End the Prohibition on Marijuana - 2096 Words

END THE PROHIBITION ON MARIJUANA AND INDUSTRIAL HEMP Outline Thesis Statement: Legalization of industrialized hemp and marijuana benefits our economy, decriminalizes a 35 billion dollar a year industry, creates jobs, and makes sense for the environment. I. Marijuana has been illegal in the United States since the Marihuana Stamp Tax Act was enacted by congress in 1937 A. A Brief History B. Marijuana Cash Crop II. The prohibition of marijuana contributes to a black market system, which increases violent crime, and contributes finances to the criminal element. A. Violent Crime B. Underground Drug Trade’s Negative Contributions C. The Marijuana Policy Project III. Marijuana prohibition is costing the Federal†¦show more content†¦The Marijuana Policy Project states: â€Å"Because of marijuana prohibition, America’s largest cash crop is grown exclusively by unregulated criminals, often in environmentally damaging locations such as national parks and wilderness areas. Such problems are virtually unknown with legal, regulated crops such as tobacco or wine grapes.† (Marijuana Prohibition Facts, 2008) Legalization’s Effect on The Economy The legalization of marijuana could possibly create annual tax revenue of 2.4 billion if taxed normally, and 6.2 billion if the government used similar tax rates that are currently used for alcohol and tobacco sales. (Miron, 2005) â€Å"Police prosecuted 858,408 persons for marijuana violations in 2009, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual Uniform Crime Report, released today. The arrest total is the second highest ever reported by the FBI.† (Armentano, 2010) This one statistic alone is absolute proof that current drug enforcement programs and policies are not effective. Marijuana is widely available to the masses, arrests are at an all-time high, and there is a potential to make billions of dollars through taxation. Marijuana is accepted all over the world, and is by far the most popular illegal drug. A recent Gallup poll showed that 50% of Americans favor the legalization of marijuana. (Newport, 2011) Through the legalization of marijuana tax revenue is increased, drug dealersShow MoreRelatedMarijuana Prohibition Is A Failure And A Waste Of Resources864 Words   |  4 PagesAbraham Lincoln once said Prohibition goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man s appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes.† The prohibition of marijuana has proven to be a failure and a waste of resources. In addition, prohibition has hurt society more than it has helped. Also, marijuana can be used as a medicine to treat many life threatening illnesses. The legalization of marijuana will generate enormous tax revenue, reduce crimeRead MoreLegalizing Marijuana Speech Essay1350 Words   |  6 Pagesworld on weather or not to legalize marijuana. The prohibition of marijuana is holding up the improvement of social and economic developments. Introduction I. [Attention-Getter] Would you want the government limiting how much coffee you can drink or how much cheesecake you’re allowed to eat? According to Dr. Paul Phinney, president-elect of the California medical association has found these types of foods to be just as addictive if not more than marijuana. a. According to this sameRead MoreEssay on Marijuana528 Words   |  3 PagesMarijuana Marijuana is a drug that has been used for thousands of years. Marijuana was used in ancient China, as far back as 5000 B.C. The Incans and Mayans used marijuana in religious ceremonies. Marijuana also has roots in this country. The Indians of the plains used marijuana in their peace pipes as a sign of friendship and peace. After prohibition there was a sharp rise in the use of this drug in America, but after prohibition was repealed the use went down. In the 1920s and 30sRead MoreThe Prohibition Of Marijuana And The United States1559 Words   |  7 Pagesillegal ever since, until recent years when states began legalizing it (huffpost.com). Although many people believe that the reason behind the prohibition of cannabis was based on genuine concern for the possible consequences it may have on the well-being of people if it remained accessible to all, the truth is that the drive behind the U.S.’s prohibition of cannabis was founded on racism. During the early 1900’ s cannabis was considered an â€Å"ethnic drug† due to the fact that many Mexican immigrantsRead MoreStigma And Stigma Of Marijuana Essay1603 Words   |  7 PagesThe stigma of marijuana started in the 1930s when it was first prohibited nationwide, but since then, the stigma has changed quite drastically to the point where the sigma could be completely eradicated in the near future. The stigma that was created from the prohibition of marijuana is something that still affects every American today. In a brief history of the stigma, it can be traced back to the 1930s where its prohibition would begin, by the 1960s, no one would do it in their right mind becauseRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1118 Words   |  5 Pagesover-exaggerated jail sentences (pertaining to marijuana charges) is a very big