Do the math, Cashman.

To create a balanced budget would require the elimination of ALL discretionary government spending and about 2/3 of the defense budget. Not possible, agreed?

If we cut "discretionary" spending by 30%, then we would have to cut entitlement payments--Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid--by 35%.

Are you on board for these kinds of cuts? The alternative, of course, is somewhat lesser spending cuts and increased taxes. Pick your poison.