Your US National Budget Plan.

[Divair]

I kind of saw the rest of your responses coming from a mile away, but I'd like to discuss this one further. Do you have another model in mind?

Oh, well first, I meant "ideal," not "idea." But also, now looking at my response again, "model" isn't a great word either. Because if the "model" is simply having a national health care system, I'm all for it. My issue is more the implementation.

Canada's health care system, due to a number of minute details, is a bad example of national health care because it has a lot of problems. That's why it is the third rail in Canadian politics - politicians are sometimes worried to mention the issues because they think it makes the idea of national health care lose legitimacy.

As a result, Canada has proudly tried to paint its health care system as flawless even as it deals with issues such as access, wait times, and a shortage of able and willing doctors. Canada could reform these things but instead chooses to assume that "we already have the right model, so it will work itself out."

Better examples to strive for are France, Austria, Spain, and maybe even Japan.

Ah. Yes, I agree that on specific details, we're better off looking at France. The reason I mention Canada is because it's probably the best federal healthcare system. The other countries aren't federations, you see.

[Post-Keynesian Economics]

Oh, well first, I meant "ideal," not "idea." But also, now looking at my response again, "model" isn't a great word either. Because if the "model" is simply having a national health care system, I'm all for it. My issue is more the implementation.

Canada's health care system, due to a number of minute details, is a bad example of national health care because it has a lot of problems. That's why it is the third rail in Canadian politics - politicians are sometimes worried to mention the issues because they think it makes the idea of national health care lose legitimacy.

As a result, Canada has proudly tried to paint its health care system as flawless even as it deals with issues such as access, wait times, and a shortage of able and willing doctors. Canada could reform these things but instead chooses to assume that "we already have the right model, so it will work itself out."

Better examples to strive for are France, Austria, Spain, and maybe even Japan.

Ah. Yes, I agree that on specific details, we're better off looking at France. The reason I mention Canada is because it's probably the best federal healthcare system. The other countries aren't federations, you see.

I understand. I just hesitate to use Canada as an example because there are so many issues. Conservatives have a policy-gasm if you mention Canada in an argument about national health care.

[Divair]

Ah. Yes, I agree that on specific details, we're better off looking at France. The reason I mention Canada is because it's probably the best federal healthcare system. The other countries aren't federations, you see.

I understand. I just hesitate to use Canada as an example because there are so many issues. Conservatives have a policy-gasm if you mention Canada in an argument about national health care.

In terms of structure though, are you OK with a Canada system (run by states, regulated by feds)?

[Post-Keynesian Economics]

None of these simulators are very happy with me... though the New York Times one was a bit more nice.

Is there any simulator out there that actually accounts for the fact that tax revenue rises every year, and rises a huge amount as a recovery happens? Because none of these seem to take that into account.

[Post-Keynesian Economics]

I understand. I just hesitate to use Canada as an example because there are so many issues. Conservatives have a policy-gasm if you mention Canada in an argument about national health care.

In terms of structure though, are you OK with a Canada system (run by states, regulated by feds)?

Yes, absolutely.

[Divair]

In terms of structure though, are you OK with a Canada system (run by states, regulated by feds)?

Yes, absolutely.

Alright, cool. That's the important part. The details I could go on about for days. Large emphasis on mental health, children's health, etcetc.

[Ainin]

Oh, well first, I meant "ideal," not "idea." But also, now looking at my response again, "model" isn't a great word either. Because if the "model" is simply having a national health care system, I'm all for it. My issue is more the implementation.

Canada's health care system, due to a number of minute details, is a bad example of national health care because it has a lot of problems. That's why it is the third rail in Canadian politics - politicians are sometimes worried to mention the issues because they think it makes the idea of national health care lose legitimacy.

As a result, Canada has proudly tried to paint its health care system as flawless even as it deals with issues such as access, wait times, and a shortage of able and willing doctors. Canada could reform these things but instead chooses to assume that "we already have the right model, so it will work itself out."

Better examples to strive for are France, Austria, Spain, and maybe even Japan.

Ah. Yes, I agree that on specific details, we're better off looking at France. The reason I mention Canada is because it's probably the best federal healthcare system. The other countries aren't federations, you see.

*mumbles something about 'it can and should be better'*

[Post-Keynesian Economics]

As for my own budget proposal, I could go into specific policy options but a summary would be this:

It would basically be a bit of a ping-pong plan bouncing against specific rate walls.

Try to increase spending by 2% of GDP per year until inflation hits 3% OR bond yield rates hit 6%. Once one of those walls is hit, we decrease the deficit by 2% of GDP each year with cuts to foreign sector spending such as foreign aid. Once the two rates are back below the threshold, we maintain that level of deficit unless the rates change and we find ourselves in a position to make cuts again.

[Lerodan Chinamerica]

I'm a little disappointed that nobody has critiqued by budget plan.

[Post-Keynesian Economics]

I'm a little disappointed that nobody has critiqued by budget plan.

*cracks knuckles* just a second.

