Overview
I need assistance with 2 responses to 2 discussion post in my political science class. Thank you.
this is the first discussion
According to the National priorities project (2018), back in 2015, the United States federal government was expected to spend $3.8 trillion dollars. To combat an abundance of unnecessary spending my recommendations for budget cuts would be as follows:
I would first make cuts to the number of nuclear warheads that are kept on hand and end the "Star Wars" missile defense program which would add up to $19 billion. I think there should smaller cap on the number of nuclear warheads that are kept on hand because what type of message are we sending other countries when we try and dictate how many warheads they have while we have just as many or even more.
According to Magstadt (2017), tax loopholes allowing the super-rich to avoid paying millions of dollars in income tax every year have been shifting the overall tax burden downward since the early 1980’s. The next cut I would make would be to end tax cuts for individuals who have a take home income above $250,000 a year, this would save?$54 billion dollars. I would also return the estate tax to Clinton-era levels, passing on an estate worth more than $1 million to their heirs would have portions of those estates taxed this would save $50 billion dollars.
I would also institute a Millionaire's tax on anyone who has an income above $1 million dollars, and this would save $50 billion dollars making taxes fairer for all individuals across the board. I would tax banks based on their sizes and the amount of risk they take which would save $73 billion dollars. This would make banks second guess the high risks activity they take part in. I would cancel or delay some weapons programs; I think there should be a cap on the type and number of weapons that are produced if we are not at war with any country. this would save $19 billion dollars.
I would reduce the overall federal workforce by 10% cutting mostly from the higher-ranking cabinets. I would be less likely to make cuts from postal services, healthcare workers, and lower level positions. This would save $12 billion dollars. I would reduce military to pre-Iraq War size and further reduce troops in Asia and Europe, if we have no immediate plans or threats that would cause us to go to war, I think this would be a necessary cut that would save $25 billion dollars. The last thing I would do is, increase the Medicare eligibility age to 68 years of age. I think we have a duty to take care of our citizens only if they put forth the energy to work throughout their lifetime. So for the individuals who never worked and expected to receive a government handout their entire life I would say they don’t qualify. This would save $8 billion dollars.
Reference
Budget Process: Federal Budget 101” (2018). Retrieved from https://www.nationalpriorities.org/budget-basics/f...
Magstadt, T. M. (2017). Understanding politics: Ideas, institutions, and issues (12th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.
This is the second discussion post
Republicans are known to be conservative, Democrats the opposite, liberal. They make up the two party system of the United States.
Conservatives support less regulation, lower taxes, and support private business. Government should spend less and tax less. They support a strong military and the second amendment. Conservatives feel individuals should manage their own life and the government enforces law and order.
Liberals believe the government should be more involved, managing healthcare, and other services. They would like to see higher taxes to support this type of government. They believe the government should support low income individuals and sick individuals and provide income for them. They believe the Government should take care of everyone, and support and help the people that need assistance. (Magstadt, 2017)
When developing the budget for the United States, there is usually resistance on both sides. Democrats want tax cuts for the poor, Republicans want higher taxes and spending cuts. Conservatives support free markets, deregulation and balanced budgets. Liberals support deficit spending, wealth redistribution and regulations to protect consumers and environment. The Democrats and Republicans conflict over the way money is to be spent vs the actual budget. (Magstadt, 2017)
Republicans want money for military and defense, Democrats want money for social services in the United States, providing income and healthcare for the poorer populations.
As recently as June 2019, Wasson and Fitzpatrick (2019) reports that the Republicans are demanding more money for defense, Democrats want other government spending. A one year extension was offered, both parties did not agree. Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the house, said that they will raise the debt ceiling.
Sometimes it is a wonder that anything gets accomplished
thank you, Jennifer
References:
Magstadt, T. M. (2017). Understanding politics: Ideas, institutions, and issues (12th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage
Wasson, E., & Government, Jack Fitzpatrick (Bloomberg. (2019). Budget Talks Stall as Democrats Seek More Government Spending. Bloomberg.Com, N.PAG. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.chamberlainuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=heh&AN=137546768&site=eds-live&scope=site