoughts on how best to solve this federal budget problem. Without citizen input we end up with what we have now, a President and Congress that are basically out of control and accountable to no one, with a national debt that is unsustainable. Approximately two-thirds of the voters in the United States rarely or have never contacted their senator or representative. Democracy requires informed citizens who participate in government. As citizens we should step up and start doing our part, or this country will not survive on the path that we are on now.