problem in the US. I chose this topic because I had heard so many horror stories of people being sentenced at least 9-10 years on marijuana possession charges just to fill priso ns, and it made me extremely upset. What angered me even more was the proof of racially motivated arrests/sentencing in many instances of unjust marijuana related arrests. While these people were â€Å"busted† for carrying marijuana and subsequently jailed for decadesRead MoreMarijuana Legalization Why is it the Best Choice for America?1306 Words   |  6 PagesMarijuana, the most abused drug in America, has had a lot of publicity recently. Marijuana has caused multiple economic problems within the U.S. A controversial question has arisen from the increased popularity and troubles of this drug. The question is whether or not the U.S. government should legalize marijuana possession and sale in the country. Many Americans believe that the drug should be legalized for various reasons; others, however, are against the legalization of the dangerous drug. WhileRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?900 Words   |  4 Pages In the debate to legalize Marijuana there are people for the legalization, and there are people who are against the legalization. Before I get too far into my own side and the opinions I have to go along with it, I’m going to give you some information to help you better decide your own side. The main thing going around right now to legalize Marijuana is Prohibition 48. Prohibition 48 is the amendment to the state constitution proposed by the people of Mississippi. In my research on the subject IRead More Marijuana Legalization Why is it the Best Choice for America?1375 Words   |  6 PagesMarijuana Legalization Why is it the Best Choice for America? Marijuana, the most abused drug in America, has had a lot of publicity recently. Marijuana has caused multiple economic problems within the U.S. A controversial question has arisen from the increased popularity and troubles of this drug. The question is whether or not the U.S. government should legalize marijuana possession and sale in the country. Many Americans believe that the drug should be legalized for various reasons; others,Read MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?949 Words   |  4 Pages In the debate to legalize Marijuana, there are people for the legalization and there are people who are against the legalization. Before I get too far into my own side and the opinions I have to go along with it, I’m going to give you some information to help you better decide your own side. The main thing going around right now to legalize Marijuana is Prohibition 48. Prohibition 48 is the amendment to the state constitution proposed by the people of Mississippi. In my research on th e subject I

Democracy And The Age Of Information Abundance Essay

Democracy in the age of information abundance: The impact of new technologies to our democratic political system Introduction Never before, in the history of time, has our ability to collaborate and communicate on a massive scale been so achievable. (Papay Timby, 2014) With the emergence of new technologies, there are more individuals that can have better access to media and information. Experts believe that to some extent it strengthens democracy as there are more numbers of individuals taking part in any democratic process including the increasing public awareness to monitor political processes. Furthermore, it raises collaborations between the government and the public in solving problems at different levels. Unfortunately, the abundance of information has arguably created radical demand of transparency and potential excessive surveillance that decelerate the government processes and decision-making process as the public sector begin to be too cautious and timid. Before going too far, by new technologies, this essay focuses on new, computer-and-internet based media technologies as the fact that they play an important role in widening and strengthening information access that is significant to democracy (Barber, 2003). There are numbers of these types of technologies including, but not limited to, social media, online surveys, voting and deliberative polling, internet-based focus groups, and online petitions (Keane, 2009). Their emergence is highly supported by variousShow MoreRelatedRick Perry s Decision On The Hpv Vaccine Essay1113 Words   |  5 Pagesmatter. Introduction Throughout the years, democracy has been the system of government in The United States of America. Democracy is a society in which individuals participate in the decision making process of establishments that make decisions or execute actions that affect them. A democracy also holds the establishments or organizations fully accountable for the decisions or actions that may infringe on their human rights. A perfect example of democracy in action is recollecting the law passed byRead MoreReasons For Why Diversity Within The Public Sphere1390 Words   |  6 Pagesglobalisation period that humans are currently living in. With the modern age expanding on outlets for people to express opinions a massive number of perspectives