[Avenio]

I'm a little disappointed that nobody has critiqued by budget plan.

If you've seen one bog standard Republican wet dream, you've seen them all.

[Divair]

I'm a little disappointed that nobody has critiqued by budget plan.

If you've seen one bog standard Republican wet dream, you've seen them all.

I'm waiting for the commies to show up.

[Morganutopia]

I'm a little disappointed that nobody has critiqued by budget plan.

Don't know that much about Economics I guess it's pretty good.

[Post-Keynesian Economics]

Social Security
I have phased out Social Security in favour of personal savings accounts similar to the Chilean model, with a limited safety net being built into Medicaid (more on that below). This has made the payroll tax - which make up 34% of Federal Revenues - redundant, so in order to eliminate this tax I'll need to cut spending by a further $800 billion to keep revenues constant.

Department of Defense
I've cut the Department of Defense in half by withdrawing from dozens of bases worldwide, cutting ground forces by a third, cutting the Pentagon workforce back significantly and by ending the War in Afghanistan, amongst other measures.

Department of Health and Human Serivces
I have merged all federal health programs into Medicaid, which I've transferred to the states.

Other cuts
-The Department of Agriculture has been eliminated.
-The Small Business Administration has been eliminated.
-The Department of Education has been eliminated, with all federal educational regulations removed.
-The Department of Energy has been eliminated.
-The Department of Homeland Security has been eliminated and the TSA privatised.
-The Department of Labor has been eliminated, with unemployment insurance being phased out in favour of PSAs.
-The Department of Transportation has been cut to the bone.
-Other cuts have been made to the Departments of the Interior, Treasury and Veterans Affairs.
-The NASA budget has been increased from $17 billion to $21 billion.

Tax Cuts
-The income tax has been phased out for the bottom 80% of Americans, decreasing revenue by $112 billion. [1] Once the National Debt is paid off entirely (in approximately 21 years from FY 2022 if receipts and revenues remained constant), the income tax would be completely eliminated and the Sixteenth Amendment repealed, presuming that a like-minded President would be in office at the time.
-Corporate income taxes have been eliminated, decreasing revenue by $333.6 billion.
-The payroll tax has been eliminated, decreasing revenue by approximately $1.03 trillion.

Tax Raises
I have legalised marijuana and placed a hefty excise tax on it, which is expected to increase receipts by $120 billion.

Spending changes:

$ trillion
FY 2013 Receipts: $3033.6
FY 2013 Outlays: $3777.8
Deficit: $744.2 billion

Projected FY 2022 Receipts: $1674.0
Projected FY 2022 Outlays: $855.0
Surplus: $819.0 billion

Of course, I've oversimplified in several areas, especially assuming that receipts and outlays will remain constant and that the National Debt can be easily paid back, especially when taking into account intra-governmental holdings, foreign debt and other liabilities. But nevertheless, this budget has cut back the size of government massively and would soon have the country on the pathway to a truly minarchist society.

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1. Social Security is working off of a previous surplus right now. It hasn't even touched the general fund yet. No need to cut it in favor of a private account. Also, our current safety net isn't good enough, so having a "limited" safety net isn't my concern.

2. Sure, we can end the war in Afghanistan. But with all the bases we have around the world, we not only fund a largely American industry, we also give ourselves the resources to be the most powerful humanitarian and disaster relief team worldwide.

3. There are some things that I feel comfortable giving to the states. Medicaid isn't one of them. It will be cut significantly by states like my home state, Texas. And I prefer living people to dead people, generally.

4. I'm actually not even sure where to start with all the department cuts you make. Many of those departments actually provide very important services to the nation. If you want me to expand on this for all our departments, feel free to tell me and I'll do so. Moreover, on a specific note, cuts to the VA would be disastrous. They already can't afford to get through their backlog. You are killing veterans.

5. "Once the national debt is paid off" - okay, so let's be clear about the fact that this will sink the global economy. US bonds help make the world economy function and if we pay off the debt then we can't sell bonds anymore. Moreover, paying off the debt has no 'secret special bonus" benefits we don't know about. We paid off the debt in 1835, and it didn't protect us from the longest recession in US history which happened immediately afterward.

6. Cool, you legalized Marijuana.

[Regnum Dominae]

If you've seen one bog standard Republican wet dream, you've seen them all.

I'm waiting for the commies to show up.

We've already had the "abolish the CIA" people show up. I'm surprised that 6 pages in no one has demanded abolition of the US military.

[Post-Keynesian Economics]

From the simulation:

uh oh - You failed to reduce the debt to a sustainable level. Without further changes, a fiscal crisis is likely to occur.

Guys, look, I think I won!

[Divair]

From the simulation:

uh oh - You failed to reduce the debt to a sustainable level. Without further changes, a fiscal crisis is likely to occur.

Guys, look, I think I won!

10/10. Would budget.

[ALMF]

I restored preRaigon tax levels, late Clinton servos levels, and a clintonesk cut to the mitery.

