[classicman]

Revenue needs to be raised - even if temporarily. Cuts need to be made and they will hurt - No one likes having the bottle taken from them.

Tax increases may or may not be necessary... Removing many of the loopholes that exist in the ridiculous system, many of which are applicable only to the wealthy, would surely make sense.
The Bush tax cuts - need to be modified - I think the $250,000 threshold could be changed to $3,000,000 or even $5,000,000 and still reap the vast majority of the intended purpose.

Corporate taxes need to be adjusted as well. Probably reducing the rates so that more companies will headquarter here again instead of overseas for lower rates. Additionally, the reductions/deductions should be adjusted so that they actually pay - something.

Cutting from defense ... Exactly who are we defending ourselves from, at this point, that warrants this amount of spending?
A good part of this is for many of our "friends" around the world, yes that includes Europe. Sorry we've been playing Daddy for far too many, for far too long. Delete this as well.

Start cutting aid from abroad. We need to take care of our own. Why are we giving money to over 150 other countries when we need it here at home?

Cutting waste and fraud from entitlement programs. Increasing the efficiency and reducing the massive BS that a citizen has to go through to utilize the services as well. I know this is contradictory sounding, but it is insane the levels of crap and the hoops one must go through to actually get the services some of us pay for.

Refund Planned Parenthood. WTF was that about? (excellent points Jill, I totally agree)

That leads me to another thought - EVERYONE MUST PAY - Period. I don't care if you make $10,000 or $10,000,000 - you need to contribute something.

Iraq - we gave you as much, actually more than we could afford. Oh and yeh - we'll be getting some serious discounts on oil, thanks.

I disagree with F&B on medicare - The Docs are getting spit at this point. (10-15 cents on the dollar.) From personal experience, I have yet to find anyone who will accept it. To this point, it has been nothing but a worthless placeholder in my wallet. Further, I suggest that every physician be required to accept a % of or a set number of patients on medicare/aid. This should have been done in the HCRA.

Somehow we need to change the situation so that more people are contributing. Having so many not doing so is unsustainable.

Very good posts/points by both F&B and Jill. I've enjoyed reading them. :bigthumb: