If governments (Federal, state, local) were forced to operate without a deficit...?

Question

Could it be done? And, no talk about Clinton's surplus. He stole from the poor and disabled to get it. Just on its own, could it be done?

Answer 1

Of course they could, but they won't.  Why?  Because giving premiums away secures votes...plain and simple.

Turns out, Plato may have been right.  An excerpt:

Plato’s Critique of Democracy

Plato argued against democracy. His principal reasons for doing may be summarised as follows:

1.      Democracy leads inexorably to “mob rule” with those in power pandering to “pleasure-seekers” whose principal goals are the satisfaction of their immediate desires.

2.      Democracy leads to rule by the stupid (sophists), who while they may have fine rhetorical skills (that can exert some control over the masses) have no true knowledge itself.

3.      Democracy leads to disagreement and conflict, which is something that is intrinsically evil and to be avoided.

Answer 2

The federal government really is the only one that should be able to get away with it. There are national emergencies that require funding -- World War II comes to mind. Sometimes you have to borrow a little from tomorrow because of the events of today.

In general, though, it would be nice to spend what you take in. I do it, you do it. States and cities should do it. I think America was willing to sacrifice a bit financially after 9/11, but President Bush chose not to go in that direction -- part of the reason that he'll be leaving a mountain of debt behind when he leaves office.

Answer 3

AH, but then Kalifornia would not be able to send all the illegals to Berkeley for free, lower property taxes, and provide heatlh care to all the illegals. They can only do this by government bailouts, and tax money from other states from people who do not get to enjoy californais treats

Answer 4

it could be if you got rid of all of the stupid pork barrel projects and ear marks and used the money to form programs that worked, If people were forced off welfare and made to get a job and pay taxes. It is the idiotic wastes of money that make the deficit. Also sending money to third world countries that hate us. Getting illegal immigrants out of here and off the state rolls. There are lots of things to do to get rid of the deficit, the government just needs to have enough balls to do it.