You estimated these Outlays:

Outlays Estimate Current
Department of State 10% 1%
Department of Defense 10% 16%
Environmental Protection Agency 10% 1%
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 10% 25%
Social Security Administration 10% 20%
Interest on the Public Debt 10% 10%
Other 40% 27%
You proposed these changes to Outlays:


Outlays % Change $ Billions
Judicial Branch +20% +1.5
Department of Agriculture -20% -28.7
Department of Commerce -20% -1.9
Department of Defense -40% -266.3
Department of Education +50% +37.7
Department of Energy +20% +6.3
Department of Health and Human Services +30% +290.2
Department of Housing and Urban Development +90% +44.3
Department of Justice +40% +13.8
Department of Labor +20% +17.4
Department of State +30% +9.3
Department of Transportation +20% +17.6
Department of the Treasury +10% +50.8
Department of Veterans Affairs +20% +29.5
Environmental Protection Agency +150% +13.0
General Services Administration +30% +0.1
National Aeronautics and Space Administration +50% +9.0
Office of Personnel Management +20% +19.4
You proposed these changes to Receipts:


Receipts % Change $ Billions
Individual Income Taxes +50% +691.6
Corporation Income Taxes +100% +332.8
Estate and Gift Taxes +400% +52.1
Custom Duties and Fees +30% +11.6
Miscellaneous Governmental Receipts +20% +26.1
The budget is balanced!

The budget surplus is 107.1 $ Billions.

[New Caledonia]

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010 ... s=sctnf5qr

Easy!

[Regnum Dominae]

My slightly revised budget plan:

Cut military spending by 10 percent (although don't gut the F35 program - after spending so much money on it, we should not let the $1tn already spent go to waste), double education spending, quadruple non-military research spending, sextuple NASA spending, increase infrastructure spending, end farm subsidies entirely, end fossil fuel subsidies, subsidize nuclear and renewable energy instead, institute a carbon tax/cap-and-trade for businesses, raise the social security age to 70, raise the medicare age to 67, end social security and medicare benefits for rich seniors, raise the payroll tax cap, streamline the tax code and eliminate loopholes and some deductions, implement a 5% VAT, reduce the corporate tax to 25 percent.

[Post-Keynesian Economics]

My slightly revised budget plan:

Cut military spending by 10 percent (although don't gut the F35 program - after spending so much money on it, we should not let the $1tn already spent go to waste), double education spending, quadruple non-military research spending, sextuple NASA spending, increase infrastructure spending, end farm subsidies entirely, end fossil fuel subsidies, subsidize nuclear and renewable energy instead, institute a carbon tax/cap-and-trade for businesses, raise the social security age to 70, raise the medicare age to 67, end social security and medicare benefits for rich seniors, raise the payroll tax cap, streamline the tax code and eliminate loopholes and some deductions, implement a 5% VAT, reduce the corporate tax to 25 percent.

I think I agree with this one the most out of the ones I've seen so far.

[Gallup]

The Gallup budget:

Legislative Branch -10%
Judicial Branch -20%
Executive Office of the President -10%
Department of Agriculture -50%
Department of Commerce -10%
Department of Defense -10%
Department of Education -100%
Department of Energy -10%
Department of Health and Human Services -30%
Department of Housing and Urban Development -10%
Department of the Interior -30%
Department of Justice -10%
Department of Labor -20%
Department of State +10%
Department of Transportation -20%
Department of the Treasury -20%
Environmental Protection Agency -30%
General Services Administration -10%
National Aeronautics and Space Administration +20%
Office of Personnel Management -30%
Social Security Administration -20%

TL;DR Massive cuts to HHS, EPA, and Agriculture. The department of Education is scrapped. On the flip side, NASA and State both got increases. A $127 billion surplus.

[Avinaa]

I would firstly reform Education and base it off of Finland's system of Education. Secondly, I would cut defense spending by 15% and raise tax on the upper 10% by 5% and use that money to fund more pay for teachers, firefighters, and police officers. Thirdly I would order an overhaul of Medicare and Social Security and see would we may need to remove, if any. Fourh, I would increase NASA's budget and withdrawal troops from Germany and over parts of Europe.

EDIT: And cut farm subsidies by 12% and increase green energy use by 50%.

[Regnum Dominae]

I would firstly reform Education and base it off of Finland's system of Education. Secondly, I would cut defense spending by 15% and raise tax on the upper 10% by 5% and use that money to fund more pay for teachers, firefighters, and police officers. Thirdly I would order an overhaul of Medicare and Social Security and see would we may need to remove, if any. Fourh, I would increase NASA's budget and withdrawal troops from Germany and over parts of Europe.

EDIT: And cut farm subsidies by 12% and increase green energy use by 50%.

Banning private schools? Ick, no.

[Arumdaum]

Sounds like somebody hates America.

That's a straw man and an ad hominem wrapped up in one. There's actually a much stronger case for you and your fellow centre-leftists hating America, because the vast majority of your (as in the social democratic left's) proposals are unquestionable violations of the Constitution. Libertarianism is the only compatible ideology with the rule of law and the Constitution.

lol?