have been able to enter the public sphere through the use of the internet. Saul explains that through the use of the internet that diversity can expand even further than before, with perspectives from anyone and anywhere in the world, even allowing banned information to become accessed such as Join the Caravan (Saul, 2006, p.15). If democraticRead MoreA Comparison Of The Internet On Batman And Ballot Boxes778 Words   |  4 Pagesthe internet have much in common. Both positively impact society, but both do it through controversial and sometimes blatantly flawed methods. How do they do this? Batman stops crime through violence and vigilante justice, while the internet aids democracy but also spreads rumors and dissension. However, with a responsible and thoughtful guiding force, such as Alfred the butler or a prudent citizen, both Batman’s and the internet’s great potential for improving the population’s welfare are realizedRead MoreReform Movements in the United States Sought to Expand Democratic Ideals. Assess the Validity of This Statement with Specific Reference to the Years 1825 to 1850.1698 Words   |  7 Pagestemperance and industry was a way to not only better their lives but a way to instill certain democratic va lues and advance the perfection of society as a whole. The rise of popular religion and a series of religious revivals reinforced American democracy and liberty. The Second Great Awakening was a huge religious reform movement that sought to re-captivate religious interest in America. One of its new breakthroughs is its representation of democratic ideas, or: â€Å"a reworking of traditional religiousRead MoreCensorship Is A Controversial Restriction1008 Words   |  5 Pages These guidelines reflected upon general policies such as what one is required to wear, how one speaks, in what way one carries themselves and an abundance of other rules. For example, in Athens, Greece where democracy first begun, censorship was manipulated in a way to bring about a broad change in their everyday lifestyle. Dictators in this democracy appointed censors to ban any tales in relation to negative means. Dictators also brought to the table that any unusual or irregular practices doneRead MoreTechnology and Politics1609 Words   |  7 PagesBerliner-Glasser 12 November, 2012 Mr. Rodriguez Essay 2.2 Word Count: 1470 Politically Divided In this modern day and age, technology has become a major influence in our life. In the past decade, we have had a significant amount of technological advances in society that revolves around all aspects of society. Specifically, technology has allowed for ways for individuals to advertise information and express their personal opinions. With advances like cable television, having dozens of different news outletsRead MoreAnalysis Of Daron Acemoglu And James A. Robinson s Novel Why Nations Fail1426 Words   |  6 Pageswhere one gains information they had not known prior to the experience, is ordinarily associated with receiving a degree from a university. However, during the modern era a breakthrough resource has been brought to life, one that allows for the massive consumption of wisdom without the consternation that comes with spending thousands of dollars, the World Wide Web. The popularization and practicality of the Internet has thus inevitably coined the present period the In formation Age. Among the differentRead MoreThe Film Calls The Four Horsemen And How They Are Wreaking Havoc On The Global Community1378 Words   |  6 Pagessystems serve the interest of a select few. The film stated that Tim Berners-Lee (Links to an external site.)created the World Wide Web and in doing so he inadvertently supplied all of the major financial institution more power to grow because information was available more quickly on new conquest. This paper will explore what the film calls the four horsemen and how they are wreaking havoc on the global community. The narrators suggest we deal with the horsemen before it is too late. The FourRead MoreA Learning Diverse Environment : A Multicultural Education1383 Words   |  6 PagesA Learning Diverse Environment A multicultural education is a form of education that incorporates a diverse cultural background into learning. Having a multicultural education is beneficial in an abundance of ways especially for the younger generation. American schools should implement multicultural education in classrooms to promote positive attitudes toward one own’s culture and others. The US Census Bureau claimed that America consists of six different races (excluding Whites or Americans): AmericanRead MoreGeorge Bush: The Worlds First President988 Words   |  4 PagesFrom September eleventh to his handling of hurricane Katrina and the invasion of Iraq, there is an abundance of crisis related information we can use to judge, define, and sum President Bush’s leadership. Nevertheless, through his contribution to various cultures, leadership, and social outreach intervention programs President Bush excellently portrayed what it means to be a world president and humanitarian. As President, George Bush made fulfilling his citizenship responsibilities a priority.

