What is the hardest job in government? Answer: cutting spending.

In 1963, the federal government spent $100 billion annually. There was a small deficit. Today, the federal budget is $3.5 trillion — a 35-fold increase. And the current budget has a $1 trilion deficit.

In 1963, a salary of $10,000 a year was reasonable. If one’s 1963 salary of $10,000 went up 35 times, today the comparable salary would be $350,000.
Most people in America don’t make $350,000 a year.

The time has come to have a Constitutional Amendment that will demand a balanced budget and will allow only a 1% increase in spending per year. The penalty for any elected federal official who breaches these conditions should be a mandatory 5 years in jail.

America is spending its way to bankruptcy. The Republicans and the Democrats offer no solututions.

The time has come for a peaceful citizen’s uprising. The time has also come for new political parties — parties pledged to fiscal integrity.

Americans can do what’s needed. No one should ever underestimate the power of citizens who live in a democracy.

Richard Colman
Orinda, CA
March 11, 2009