[harbor53]

It could be a contradiction to desire much in terms of local service vs. a desire for limited government.

Indeed, if Congress doesn't agree on a short or long-term funding vehicle, any IRS service will likely be curtailed. Also, I wouldn't look for Social Security to provide a copy of a lost 1099 or a new or replacement Social Security card.

While I have a strong opinion on this - I am really trying to present a balanced picture. If you desire a limited government - you have to accept limited services.

Moreover, if you wish to keep taxes low (including taxes for large corporations and the very, very wealthy) you need to accept reductions in entitlements - including Medicare (the most pressing issue) and eventually Social Security.

The reality is that benefits to seniors need to be funded or curtailed. This is the choice you are presented with. Elections have consequences. Depending on each of our personal circumstance - you may support limited government or not.

What is an inherent contradiction is to ask government to fund your retirement without sufficient revenue (higher taxes) or serious cutbacks in previously sacrosanct programs - farm support, highway funds, defense, foreign aid (most of which goes to a few countries including Egypt and Israel), the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as direct aid to the states plus support for the poorest of the poor (Medicaid).

Going after funds for social wedge issues (NPR and Planned Parenthood) - while you may support the withdrawal of funding for these programs - these changes will have virtually no real impact on the deficit.

Please, understand - I am not suggesting what your choice should be. But, please don't fail to see the forest for one or two trees.

We have hard choices to make. Really hard choices - choices that will change our quality of life. There is no free ride. Someone has to pay.

For the last few decades, wealth in this country has concentrated in a smaller number of people. Maybe that's a good thing. Maybe it is the same recipe for disaster that we are seeing played out in the middle east. Heck, if I know.

I just know that the country I grew up in is not the same country that I currently live in. And - the difference is only marginally the result of our porous borders. It is - far more - the product of our choices...and the hens are finally coming to roost. Think about the impact of your choices and be sure to let your voice be heard. No matter what your opinion is.

God bless us all - we will need it.

Cheers!

Harbor