Imagine if you will, a friend or relative coming to you to co-sign a personal loan, or guarantee an increase on their credit card. Also imagine that friend or relative received that card less than two years prior. Would you guarantee the increase?
Now suppose that person had become violent or dismissive towards you when you warned him that his spending habits were unsustainable and reckless BEFORE the credit line was maxed out. Further understand that this person wants more credit to continue to spend that money- with no apology or acknowledgement that his irresponsibility has created a financial nightmare for his family and business partners. Would you put your family at risk by guaranteeing this sought after increase? Only a fool would answer in the affirmative.
Now consider the fact that the current administration has spent more money than any administration in American history; a total that rivals all the other administrations in total. Spending so draconian that it created an uprising from citizens who’d been content to lead their own lives; make their livings, and focus on their families and personal pursuits. People who’d voted for the Administration because it promised new financial responsibility. The response? Violence, intimidation tactics; targeted government intimidation and fabricated accusations of bigotry and racism. The analogy of an ungrateful friend or family member really starts to make sense, doesn’t it? MIA could reasonable oppose the raising of the national debt ceiling.
Think of the advice you’d give to someone in a similar situation. “No, I won’t loan you anymore money, no I wont co-sign for you; no I won’t enable you further. The best thing for you is to stop spending, accept a lower debt score for two years, and rebuild your credit as you learn how to better manage your cash flow” is the responsible advice to offer someone in this situation. It makes sense, it’s an accomplishable goal, and it’s the prudent action to take- in spite of the wails from the errant spender!
What are the options?
a) Make a deal with the devil. Ronald Reagan tried this. It kept him from achieving his goal of a balanced budget before the end of his administration. You remember? Democrats convinced him to increase spending modestly so government organizations could spend their way into a state of thriftiness. At the end of the agreement, the money had been wasted, the entities had become more bloated; and the Democrats tried to vilify Reagan as heartless. This is a bad option based on the history of the Democrat Party- a history they continue to represent three decades later.
b) Give the Obamanacs their debt ceiling increase out of fear or intimidation. Not only would this option be a slap in the face of those who gave the Republican Party another chance, but also a daggar in the financial heart of our children and our grandchildren. Two generations already owe these young people apologies for their irresponsibility, their greed, and their willingness to steal money from the unborn, ( almost as bad as murdering them before they’re born, don’t you think?).
c) Position against the irresponsible spending, take control of the budget, (where in the Constitution does one read that the budget originates from the Executive Branch?). Move forward with a plan that redeems the American credit rating. After all, moving from AAA to AA for 2-3 years is far better than unchecked spending that will ultimately make Greece appear the benchmark for fiscal prudence.
Americans are at a place where they’re willing to do with less for a stronger national future. This is the time to cut extraneous programs, downsize others to a size that exemplifies efficiency; and give the nation room to rebuild to a place of superiority.
If someone with a personal situation came to you for financial advice, this would be your recommendation. “You’ve spent money like an ignorant young person who never considered the Visa bill has to get paid. Now you threaten Americans because they want you do what they must do: live within their means. To quote any financial adviser worth their salt: “suck it up, stop complaining; and grow up son”.
You can threaten, you can get angry and pout; ultimately, it’s time you learned to spend reasonably. You’ll thank us for making you do so when you become more mature.