Benefits of holistic food and alternative medicines Free Essays

In order to maintain our total health (physical, emotional, spiritual), we need to become flexible at tall times and adapt to the various changes around us. Each day has its particularly rhythms in terms of sunrise and sunset. Assuming responsibility for the food we put into our bodies is a primary concern—where it is grown, whether it has been sprayed with pesticides, as well as preparation and combination with other foods. We will write a custom essay sample on Benefits of holistic food and alternative medicines or any similar topic only for you Order Now Each of us requires particular nutrients at different times. To follow any one diet, such as a Raw Food Diet or Macrobiotic Diet, is to shift responsibility to another human being—the responsibility for tuning in to our own physical vehicles and determining our individual needs, regardless of what is in vogue at the time. Introduction More and more Americans are looking to alternative health care for their own health problems. This is also known as holistic or unconventional medicine. (Complementary and Alternative Medicine). There is a great difference between needs and desires when it comes to food. What we desire may not always be best for our bodies. If we can distinguish between the two, we can balance ourselves accordingly. There are several ways of determining an individual’s nutrition needs. Laboratory blood tests and hair analysis may or may not be helpful in determining vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The taking of the pulses in Oriental and Ayurvedic medicine, along with facial diagnosis, studying the tongue, and the iris of the eyes, are all excellent ways of diagnosing what is happening in the body. , More moderate diets than simply raw foods or Macrobiotics work for most people. Whole grains are very grounding and contain most of the B-complex vitamins and other nutrients. Most people do well eating a whole-grain cereal or the whole grains themselves in the morning. This is because the grain is a complex carbohydrate and takes about eight hours to break down in the body. This process of breaking down helps keep the blood sugar up. Whole-grain breads are okay but do not have as many nutrients as the grains themselves. Vegetable maybe added to the grain; proteins like eggs, tofu or fish may also be eaten with the grain for a more substantial meal. Those with low blood sugar do well it they have some protein in the morning. As was mentioned previously, certain metabolic types that tend to accumulate mucus function better on a very light breakfast of vegetable juices or cooked vegetables or fruit (Kulvinskas 1975). The midday meal should be the largest meal, but this is not always possible for many people who work and bring their food to the office or have to eat at a restaurant. Midday meals should include some vegetables, whether in the form of soups, steamed, or raw in salads. Certain metabolic types and those with low blood sugar benefit from good protein at their midday meal. This may be eggs or fish (if they are eaten) or a soy product like tofu. (Dairy products like cheese tend to form a lot of mucus and are responsible for many allergic conditions. They should be used primarily in the form of soured-milk products like yogurts, kefir, buttermilk, acidophilus cottage cheese, or a small amount of goat milk cheese). Some people need heavier food at midday – a grain or bread, or root vegetables like potatoes or squash. Dinner depends on what one has eaten for the midday meal. Ideally, dinner should be the lightest meal since one goes to sleep several hours afterwards. Digestive enzymes work best at midday; that is when our fire is at its greatest (the internal fire creates the enzymes that break down food). (Kulvinskas 1975). Steamed or raw vegetables should be included at dinner with some protein, grain or root vegetable. Heavy carbohydrates such as pasta, beans, and breads should be avoided, as well as heavy proteins and fatty foods like meats and dairy products. Fruits should be eaten separately as snacks in between meals unless it is an all-fruit meal. Fruits can be very acid and are difficult to digest with other foods. Beverages are best after a meal as well, except for vegetable juices which may be drunk before a meal. Herbal teas and grain beverages should be served a short while after eating since the liquids wash away the digestive enzymes. Alcoholic beverage drunk with meals also have an acidic effect and may interfere with the digestive process. Alcoholic beverages in general are not particularly good for the liver and may interfere with bile production. Certain foods like vinegar, nutritional yeast, cranberries, raw spinach, raw green pepper, and tomatoes are very acidic and should be avoided. (Tomatoes may be used on occasion in a cooked sauce. ) Wheat products form a lot of mucus, and many people are allergic to them. Rye bread, corn bread, and other wheat less breads such as millet bread may be substitute. Rye flour, rice flour, buck wheat flour, and soy flour may be used in baking instead of whole wheat flour. A balanced diet includes whole grains at least once a day; vegetables, raw or cooked, twice a day; protein, once or twice a