May 8, 2009

President Obama has proposed spending cuts totaling $17 billion. Has he seen the light? Hardly. Even if every penny of the cuts go through the amount is pocket change compared to his astonishing budget and heavy borrowing. That budget will put America in record debt for as far as the eye can see. And that’s not counting all the new spending that will come with nationalized health care and the retirement of more baby boomers.

Even the media are on to this one. They are referring to the proposed cuts as “minor,” “tiny” and “modest.” It’s less than one-half of one percent of his budget.

The problem is the same here in Britain. A liberal government wants to boost income taxes to fifty percent but without spending reductions. Fortunately, it appears the Conservatives may win an election for the first time in thirteen years, but when liberals are in power they institute programs that are very difficult to cut because of the heavy media support for almost everything liberal government does.

That’s why the emphasis needs to be on spending and self-reliance. It’s an old fashioned value that needs a new-fashioned roll-out.

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.