Budget Woes

Let me first start by saying that numbers are not my thing. Math makes my head hurt. I changed my major to avoid a math class-seriously. But, changing my major is what led me to my career in law, which I love. But, I digress...

I have been reading financial information regarding the national budget, deficit, and debt. How did you know I HAD to read it for an assignment? You do know me well! Anyway, I am amazed at what I have just learned. You know how sometimes you are reading something and it just doesn't agree with you? I'm there. 

I first read the summary prepared by "The Gang of Six" and they had some great ideas, many of which I think are absolutely sustainable, and will save a lot of money. I then read another report, which I can't recall right now-my head hurts from the numbers. At any rate, it was a well written piece and it offered plenty of statistics and history to support the positions. And, much of it was similar to what was in the "Gang of Six" report. Both were quite lengthy. Then comes the Heritage Foundation. A one page presentation is all that they had to offer for their point of view. One page. In one page they completely go against the lengthy pieces that I had just read. And I know from the real life statistics that I just reviewed that most of what they are saying is a bunch of crap. It reads like propaganda and spits facts out, shaping them to the circumstance. 

And I wonder why so many people seem uninformed...this is why! Yes, they have the right to freedom of speech and can say whatever they want. But we as humans have been given the gift of common sense. Don't get your facts from PAC or any other kind of organization...research the issue yourself to learn the facts. If it is worth thinking about, it is worth thinking about fully informed. Plus, it is your duty as a citizen to be fully informed. And for God sake, just because someone sends it to you in an email doesn't make it so. There are people out there with nothing better to do than create chaos and confusion-don't give in to them. The best way to fight chaos and confusion is to be informed. If you don't research it, don't complain about it, and certainly don't attempt to debate the issue. 

Hmmm...maybe I should go back to posting on Facebook for this particular post...I think many people need to hear it.