day; and fruit as a snack. If sweets are used, they should be made with honey, barley malt syrup, or rice syrup. Those with low blood sugar do best with the syrups made form grains because they have more complex carbohydrates. There are many cookies and candy bars where these syrups are used; many are also fruit-juice sweetened (Trum Hunter, 1971). For those who have certain food addictions and cravings, there are ways to balance the today and substitute healthier foods. Many people are used to drinking coffee in the morning and at other times of the day to wake them up. The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant to the nervous system, but it can make one very wired without really increasing vitality or energy. Herbs as gotu-kola or fo-ti which do, in fact, increase adrenal energy, can be used instead. If one likes the taste of coffee, there are grain beverages, such as Roma, Cafix, or Pero, which are coffee substitutes; some of these even come in a package similar to coffee and can be used in drip coffeepots for a comparable taste. (Trum Hunter, 1971). Many people crave sugar, especially mid-afternoon when their energy drops. Usually if they eat as substantial breakfast with a cooked whole-grain product, blood sugar remains higher. Also, a pancreas glandular supplement after meal can help to stabilize the blood sugar. However, it is a good idea to have a mid-afternoon snack like a piece of fresh or some raw vegetables, nuts or seeds. If one wants something sweet, cookies or a candy bar with natural sweetening may be used. (Kulvinskas 1975). Variety in foods is a good principle to abide by in order to obtain nutrients and to avoid allergies. Eating a different grain every morning is a way to vary breakfasts. Using different vegetables for lunch and dinner and alternating the type of protein is another way to seek variety. The way foods are served may also add nutrition. Foods in combination with certain proteins produce essential amino acids; for example, adding seeds or tofu to a grain dish. Diet includes much more than the food itself. Diet includes the type of food we buy. Is it organic, or does it have chemical additives? Where was it grown? What kind of store was it bought in? all these factors affect the vibrational quality of the food we eat. How we prepare the food also affects it; if we are feeling angry or upset, it might be better to have a snack and wait until we feel more balanced. In fact, we will take in those angry vibrations with our food; this often is why people get indigestion. It is better to eat meals slowly in a relaxed atmosphere than at one’s desk of white driving to and from places. Food eaten in a relaxed atmosphere will be much more healing to our bodies than food, no matter how high the quality, eaten on the run. (Kulvinskas 1975). We are what we eat has been a much – overused statement. As spiritual beings, we know we are more than our food intake. Perhaps we could change the statement to â€Å"We are how we eat. † How we eat reflects how we nurture ourselves and each other, and ultimately, how we treat our environment. Chemical Drama in the Cells What is a free radical? It is a molecule that has lots a vital piece of itself – one of its electrically charged electrons that orbit in pairs. To restore balance, the radical frantically steals an electron from nearby molecules or gives away the unpaired one. In so doing, it creates molecular mayhem, careening into the protein, fats and genetic DNA of cells, disfiguring and corroding them. If the target is fat, the radical can set off wildly destructive chain reactions that break down membranes, leaving cells to disintegrate. Upon meeting protein, the radical may shave off bits, destroying its ability to function. Hits on DNA, especially in the cells’ tiny power factories called mitochondria, cause mutations that incite cells to aberrant behavior: Over time, the free radical damage takes its toll by leaving the body aged and diseased (Kushi, 1977). Enter the saviors – antioxidants. Simply, an antioxidants is a chemical that can donate a sought-after electron to a free radical without becoming dangerous itself. Thus an antioxidant, meeting a radical, puts an end to its rampage of cellular and bodily destruction – the slow degeneration known as aging. (Kushi, 1977). How do scientists know that antioxidants can stop aging? The proof is not total because the theory has not been, and probably never can be, tested on generations of human. That many experiments with human cells and other species show the theory has biologically validity. Consider, for example, a recent thrilling experiment on fruit flies that, some say, offer absolute proof of the free radical theory of aging. If it can happen to fruit flies, it can happen to man. Experiments were done where scientists genetically altered a living creature so that it produced antioxidant enzymes to mop up free radicals. They presupposed such creatures lived longer and remain younger than identical creatures not treated to the antioxidant – bolstering gene. According to Earl Stastman, â€Å"chief of the laboratory of biochemistry at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, and an authority on aging †It would be pretty good proof that free radicals foster aging and that