Democrats could reduce spending, deficit, debt

The enormous issue labeled as the “debt ceiling” has been presented to us in a false way that is characteristic of politics in our time. On one side, Democrats favor paying the debts that the U.S. government has incurred. None of us can get away with not paying our debts without dire consequences, which would be devastating in the U.S. case.

The other side of the debate, where Republicans threaten to vote to default on the debt, if their chosen list of cuts in spending are not passed, is where the confusion exists. This side is a one sided argument that has been successful at scoring partisan political points.

Regarding spending, the Democratic point of view is missing. Really, various Democrats favor things like cutting military spending, cutting fossil fuel subsidies, cutting EQIP subsidies for CAFOs, and ending farm subsidies by restoring adequate price floors and supply management. They also favor raising the minimum wage to a living wage, which would greatly reduce the need for food subsidies. In addition to all of this, Democrats like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren favor making the rich pay a fairer share of taxes, which could greatly reduce taxes for the rest of us. These changes could significantly pay down the deficit and debt, and reduce the needed increases in the debt ceiling.

Paying our debts is the only rational solution. Democrats don’t mention how they also could reduce spending much more rationally and favorably than what the Republicans propose.

Brad Wilson

Springville