How to Reduce the National Debt

Except for a brief period, this county has endured an immense national debt for over 30 years. The money spent on debt service by the federal government is astronomical and it reduces funds available for other needs. It should be a goal of our government to once again reduce the national debt.

Instructions

1. Reduce pork barrel spending. Pork barrel spending is the practice of paying for pet projects for members of congress. Congressmen love to brag about how much money they have brought back to their districts. Many of these projects have no business being included in the federal budget.

2. Modify entitlement programs to reflect modern factors. Entitlement programs are set up for people who automatically qualify to receive money from them. These programs include Medicare/Medicaid and Social Security. These programs make up more than half of the budget. One example of a change that could be made is Social Security has been given to people once the reach the age of 65. Life expectancy has increased significantly since that age was put in place, yet the eligibility level remains at 65 for Social Security. A good way to reduce spending and reduce the national debt would be to extend the age of qualification for Social Security.

3. Raise taxes for the rich and businesses that are making big money. However, if businesses pay more in taxes they charge more for their goods or services. We pay more money for those goods and services and inflation may increase. When inflation increases the budget must grow in make up for it. So the taxes should be raised with an eye towards this precarious balance.

4. Pay attention to waste. Bureaucracies often allow companies to overcharge for mundane items, like those infamous $600 toilet seats. When taxpayers learn that their money is being ill-spent, they should blitz their representatives with letters of protest and threaten to withhold their votes unless the situation is rectified.