stronger antioxidant defenses slow down aging. † That’s exactly happened to fruit flies in ground breaking experiments in 1994 by geneticists William Orr and Rajindar Sohal at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Fruit flies is genetically engineered to have souped up antioxidant system exceeded there normal life spans by one third! Some even lived an unprecedented ninety-three days, setting a life span for fruit flies. (Complementary and Alternative Medicine). More exciting also was their youthful vigor into old age. Scientists watching the tiny flies under magnifying glasses instantly spot which had received the antioxidant-producing genes because they were â€Å"so much more vigorous. † They walked 10 to 20 percent faster than normal flies their age. Halfway through life most could walk one centimeter per second- a brisk pace for a young fruit fly. † In other words, the quality of life of the flies was better. They were stronger physiologically,† said Dr. Sohal (Complementary and Alternative Medicine). This is not to suggest that it’s time to insert such genes in humans but the experiment does dramatically prove the principle that an oversupply of an oxidants defenses in the body stretches life and vigor. For now, you must get antioxidants through your diet. But however they get into the cells of your body, they are apt to deter aging and prolong life. All life, after all, works on the same basic principles, says Dr. Harman. (Rohe, 1983). Conclusions Variety in foods is a good principle to abide by in order to obtain nutrients and to avoid allergies. Eating a different grain every morning is a way to vary breakfasts. Using different vegetables for lunch and dinner and alternating the type of protein is another way to seek variety. The way foods are served may also add nutrition. Foods in combination with certain proteins produce essential amino acids; for example, adding seeds or tofu to a grain dish. Holistic foods include much more than the food itself. Diet includes the type of food we buy. Is it organic, or does it have chemical additives? Where was it grown? What kind of store was it bought in? All these factors affect the vibrational quality of the food we eat. How we prepare the food also affects it; if we are feeling angry or upset, it might be better to have a snack and wait until we feel more balanced. In fact, we will take in those angry vibrations with our food; this often is why people get indigestion. It is better to eat meals slowly in a relaxed atmosphere than at one’s desk or while driving to and from places. Food eaten in a relaxed atmosphere will be much more healing to our bodies than food, no matter how high the quality, eaten on the run. We are what we eat has been a much-overused statement. We know we are more than our food intake. Perhaps, we could change the statement to â€Å"We are how we eat. † How we eat reflects how we nurture ourselves and each other, and ultimately, how we treat our environment. REFERENCES Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Retrieved April 16, 2007 at: http://www. aarp. org/health/staying_healthy/prevention/complementary_and_alternative_medicine. html Kulvinskas. V. (1975). Survival into the 21st Century (Woodstock Valley, CT: O’Mawgo D Press. p. 41. Kushi, M. (1977). The Book of Macrobiotics: The Universal Way of Health and Happiness (Tokyo: Japan Publications, Inc. p. 78 Rohe, F. (1983). The Complete Book of Natural Foods (Boulder, CO: Shambhala Pubns. P. 31 Trum Hunter, B. (1971). Consumer Beware. New York: Simon and Schuster, Inc. p. 114. 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Government Spending Budget Essay Example For Students

Government Spending Budget Essay As many Federal departments and agencies lurch into an era of running without funds, the leaders of both parties of Congress are spending less and less time searching for a compromise to balance the budget, and more and more time deciding how to use it to their advantage on the campaign trail. Meanwhile money is easily borrowed to pay for government overhead. In an attempt to change this, on June 29, Congress voted in favor of HConRes67 that called for a 7 year plan to balance the Federal Budget by the year 2002 (Hager 1899). This would be done by incorporating $894 billion in spending cuts by 2002, with a projected 7 year tax cut of $245 billion. If this plan were implemented, in the year 2002, the U.S. Government would have the first balanced budget since 1969. There is doubt by citizens that a balanced budget will become reality. A recent Gallop Poll from January, 1996 showed the budget as the #1 concern among taxpayers, but 4/5 of those interviewed said they doubt the GOP will do the job (Holding 14). Meanwhile, an ABC poll from November reported that over 70% of those polled disapprove of thecurrent performance by Congress, and most blamed politicians for failure to take action (Cloud 3709). These accusations of failure to follow through come with historical proof that Congress and Clinton have failed to compromise and resolve the issue. After all, current budget plans are dependent on somewhat unrealistic predictions of avoiding such catastrophes as recession, national disasters, etc., and include minor loopholes. History has shown that every