In response to Below the Beltway's Question

Cross posted at Below the Beltway

He says that he knows what we are against. He asks "What are we for?" Part of his question is what would we cut, since we want lower taxes.

Here is my answer.

It’s not a fair question. The protests are the result of YEARS of overspending. It is up to the government to justify its priorities. There is already an instruction manual. The Constitution. It’s anger about the government giving spending authority to the Sec. Treasury with no oversight. Its about Congress living high on the hog with no accountability. In general, the protests don’t like the INCREASE in spending that is tripling the deficit this year alone. Its about the nationalizing of industries and bailouts with tax money. No Reagan did not make the cuts. He tried and failed. Congress would only pass his military budgets if they got their goodies too. Most of the protesters are not politically minded. Most are just happy to have a venue for their displeasure. We’re tired of the incumbents in Congress ignoring the voices of the people. I talked to both liberals and conservatives, both GOP and Democrats. Each person has his/her pet programs that they would like to see cut. Mine? Simple. I’d just like to see a freeze in spending. Pick a number and freeze it for 4 years. And put EVERYTHING into the budget. NO automatic programs. Soc. Sec. Medicare, etc. In the budget. Make our representatives prioritize and actually work for a living. If they believe Medicare is more important than the Education Department, let them figure it out. We object to the philosophy that government only grows; that it can have everything it wants if only it gets more money. We object to the government’s philosophy that money given to the States or the the People are gifts,albeit, one with strings, instead of the return of OUR money. Deficit spending may be necessary. But justify it. There is nothing in the Constitution that allows bailouts. That is what we are protesting.

I’m sorry. Just re-read your question. What am I for?

More responsive government. Term limits. Politicians that uphold their oaths of office. A strong military and the will to use it. A strong State Department that is confident and defends and expands the values of the USA. A more educated voting populace. One that ignores a pretty face and actually looks below the surface and votes on the issues.
A simpler tax. 10-15% flat tax, no exemptions, on all that make 2X poverty rate and above. If it forces us to prioritize, that’s a feature, not a bug. I’d say Fair Tax, but, asking Congress to give up the income tax is like asking a crack junkie to just say “no.” While he’s robbing you for money for his fix….

And lower the drinking age to 18. Either you are an adult or you are NOT.