"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. " . . .Thomas Jefferson

Until the corporate culture within the Legislature and the Executive, no matter what cuts are made, adheres to Mr. Jefferson's notice, we're destined to find ourselves in the same cesspool. Are we all wise enough to heed his words?

Key within those items I listed was no new programs to be funded without a corresponding decrease (dollar value to dollar value) in existing programs. That's the discipline needed to prevent a repeat of this financial fiasco.

As has occurred over the last 40 years, the eventual further depreciation in the value of the dollar (by inflation or mandate) makes today's debt essentially smaller in the future. Ironically, that is a saving grace - provided the dollar-for-dollar obligation swapping occurs.

Here's to 2010, and a 75% "change" in the Congressional roster!