budget agreement that has failed was too lax. One might remember the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings bill that attempted to balance the budget, but left too many exemptions, and was finally abandoned in 1990 (Weinberger 33). So after a pain-staking trial for GOP Republicans to create, promote, and pass their budget, as promised on campaign trail 94, Clinton rejected the very bill he demanded. This essentially brought the federal budget back to square one. Clinton thought such a demand on Republicans to produce a budget would produce inner-party quarrels and cause the GOP to implode. Instead, they produced a fiscal budget that passed both houses of Congress, only to be stalemated by a stubborn Democratic President Clinton. Meanwhile, Clinton bounced back with a CBO scored plan with lighter, less risky cuts to politically sensitive areas like entitlements. Clintons plan also saved dollars for education and did not include a tax increase, but most cuts would not take effect until he is out of office, in the year 2001. Although Clinton is sometimes criticized for producing a stalemate in budget talks, the White House points out that the debt has gone down since Clinton took office, with unemployment also fal ling. Republicans are quick to state that Clinton originally increased taxes in 1993 and cut defense programs, but his overall plan was for an increasing budget without deficit reduction. Startling Facts about the budget:As of 1996, the national debt was at an all time high of $5 trillion dollars, with interest running at a whopping $250 billion per year (Rau M-1). This equals out to an individual responsibility of more than $50,000 per taxpayer. Nearly 90% of that debt has accumulated since 1970, and between 1980 and 1995, the debt grew by 500%. Currently, the debt grows by more than $10,000 per second (Rau M-l), and at current rates, a baby born in 1992 will pay 71% of his or her income in net taxes. At current rates, our government is about to reach its breaking point. If thats not enough to scare a taxpayer, by 2002, 60% of government spending will be for entitlements, and by 2012, these programs are projected to take up all government revenue (Dentzer 32). Not only economic development, but also family income is hurt by debt. With the cost of living going up, it becomes harder to find a job. According to the Concord Coalition, real wages peaked in 1973 and have g one down ever since. If the economy grew as fast as it did in 1950, without a debt, the median family income would be $50,000, compared to the present median of $35,000 (Rau M-1). As of current fiscal years budget, the United States government spends $1.64 trillion yearly. $500 billion of that, or 1/3 of the total, is for discretionary spending (Rau M-1). This discretionary spending is the target for most cuts, and seems to be the easiest to make cuts in. Overall, the difference between the two parties budget plans is only $400 billion. This could easily be trimmed by eliminating tax cuts and adjusting the consumer price index to reality. Democrats say the GOP plan is too lopsided, and Republicans criticize the Democrat plan for being unrealistic. A study by the Urban Institute shows GOP cuts will be felt mainly by the bottom 1/5 of U.S. population. This should be more equally spread out across income brackets (Hosansky 1449). The GOP plan:By fulfilling campaign promises made by freshman Republican Congressmen to cut government spending, the GOP managed to pass a $1.6 trillion budget resolution by a party-line vote, in both houses of Congress (Hosansky 1450). This budget called for major cuts in education, environmental programs, discretionary spending, and the largest of all: entitlements. 70% of the money to balance the budget under the GOP plan would have come from entitlements. This is because entitlement programs currently take up $301 billion a year. Such cuts had already been partially implemented with the GOP cutting overall spending by 9.1% in 1996 alone. First, in an attempt to stop the projected bankruptcy of Medicare in 2002, Republicans cut $270 billion overall from the program, with hospital reimbursement cuts being the deepest (Hager 1283). Although stabilizing the fund is only expected to cost $130-$150 billion over 7 years, the GOP budget would reform the program to run better, and cheaper, by allowing it to grow at 6% yearly, instead of the current 10%. While both parties agree on premium hikes for beneficiaries, this is a touchy subject for the 38.1 Million elderly voters on Medicare in 1996 (Rubin 1221). Medicaid, ano ther volatile program, would be cut $182 billion under the GOP proposal. This would entail placing a cap on the programs spending, and passing control of it to the individual state governments. For an estimated 39 million low-income people on Medicaid in 1996, the GOP plan cuts the program far more than Clintons proposed $98 billion cut. Social Security is another program being cut. Video or graphics circuitry, usually fitted to a c EssayA Neutral Proposal:As a neutral proposal, a group calling themselves the Blue Dogs have won support for their budget from both Republicans and Democrats. The group also known as the Concord Coalition includes many conservative Democrats that want to