Lower Deficits

An interesting article in CNN-Money, verified by the OMB shows that despite all the back stabbing, complaining, etc, etc, this administration … that includes the congress & senate … have been pretty successful at lowing the deficits from a high in 2009 of 9.8% (1.4 Trillion Dollars) down to 2.8% ( 486 Billion Dollars) for 2014. It obviously wasn’t without some pain with those decreases coming from some large agencies like -5% by the Defense Department, -31% by the Dept of Housing & Urban Development and -34% in unemployment benefits.

While fiscal restraint has fallen out of fashion, the system does seem to be working with lawmakers only passing spending and tax measures that don’t add to the deficit, known as “pay fors”. While it’s good news for the economy, some programs like the Highway Trust Fund are not getting replenished and will eventually become a larger problem, but dispirit times often call for dispirit measures and one thing is for sure … these measures are producing results.

I must admit that in the beginning I was a supporter of this president, put in an inevitable, no-win position, he showed great bravery in his decisions and despite many critics that could only offer criticism and no solutions of their own. Unfortunately, as time has gone on, he has resorted to tactic’s that have proven to be far less than honorable, perhaps even as some have claimed, illegal. His popularity has plunged, but remains well above the rest of the legislature and he keeps fighting, an attribute that history will certainly take note of.

I carefully watch this man and have observed a coolness under fire as though his is the wisdom that comes from knowing. Often I have wondered out loud, if only his greatest critic’s showed such confidence, they too might be more believable but one by one, they shrink in the face of direct examination. All of it reminds me of a quote I heard many years ago, “great men are seldom good men” and I must admit, of those I have known, it is very true.

So, knowing all of this, I carefully examined the numbers. Checked, cross checked and re-checked and despite my best efforts … they come out as reported. I have some doubt that we will see another balanced budget within the span of this administration, but if we should see one in the next decade a great deal of credit must go to this president and the legislature he has so frequently gone to battle with. No one can singularly take credit or blame. They have all fought valiantly; some for the country, some for themselves, but all with the intent of improvement.

Contrary to all the claims, the OMB doesn’t pull punches. Oh sure, we see a lot of people take their figures and present them to support their own position, regardless of how misguided it might be, but if you take the time and examine them for yourself, the truth is there.

The next hat trick is obvious. Keep the country moving forward, get employer’s hiring again and put more and more Americans back to work in meaningful jobs. I for one start a new job on Monday. Not the best job I have ever had, but meaningful and economically reasonable. It has potential and I have a chance to once again make a living wage. I’m not sure if this is the credit of the administration or my own stubbornness but whatever the reason, I am thankful and hope I’ll do a great job for my new boss; most of all I am thankful to still live in a country where the American dream remains reachable … you only have to be willing to stick out your hand and not let go.