The Washington Two-Step

Can you dance? One needs to when One thinks to operate in the Beltway. Bush criticizes Congressional earmarks, and Congress complains that the Bush administration uses as many earmarks; they are only better hidden in the Budget. The American Taxpayers must face the fact that both assertions are quite correct. Bush gives Us our first $3 trillion Budget, with a hoped Deficit of only $400+ billion. Congress, left to their devices, would traditionally cut about 4% of the Budget, and add on an accruemental 11% to the proposed Budget. Both will claim the fault lies with the other Branch of Government, and rigorous pursuit of their own agendas would result in fiscal conservatism. A Trade Secret: There has not been a fiscal Conservative in Washington since the Kennedy inauguration.

How could Anyone possibly control the Budget which is so large that it will not even be commented on by Experts on the Budget, once they leave their specialized areas? There is only one method which will work, and then to accomplish anything requires the passage of a Constitutional amendment. Here is the context of the amendment, which must eventually be passed:

Congress must set the level of Government Expenditures each Budget Year with the receipt of the Presidential Budget Request for the Year. They cannot entertain any other measure before it until this level is set by law–through passage by Congress and signature by President. Upon passage of the Budget Limit, Congress and President can determine what Expenditures it would provide for the Year, with proper Congressional passage and Presidential signature. Under no circumstances can federal expenditures exceed the Budget Limit, except in the Case of a passed Declaration of War, and then such Budget excess will be authorized for only one Period of Six months duration.

Does it sound Draconian? It is meant to be harsh and disciplinary. Elements of Variable Cost can be accounted to a set-aside Fund, called possibly the Acts of God Fund (Constitutional issue with Separation of Church and State), could provide the requisite funds for unexpected Costs; but only within the greater Budget. Will it work? Who knows and Who cares; it will surely embarrass the Politicians, at least provisioning Entertainment to the masses. lgl