I have said it before, the real problem is the economy. We are in terrible financial shape on the federal, state, and local level because of the economy, not the debt; the debt is in good part the result of the bad economy. Fix the economy, then you go a long ways to fixing the debt.

I believe (along with most main line economist) that the stimulus, bail out package, whatever you want to call it, kept us from another great depression.

Now is not the time to cease pumping tax money into the economy, where it is warranted. For example, terrible time not to extend unemployment benefits, while simutaneously granting the wealthy a continuing tax break.

It bothers me that the Tea Party has made such a big deal about the debt and now uses that to convince the electorate to cease goverment spending and lower taxes. Absolutely ridiculous IMHO.