see shallower budget cuts with less reform to entitlements. They also believe a tax cut should be delayed until the budget is balanced. The Coalition believes that by reforming entitlement policy, rethinking government size, changing taxation methods, and consuming less, our budget can be balanced (Rau M-1). Defending Deficits:In defense of deficits, some may argue that the danger of the current situation is highly over rated. A budget deal has always had less to do with economics than with politics and morality. Budget deficits dont crowd out private investment, government spending does, and a large surplus may not be a sign of strength for a country. Some say it is impossible for every country to run either a surplus or a deficit. What matters is that a country can service its debts (Defense 68). During most of the 19th century, the United States borrowed from the world (a current-account deficit). By 1870, it was running a tradesurplus, and by 1900 we had a current-account surplus. But in the early 2Oth century, the U.S. became the worlds largest net creditor, and by 1970 it peaked by finally running into deficit in 1970. Finally, 1980 brought a deficit so large, that the government was a net debtor again (Bottom Line 14). Current Reductions:One of the ways we are currently reducing the deficit includes the introduction of means testing. This means that people would getentitlements based on need. The government already has reduced SocialSecurity for modest income seniors age 70 and younger, but budgetcutters want to broaden that idea (Henderson 60). There are 2 majorproblems with means testing. First, it is considered inherently unfair. Some might argue that a person might blow all of their income before the entitlement reductions come into place. Second, it might reduce the incentive to work and encourage people to hide their income. For instance, beneficiaries of Social Security, ages 62-64, lose $1.00 yearly in benefits for every $2.00 they earn in income or wages above $8,160 per year (Henderson 60). Some say increasing eligibility requirements would solve some problems, and propose raising the age of early retirement from 62 to 65, and standard retirement from 65 to 70. Another touchy subject in budget reduction is the argument that the poor are being left out of savings. According to the Clinton Administration, the GOP budget would cause a family with income of $13,325 per year to lose 11% of their income (Whitman 42). United States Treasury Department studies say the bottom 1/5 income families would have net tax increase of an average $12 to $26 under the GOP plan. The top 1/5 income families would receive mo re than 60% of the tax relief. A HHS analysis states that the GOP plan would also boost child poverty rates from 14.5% to 16.1%, and poor families with children would loose 6% of their income. Conclusion:In the end, budget reduction is no easy task. fixing the National debt is like catching a train leaving the station. The longer we wait, the harder and farther we have to run, says the Concord Coalition (Rau M-1). Both parties want the issue, instead of an agreement, said Representative Bill Orton. The center of attention for debate on budget cutting is politics, and whomever takes responsibility for reform gets left wide open to criticism. Although Congress and Clinton have spent the past year on debating the budget and the size of the Federal Government, most plans fall back ongimmicks, loopholes, and long-term plans. Even Democrats now agree todownsize the government, but the two parties disagree on how and where. As we trust our elected officials to make decisions in Washington on our behalf, we must show interest and aptitude on the end results. To accomplish a balanced budget deal, many suggest that we must not only balance spending, but reform entitlements, rethink government size, change tax methods, and depend less on Washington. Attendees of a conference on budget cutting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming suggested we deliver a budget that has a simple, quantifiable goal, that includes short term goals, and eliminated gimmicks. Countries like Sweden and Canada have successfully reformed fiscal policies. Swedens government elected to abandon welfare, pensions, health insurance, unemployment programs, family assistance, and child allowances. Their deficit soon fell by 3.5% of GDP in one year alone (Urresta 51). Swedens plan was three times as intense as Congress current plan, while cutting spending in half the time. As for cuts, everyone must suffer. As entitlement debates continue, the interests of older Americans are being protected at the expense of young people, says Neil Howe and Bill Strauss (Rau M- 1). Older Americans have good reason to protect programs that they have paid into for years, but those programs spend an overall per capita amount of 11 times as much on elderly than that spent on children altogether (Rau M-1). The youth are the future of America, and we should protect them too. Currently, poverty in US is 3 times as likely to affect the very young than the very old. By balancing the budget, interest rates come down, the economy picks up we will rebound, says Representative James Greenwood (Cloud 3709), and everyone should be happy with that.