New Pragmatic Centrist Party?

"Thanks to a quiet political start-up that is now ready to show its hand, a viable, centrist, third presidential ticket, elected by an Internet convention, is going to emerge in 2012. I know it sounds gimmicky — an Internet convention — but an impressive group of frustrated Democrats, Republicans and independents, called Americans Elect, is really serious, and they have thought out this process well. In a few days, Americans Elect will formally submit the 1.6 million signatures it has gathered to get on the presidential ballot in California as part of its unfolding national effort to get on the ballots of all 50 states for 2012."


Steve Friedman writes an interesting column saying that a political party will emerge to nominate and elect centrist candidates.  I don't know if that is correct or not, but I hope it is. Our current political process elects wing nuts on the left and right. They appeal to their base which demands no compromise and no deals.


We need more elected officials in the pragmatic center. We have let the far left and the far right high jack our country.  So I am all for this movement and hope it will go forward.


We elect the government we want and deserve, and we get what we want. How is that working for you so far? Let us hope we can get some competent ethical people in Congress. We must do a better job of picking candidates and elected officials.


Click to read the article

Budget Deficit Deal

I predict our elected officials will reach a deal on the Budget Deficit. It will include some big program cuts and tax increases.


It will not end America as we know it.  Medicare will cover a little less and require higher copayments. The Cost of Living index for Social Security and other Federal pensions will be reduced a little. We will cut back military expenses and welfare. And we will increase taxes.


None of these things are desirable but we have to do it if we want to keep our country solvent. Although you could never tell this from the hand wringing and crying of both the left and right.


Cartoon Source:  http://agoodchoice.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-about-taxing-government-wheres.html

The Chart above shows the spending of the US Government as a percent of GDP over the past 110 years. Government spending became a larger part of our economy for numerous reasons.  A large part of the increase is due to the addition of Social Security, medicare, and medicaid. And part of the increase is due to the need for a ready to fight military..  


Growth relative to GDP actually leveled out and actually dropped a little in the 1990's.  The recent and troubling spike recently is due to the very poorly economy, large stimulus, and an aging population.


http://www.usgovernmentspending.com/us_20th_century_chart.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_spending

First Twitter Presidential Debate

The First Ever Twitter Presidential Debate has occurred. The ultimate in the short and snappy discussion

The debate has concluded. All tweets from the debate are available in time order below, and the most popular tweets from the public are available on the right.

 

126 

Timeline Most Popular

secupp S.E. Cupp (Follow)

Welcome all to the first ever Twitter Pres debate! I want to thank the candidates for participating in this historic moment. @140townhall

 

25 retweets

 6 hours ago

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secupp S.E. Cupp (Follow)

It's an honor to be your moderator today. We'll begin with opening statements. @TeamBachmann, please take the floor. @140townhall

 

8 retweets

 6 hours ago

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TeamBachmann Michele Bachmann (Follow)

.@140townhall TY for this forum.  I'm running 4 POTUS 2 bring the voice of the people back to DC.  That voice requires fundamental changes.

Click to read the entire "debate:

http://140townhall.com/

Bonuses For Billionaires

Pretty funny piece in the NY Times arguing for Bonuses for Billionaires.  It is clear to me that we have to reduce taxes on the wealthy. I feel their pain.

"The first few times I heard House Republicans talk about our budget mess, I worried that they had plunged off the deep end. But as I kept on listening, a buzzer went off in my mind, and I came to understand how much sense the Tea Party caucus makes."

Damon Winter/The New York Times

Nicholas D. Kristof

Click to Read the Article

Are Taxes High or Low? A Further Look

Very interesting article about taxes written by a Conservative. 

By BRUCE BARTLETT

Bruce Bartlett held senior policy roles in the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations and served
on the staffs of Representatives Jack Kemp and Ron Paul.

"A couple of weeks ago, I discussed the low level of federal taxes as a share of the gross domestic product in the United States, both historically and in comparison with other developed economies. I noted that total federal revenue — income, corporate and payroll taxes combined –– has been below 15 percent of gross domestic product for three years in a row, its lowest level since 1950 and well below the postwar average of about 18.5 percent of G.D.P."

"Judging by their comments, a great many readers were incredulous. For years, Republicans have told them over and over again that taxes in the United States are exceptionally high and the primary obstacle to growth, and that a huge tax cut would do more to raise growth than any other policy."

Click to Read more

Economic Development

Our free on line book on City Planning and Economic Development.

http://cityeconomicdevelopment.blogspot.com/


Enjoy.