OPINION:
Our federal government just ended its fiscal year with a $1.8 trillion deficit. Keep in mind that each trillion equals 1,000 billion, while every billion equals 1,000 million. Also keep in mind that our current total national debt is nearly $38 trillion, which represents more the $100,000 of debt for every man, woman and child in the country.
I don’t understand why we, as American citizens, don’t insist that Congress do its job. Its main job is to manage the federal budget. The gargantuan size of our current federal debt is the clearest indication possible that Congress hasn’t done the job we’re paying it for in a very long time.
Meanwhile, we continue to reelect these jokers and send them back to Congress, where they continue to pretend our problems are too complex to be addressed. Instead of working together to devise solutions, they use our tax dollars to make us more dependent on them and ensure their own jobs. They point fingers at one another while nothing is done. Then, when enough of us finally got behind a man who believes his own promises and is making a real effort to solve problems, most of Congress is doing everything possible to stop him.
Change is hard in the very best circumstances. Change after we have allowed our government to lead our country to the very brink of bankruptcy will necessarily be very painful. The cuts implemented by the Department of Government Efficiency are a very good start, but they are only that: a start.
Although real change will require a cultural shift, we must first insist that our elected representatives do their job. They must work with one another and the president to develop solutions. Those will undoubtedly include returning a lot of power and responsibility to the states.
Most important, Congress must stop its deficit spending and balance the federal budget. Anyone who can’t do that most basic job should be replaced in 2026 by someone who will.
KATHY DEMAY
Knightdale, North Carolina
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