Per the new York times via the week, 66% of federal and state spending is for social benefits, like social security and unemployment benefits etc. Some people here would think that is about right, but the amazing thing that in 2000, social benefits were only 37% of the budget. Will it continue to increase at this rate and what parts of the budgets will take the hit, military, infrastructure, regulatory? Anyone notice the increase in spending is the same percentage we are adding in debt every year?
Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, just trade-offs.
And I know people want to cut defense spending to help fund social programs. And I'm included in that because there can be more reductions in defense. But since the 1950's defense spending has already been cut from nearly 70% of the budget to about 20% now. You'll need more than just defense cuts to fund the social programs in the future, IMO.
Agree, I am willing to to cut the military, every organization can trim fat. And there should be a peace dividend with the drawdown in Iraq & Afghanistan, but we can't cut the military to the bone.
Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, just trade-offs.
