mwdegutis Loc: Illinois

Independent Journal Review
That’s right. The federal government spent $3.45 trillion dollars in fiscal year 2013. That’s a 3…followed by 12 digits: $3,454,253,000,000.

This nearly-unfathomable amount can be broken down into three basic categories:
1. Non-Means-Tested Government Programs
2. Means-Tested Government Programs
3. “Other”

Non-means-tested programs provide benefits regardless of income or net worth, including Social Security and Medicare. Price tag in 2013: $1.4 trillion.

Means-tested benefits are paid to those without income, or income below various thresholds. They include programs like SNAP (food stamps), subsidized housing and Medicaid. 2013 price tag: $608 billion.

The chart at the bottom of this post details the various expenditures in these two categories:

The third category – “Other” – includes expenditures on the military, highways and transportation costs, immigration services and government worker salaries. 2013 price tag: $1.5 trillion.

Incidentally, a ranking Pentagon official wrote last week – based on the findings of a report commissioned by the Defense Department – Barack Obama’s cuts to the military pose a “serious danger” to the United States.

So here’s the question: Are “we” spending wisely?

dennisimoto Loc: Washington State (West)

"Dang!" I had to open this right at supper time! Well, that'll save me some money on food today, couldn't eat now if I wanted to!

pankswife

It upsets me to think social security is listed and considered to be an entitlement. I am conservative and am a Regan admirer BUT Social Security was self supporting before Regan decided the government had a right to use it and was to be reimbursed. Like all things government.......we can kiss that reimbursement goodbye.


euote=mwdegutis]Independent Journal Review
That’s right. The federal government spent $3.45 trillion dollars in fiscal year 2013. That’s a 3…followed by 12 digits: $3,454,253,000,000.

This nearly-unfathomable amount can be broken down into three basic categories:
1. Non-Means-Tested Government Programs
2. Means-Tested Government Programs
3. “Other”

Non-means-tested programs provide benefits regardless of income or net worth, including Social Security and Medicare. Price tag in 2013: $1.4 trillion.

Means-tested benefits are paid to those without income, or income below various thresholds. They include programs like SNAP (food stamps), subsidized housing and Medicaid. 2013 price tag: $608 billion.

The chart at the bottom of this post details the various expenditures in these two categories:

The third category – “Other” – includes expenditures on the military, highways and transportation costs, immigration services and government worker salaries. 2013 price tag: $1.5 trillion.

Incidentally, a ranking Pentagon official wrote last week – based on the findings of a report commissioned by the Defense Department – Barack Obama’s cuts to the military pose a “serious danger” to the United States.

So here’s the question: Are “we” spending wisely?[/quote]

karpenter Loc: Headin' Fer Da Hills !!

Remember Matthew Lesko ??
http://img2-1.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/090414/infomercials/Matthew-Lesko_l.jpg

'Fed's Got MoneyMoneyMoney !! They're Just Giving It Away !!'

stymie

Short answer. NOOO! We cut our military personal and management at our own peril. There are so many other ways to cut the defense budget without destroying continuity. At times I feel that Obama is doing things to harm this country on purpose. If it's not by design then he is patently stupid. He is not stupid; so where does that leave us. I ask myself, did we do this to ourselves not once but twice and will we continue to support this President no matter what. Many here on OPP will and take us right over the cliff. Secondly, we have doubled our deficit since Obama came into office; nuff said. Is there nothing we can do? Oh, I could go on a diatribe there but will spare you. Yes I am totally frustrated but hopefully it will pass when we awake from our coma. Good luck in the future, we are going to need it.

stymie

[quote=pankswife]It upsets me to think social security is listed and considered to be an entitlement. I am conservative and am a Regan admirer BUT Social Security was self supporting before Regan decided the government had a right to use it and was to be reimbursed. Like all things government.......we can kiss that reimbursement goodbye.


Lyndon Johnson was the culprit that took your money not Reagan. Social Security will be there as long as there is a U.S.A. The reason being the government took the money, Yes. However they sold securities to foreign countries to fund same so when they (Foreign Governments) want to cash in the securities to get their money back the government will do the same as they are doing now with Gold and that is to pay back over a LOOONG extended period of their choice. And they say the Banks are crooked; not even close. Ponzi scheme personified!!

Dummy Boy Loc: Michigan

It is going to take our lenders to challenge this government's spending...as any bankruptcy is managed. Triage must be conducted and the politicians and their agendas can stay home. That is the only way.

stymie

You may be on to something there by keeping the politicians on permanent leave so they can't screw things up. BTW, It was late last night when I posted and I meant to say Debt not deficit doubled since Obama's been in office. However, the same holds true for the yearly deficit also.

Dummy Boy Loc: Michigan

right on!