Start targeting government waste

Measured by economic output, Washington’s spending has been higher than at any time since World War II. Revenue is near the lowest in the last 60 years. Our national debt increases at the rate of $40,000 per second. Some die-hard Republicans will not raise taxes, and die-hard Democrats will not reduce spending. Both of these measures are needed to improve our economy.

Congress tells where funds are spent but does not do the job its members were elected to do. One area of gross waste (only one of many) is earmarks, also called pork, through which public funds are allocated for pet projects by members of Congress. Some members have spent millions on senseless projects in their local districts.

When there is corruption at the top it filters rapidly down the line and helps drive the government spending train. This is politically toxic and will continue until voters speak up.

One example of waste is the Rural Utilities Service, included in the agricultural budget. This was established in 1935 to bring electric service to all rural areas, a problem that no longer exists. Private industry can do this at much less cost. This costs over $8 billion dollars per year.

In 1994 the Republicans (Newt Gingrich included) used earmarks to buy and stay in power and Democrats are now doing the same. Efforts by the Republicans in 2011 to limit the earmarks was rejected by the Senate.

The nonprofit group “Citizens Against Government Waste” puts out a “Pig Book” each year citing some of the glaring examples of waste. Much of the above information is in that book. We need strong leadership by the president and both parties. Until voters stop voting for a party and select the best-qualified people, a solution will be hard to come by.

William McNutt

Des Plaines