Let's Balance the Budget (GP Plan: Annual $100B+ Surplus)

[Phatscotty]

What was wrong with cut cap and balance? It balanced the budget in 8 years with gradual cuts across the board as well as revenue increases.

Don't see how you could accomplish that with a debt cap. You would need to increase the debt ceiling to give time for the gradual cuts.

I think that's what the compromise would have been. We agree to raise the debt ceiling along with revenue increases(mortgage deduction, closing loopholes etc) , they agree to pass cut cap n balance.

[Baron Von PWN]

At what point is it the onus of the United States specifically, rather than mankind generally, to fund the future of mankind? Why do you believe each American should be 3-times more responsible for "the future of humanity" than each Canadian?

Since when have I been a believer in American exceptionalism? I actually think Canada should be spending more on space research and exploration. However governments are niggardly so its unlikely any government will actually increase funding for any space related research. My hopes are that the private sector will one day step in.

OK, let me get this straight before we move on. To recap:

- Canada spends 1/3 per capita of what the U.S. spends on space
- you believe Canada is not contributing its fair share to space research
- you believe Canada should increase space research spending by 300% and the U.S. should maintain current space spending levels
- you believe Canada should finance increased space spending through [help me understand this one]: (a) deficit spending, or, (b) increasing _____ [insert tax] by _____ [insert percent]

This is difficult to follow so LMK if part of this is incorrect.

I don't believe all countries should spend exactly the same amount on things. Universalism can only go so far.

Despite this being completely unrelated to a discussion on the US budget. Canada could increase its space funding by axing the minimum sentencing bill being put forward by the conservatives. The funds saved by not jailing more canadians could be used to fund space exploration. Or we could even buy fewer fighter jets. we could also reverse some of the piddly tax credits the conservatives are fond off.

edit for some firm numbers. Canada currently spends ~425 million on the CSA (Canadian Space Agency)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_space_program

It will spend 9 billion on new fighter jets. Which may become 18 billion once you factor in maintenance contracts. Say we spend half that on fighter jets, and put the resulting 9 billion in savings into funding the CSA at 1.3 billion $ a year for the next 7 years or so. Add in the savings from elimination of populist tax credits and bam CSA funding levels are on par with NASA for at least 6 years.