Government run amock!

Dear readers,
welcome to the new Federalist Papers. I look forward to exploring today's important issues with you. I will primarily seek to explore the role of the Federal government in the United States. I will also explore its interaction with the state and local governments.

I will approach the subject by commenting on the more important issues in current events. For purposes of full disclosure, I will begin by stating that I am a Republican. I will however, attempt to be as fair and open as my personal opinion will allow me. I am a Republican because of very strongly held beliefs, not vice versa. I am an attorney and a graduate of SUNY Albany and Fordham University School of Law. I am an immigrant from Eastern Europe.

The most significant issues facing the United States are issues faced by the majority of the civilized world. We are facing a debt crisis that is approaching that of many European countries like Greece and Spain. It is easy to see what the effects are of an out of control debt crisis. If we do not act to control our debt crisis, we will face those same problems.

Treasury Secretary Tim Geitner has informed the Congress that if they do not act soon, the United States will default on some of its debt obligations. The consequences would potentially be dire - Mr. Geitner suggests that we would likely see a double dip recession. I do not doubt that defaulting on our debt must be avoided. However, any increase in the national debt ceiling must be accompanied by a significant plan to reduce debt over the next 10 years. That means, at the very least, a significant cut in spending.

The cuts in spending however must be accompanied by a change in the tax system. It needs to be simplified and we must cut the number of subsidies that we give out. These changes will not be easy. Outside of spending cuts, more radical changes should wait until the country recovers from the recession. More precisely, we must avoid any additional taxes on small and large business at the present to encourage spending in the United States by the private sector.

However, no one party must try to accomplish this goal. Unlike the first 2 years of President Obama's presidency, we must work together as a country. Cooler heads must prevail over fear mongering from political pundits. The system must change to preserve our most precious rights.  

- Publius